Air Hammers

About Air Hammers

Air hammers, also known as pneumatic hammers or air chisels, are powerful compressed air tools that deliver rapid, high-impact blows through interchangeable chisel attachments. These versatile workshop tools are essential for automotive mechanics, panel beaters, fabricators, and serious DIY enthusiasts across the UK, excelling at cutting, shaping, and breaking stubborn materials that would be time-consuming with manual tools alone. With reciprocating actions delivering thousands of strikes per minute, air hammers make light work of tasks including cutting exhaust pipes, breaking spot welds, removing seized bolts, and separating bonded panels.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality air hammers and comprehensive chisel sets from trusted manufacturers including Sealey and Draper, available in various stroke lengths from short stroke models for precision work through to long stroke variants for heavy-duty applications. Modern air hammers incorporate features such as anti-vibration technology, adjustable power settings, and quick-change chuck systems that enhance both user comfort and productivity. Whether you're tackling panel removal, rust cutting, or general metal fabrication, a quality air hammer with the right selection of chisels can significantly reduce working time whilst delivering professional results.

Applications

Air hammers are indispensable tools for a wide range of skilled tradespeople and professionals:

• Motor Mechanics and Automotive Technicians – exhaust system work, suspension component removal, and general mechanical disassembly
• Panel Beaters and Body Shop Specialists – spot weld removal, panel separation, and dent removal preparation
• Fabricators and Sheet Metal Workers – cutting, shaping, and trimming metal components during manufacture
• Vehicle Restoration Specialists – removing seized fixings and separating corroded assemblies without unnecessary damage
• Agricultural and Plant Mechanics – maintenance and repair of heavy machinery with seized and corroded components
• General Engineering Workshops – versatile cutting, shaping, and breaking tasks across various materials
• Mobile Mechanics – on-site cutting and removal work when traditional methods aren't practical

Choosing The Right Air Hammers

Compressor Compatibility: Verify your air compressor delivers adequate CFM output – most air hammers require 4-6 CFM at 90 PSI, so a compressor delivering at least 8-10 CFM is advisable to maintain consistent pressure during extended use. Undersized compressors result in frequent duty cycles and reduced performance.

Stroke Length and Power: Short stroke air hammers suit precision work such as trim removal and delicate panel separation. Medium stroke models offer versatility for general workshop tasks, whilst long stroke hammers provide maximum impact force for heavy-duty cutting, breaking, and metal shaping applications.

Ergonomics and Weight: Choose models featuring anti-vibration handles and well-balanced designs that minimise user fatigue during extended use. Lighter units suit overhead work, whilst heavier professional-grade tools from brands stocked by MyToolShed.co.uk offer enhanced durability in demanding workshop environments.

Chisel Compatibility: Verify the shank size your chosen air hammer accepts (commonly 10mm or 13mm) and ensure compatible chisels are readily available. Consider purchasing comprehensive chisel sets to cover common applications including panel cutting, spot weld removal, and exhaust cutting.

Safety Information

Always wear approved safety glasses or full face shields to protect against flying debris and metal particles. Hearing protection is essential, as air hammers produce noise levels exceeding 100 decibels. Heavy-duty work gloves reduce vibration transmission and protect from sharp materials. Extended use of vibrating tools can contribute to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) – follow HSE guidelines regarding exposure times and take regular breaks in accordance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum operating pressure (typically 90 PSI) and always disconnect the air supply before changing chisels or performing maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need to run an air hammer effectively?

Most air hammers require 4-6 CFM at 90 PSI, so you'll need a compressor capable of delivering at least 8-10 CFM to maintain adequate pressure during continuous use. A 50-litre tank capacity or larger is recommended for professional applications, as smaller tanks will cycle on/off frequently, reducing efficiency and potentially shortening compressor life.

How often should I lubricate my air hammer?

Add 3-4 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet before each use, and install an inline air lubricator in your compressed air system for automatic lubrication during operation. This minimal maintenance investment will significantly extend your tool's working life and maintain consistent impact power.

Are air hammers and air chisels the same thing?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably in the UK to describe the same type of pneumatic impact tool. Some professionals prefer "air chisel" to emphasise cutting applications, whilst "air hammer" highlights the percussive action. Regardless of terminology, they function identically using compressed air to drive rapid impacts through various chisel attachments.