Additional features to look out for include a secondary handle that’s easy to adjust, and a carry case to keep all of the components securely together.

Concrete breakers can be dangerous if they are not properly maintained. It’s worth spending a bit more money on a high-quality concrete breaker from the outset, rather than it costing you in repairs down the line.

With an ergonomic main handle, and a side handle that can be positioned anywhere on the hammer barrel, it’s simple to find a position that suits you without having to just rely on the factory settings. The 10 kg weight is also pleasantly (and surprisingly) light for such a powerful machine, so it’s not difficult to support as it drives into whatever paving you’re keen to destroy. Built with magnesium housing, demolition hammer is manageable yet tough. Vibration is also kept to a minimum, and these factors combine to result in a concrete-breaking experience that won’t break your spirit. It’s a case of knowing your strength, and deciding if you can manage the weight of this demolition hammer. Granted, you may find that this ~24 kg machine is slightly more difficult to control than lighter models, depending on your build, but when used vertically the weight seems to aid the impact energy and performance.

Look for a demolition hammer with a quality build construction. Most have either an aluminium or magnesium casing. Bear in mind that power will change the type of approach you need to take; you can’t expect them all to work in exactly the same way. More powerful demolition breakers will break concrete even if you start in the middle of a slab, whereas other models will require you to start at the edge. If you plan on using the tool vertically, a lighter demolition hammer will be both safer and easier. Don’t use the chisel blade as a lever to remove broken concrete – use a crowbar or other tool for this. Both petrol-powered and electric-powered concrete breakers are available. There are pros and cons to each design. Petrol-Powered Concrete BreakersDepending on the voltage of the electric-powered demolition hammer, you may need to use a step-down transformer. This will be required if the voltage of the power tool is lower than the voltage of the power supply. Many professional power tools have a voltage of 110 V to make them safer. However, home voltage output may be closer to 240 V. A step-down transformer will allow only 110 V to be provided to the machine. The Importance of Quality A flat chisel and pointed chisel are the most common included chisels as they are great for basic concrete breaking. Electric motors are great, thanks Michael Faraday, no-one is denying that. But, when it comes to concrete breakers, sometimes the added oomph of a petrol engine is what’s needed to get the job done.