Pneumatic Hammers - How To Keep Them Working For LongerPneumatic hammers have been the most effective ways of breaking concrete, compacting soil, spike driving, general demolition and breaking asphalt paving since the 1800's. The first pneumatic drill was invented by Samuel Ingersoll in 1871 and since then there have been constant innovations and improvisations to this tool. Earlier these tools were hydraulically powered but with significant work going in this domain, the use of pneumatic tools powered by compressed air is the norm these days. Pneumatic hammers come in a variety of sizes but the most common of them is the type that accepts chisels with a diameter shank of ½ inch. These hammers have only one part that moves which is called the piston. This travels up and down the body of the hammer and hits the chisel end which helps in breaking the desired surface. Too much of an effort does not go into keeping pneumatic hammers working and functional. There are some basic maintenance tips that go into the upkeep of these non fussy tools to keep it in optimal working condition and to prolong their life span. Providing clean air By keeping a consistently clean supply of air you do not just increase the life of your pneumatic tool but also improve its performance. It is essential to clean the air hose that provides the tool with its air supply. Debris and dust that collect in this air hose can slow down or block the flow of air to the tool impacting its overall performance. Proper lubrication Lubrication is very important for it to be able to move smoothly and efficiently. Improper or no lubrication slows down the hammer considerably and is also responsible for damaging the hammer. The lubrication points need to be oiled at least once a week as the lubricant from these hammers dry out very fast because of their rapid movements. Some people encourage lubrication of the hammer either before or after each use for maximum results. Getting the right hose fittings Just like you need to keep the supply of air to the hammer clean and free of dust and other particles, you also need to ensure that you receive the right amount of air to get maximum power. This can be ensured with the help of the right hose fittings. Using hoses and fittings that are too small for your hammer could cause it a great deal of damage along with impeding efficiency because of loss of pressure and power. Constant air pressure It is essential to keep the air pressure of pneumatic hammers constant. The power of the pneumatic hammer is dependant considerably on the air pressure, but the requirement of a stringer hammer is not completed by increasing the air pressure. Increasing or decreasing the air pressure leads to either under loading or overloading the hammer. Lower air pressure leads to a less effective hammer motion while a higher pressure could drive the hammer beyond its point of safety. Therefore, to get optimal results and best performance out of pneumatic hammers it is advisable to keep the air pressure constant as per the guidelines set by the manufacturer and to check the level of air pressure before each use. |