Using a hammer drill with a chisel bit is possible, but it requires some care and understanding of how the two tools work together. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview answering whether you can use a hammer drill with a chisel bit, discuss the requirements for doing so successfully, and outline the article contents.
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Quick Answer
Yes, you can use a hammer drill with a chisel bit, but there are some important requirements:
- The hammer drill must have a clutch or an adjustable torque setting
- Lower drill speeds are required (500-1200 RPM)
- Only use chisel bits compatible with hammer drills
- Work in short bursts to prevent bit damage
With the proper precautions, hammer drills can provide the pounding force needed to use chisel bits through concrete, brick, and stone. However, the wrong technique or bit can lead to damage and unsafe operations.
Requirements for Using a Hammer Drill with Chisel Bit
To successfully and safely use a hammer drill for chiseling applications, several requirements must be met:
Adjustable Clutch
Hammer drills designed for chiseling will have an adjustable clutch or torque settings. This clutch allows the user to set a maximum torque that the drill will output before ratcheting or slipping. For chiseling, lower torque settings prevent the bit from twisting in the material.
Lower Drill Speeds
Hammer drills run at very high speeds of 1000-3000 RPM for drilling holes. However, these speeds are too fast for chiseling. The impact rate (blows per minute) must be lowered to safely use a chisel bit. Ideal speeds for chiseling are 500-1200 RPM.
Compatible Chisel Bits
Not all masonry drill bits are suitable for use in a hammer drill. Chisel bits used in hammer drills have special impact-grade carbide tips. They also have stops built in to prevent them from drilling too deep. Only use bits specifically made for hammer drill chiseling.
Work in Short Bursts
When chiseling, work in short 5-10 second intervals, allowing time for the bit to cool. This prevents damage from overheating the bit tip under constant impacts.
Can Hammer Drills Perform Chiseling?
In addition to drilling holes, hammer drills are capable of chiseling and chipping into hard materials like concrete and stone. Here’s an overview of how they work:
Hammer Drilling Mechanism
All hammer drills have an electromechanical mechanism that generates rapid hammering or impacts while the bit rotates. Typically a pneumatic system hits an anvil connected to the bit thousands of times per minute.
Generates Powerful Impacts
The impacts provide extreme force, in the range of 44-55 lbs feet of torque. This high torque allows the drill to fracture and pulverize rigid materials as the bit rotates.
Chisel Mode
Many hammer drills have a special chisel mode selector. This sets the drill to only use the hammering mechanism while disabling bit rotation. This allows chisel bits to cut slots or grooves without spinning.
Ideal for Brick, Concrete, Stone
The hammering action excels at heavy demolition work, chipping into concrete, removing tile or cutting brick. The impacts fracture rigid materials better than a masonry blade.
Thanks to these capabilities, hammer drills provide an excellent alternative to air powered chisels in many scenarios.
Proper Bit Selection
Choosing the right chisel bit is critical for success and safety when using a hammer drill. Here are the most common types available:
Point Chisel Bits
Point chisel bits have a shaped point optimized for chipping, cleaning and cutting into concrete and stone. The pointed pyramid or angled tip focuses the impact force.
| Point Angle | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 90 degree | General chiseling and cutting |
| 120 degree | Light chiseling and lettering |
Flat Chisel Bits
Flat chisel bits have a blunt angled tip designed for knocking off ridges or protrusions in concrete. The flat end can also remove tile or resilient flooring.
Scalloped Chisel Bits
Scalloped bits have a curved scalloped profile for removing larger chunks of material. They are ideal for quick removal of concrete blocks or stones.
Consider Size And Impact Force
Match the chisel bit width to the drill’s impact energy. Large bits require more force. Most hammer drills work best with 1/2-3/4 inch wide chisel bits. The bit length should also suit the working depth.
Proper Hammer Drill Techniques
Once you have the right chisel bit, proper technique is crucial for success. Here are some tips for chiseling with a hammer drill:
Start With Low Speeds
Set the drill to low speeds of 400-600 RPM to begin chiseling. Adjust speed as needed but never exceed 1200 RPM for chisel bits.
Use Short Bursts
Work in short 5-10 second bursts, allowing the bit to rest in between to prevent overheating. This will greatly extend the bit life.
Let The Bit Do The Work
Avoid pushing too hard with the drill. Let the impact action provide the force. Pushing hard can damage bits.
Use A Handle For Better Control
Side handles on hammer drills provide much greater directional control and relieve strain when chiseling.
Check Torque Settings
When available, use lower torque clutch settings to allow some slippage and prevent bit twisting.
Apply Caution On Vertical Surfaces
Take extra care when chiseling on walls or ceilings. The bit can fall away if it slips out of the cut.
Safety Tips
Chipping and chiseling with hammer drills require some safety precautions:
- Wear eye protection – bits may shatter and eject sharp fragments
- Use ear protection – prolonged exposure to the noise can damage hearing
- Wear a dust mask – concrete, tile and masonry dust is harmful if inhaled
- Check your work area – look for potential hazards like pipes or wires before chiseling blindly
- Keep others away – debris can fly out unexpectedly from the force
- Stop drilling if you notice smoking or burning smells coming from the bit, this indicates dangerous overheating
Best Uses for Hammer Drill Chiseling
Here are some of the top applications where a hammer drill with chisel bit excels:
Removing Tile
The hammering action breaks tile adhesive’s bond from the substrate quickly. Flat chisel bits pry up individual tiles safely.
Cutting Brick or Concrete Block
Point chisels make straight cuts through brick and block far easier than a masonry blade.
Cleaning Out Mortar
Chisel bits easily rake out old deteriorating mortar between bricks or blocks before repointing.
Cutting Slots
Pointed chisels cut precise slots for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC conduit installation.
Removing Protrusions
Flat chisels quickly knock down stub studs, protruding concrete edges and other obstructions.
Demolition Work
Scalloped and wide chisel bits make short work of heavily reinforced concrete removal when demolishing.
Lettering and Carving
In skilled hands, pointed chisels create engraved lettering in stone and concrete.
Disadvantages of Hammer Drill Chiseling
Despite the benefits, hammer drill chiseling has some drawbacks to consider:
- Produces high levels of vibration – can cause numbness or pain when used extensively
- Generates concrete dust – hazardous to the lungs and eyes
- Not as precise as air chisels – difficult to make intricate or detailed cuts
- Bits dull faster than dedicated chisels – carbide tips wear from heat and friction
- Difficult to control on overhead or vertical surfaces – bits can fall out if angle changes
- Cannot match air chisel impact force – limited to hammer drill power levels
For very precise work or extended chiseling tasks, pneumatic air chisels may provide better results and ergonomics.
Key Takeaways
- Hammer drills can be used for chiseling with the right bits and precautions
- Only use specialty chisel bits rated for hammer drills
- Work at low speeds in short intervals to prevent bit damage
- Adjustable clutch allows lower torque for chiseling needs
- Chipping concrete, cutting bricks, cleaning mortar joints are ideal jobs
Conclusion
While hammer drills are no replacement for air chisels, they can provide sufficient impact energy for basic DIY chiseling tasks. Understanding how to match the capabilities of the tool and chisel bit while using proper technique will lead to the best results. With safety foremost in mind, a hammer drill opens up effective chipping, cutting and chiseling of masonry minus the hassle of an air compressor. However, for professional all-day chiseling or artistic work, pneumatic chisels retain the advantage.