An air hammer (also called a pneumatic hammer/chisel) is a compressed-air tool designed to deliver rapid, powerful hammer blows for cutting, chipping, chiseling and removing stubborn materials. These tools are commonly used in automotive, fabrication, construction and metalworking workshops because they deliver concentrated impact force that makes tough jobs faster and easier.
Air hammers harness the pressure from your compressor to strike a piston-driven hammer mechanism, allowing interchangeable chisels and attachments to tackle a wide range of tasks.
Air hammers offer several advantages over manual tools and many electric alternatives:
High impact force: Efficiently breaks, cuts or chips through metal, stone, welds and rust-bonded parts.
Lightweight and balanced: Pneumatic designs are easier to handle for prolonged tasks.
Versatile with attachments: Quickly switch between chisels (flat, pointed, scraper) for different applications.
Durable under demanding use: Rugged construction makes these tools reliable in busy workshops.
Typical tasks where an air hammer excels include breaking welds, separating metal panels, cutting exhaust systems, chipping concrete, and removing rust or old coatings.
Automotive repair: Remove exhaust components, cut rocker panels, separate ball joints and shock mounts.
Metal fabrication: Chisel off weld spatter, shape sheet metal and prepare edges.
Construction & masonry: Light chipping of concrete, brick or stone (with correct chisels).
Rust & paint removal: Break up corrosion and peel off old coatings.
Air hammers become highly versatile with the right chisel or tip. Common attachments include:
Flat chisels — for cutting and general chiseling
Pointed tips — for breaking or piercing material
Scraper chisels — for rust/paint removal
Fork tools — for separating panels and joints
Here are key factors to consider when selecting an air hammer:
Impact Speed & Stroke (bpm) – More blows per minute deliver faster material removal; larger stroke lengths give deeper punch per blow.
Air Consumption & Compressor Compatibility – Most professional-grade hammers require a consistent 90 PSI. Ensure your Air Hose and
Compressor can provide the necessary CFM to prevent the tool from losing power mid-job.
Tool Weight & Ergonomics – A balanced tool reduces operator fatigue.
Included Attachments – Kits with chisels or quick-change retainers add versatility.
Q: What is an air hammer used for?
A: An air hammer is used for chiseling, cutting and removing tough materials like metal, concrete and rust by delivering repeated high-impact blows.
Q: Do I need a specific compressor for an air hammer?
A: Yes — ensure your compressor provides enough airflow (CFM) and pressure (psi) to power the hammer efficiently without drop-off.
Q: What different attachments can be used with an air hammer?
A: Flat chisels, pointed tips, scraper chisels and fork tools can be swapped to customise the hammer for cutting, chipping, scraping and separating tasks.
Air Hammer / Heavy-Duty - Industrial Air Hammer / Pistol-Grip Air Hammer / Chipping Air Hammer / Panel Cutter Air Hammer