A jackhammer is a powerful demolition tool that’s used to break up hard surfaces like asphalt, brick, and tile. Many consumers view jackhammers as a loud and uncontrollable tool reserved for construction workers and other professionals, but these tools can come in more compact and manageable designs that are suitable for the handy homeowner.

While professional-grade jackhammers derive their power from compressed air, DIY-friendly jackhammers utilize electricity. Electric jackhammers are easier to control than their pneumatic counterparts and come in a variety of sizes to fit jobs both large and small.

To help you find a tool that matches your needs, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best jackhammers on Amazon. Here are our top selections:

Best Value: XtremepowerUS 2,200-Watt Electric Jackhammer

Xtremepower’s 2,200-watt jackhammer is a compact demolition tool useful for serious DIY projects like removing concrete slabs or breaking up an old tiled floor. Though affordable, this jackhammer doesn’t sacrifice quality, as it’s equipped with an adjustable grip for comfort and a rotating chisel to optimize demolition angles. XtremepowerUS also bundles protective equipment with each purchase to ensure customers have the necessary accessories to follow safety guidelines.

Key Features

• 2,200 watts
• 1,800 BPM
• Point and flat chisel included
• Comes in a carrying case

What Customers Are Saying

The XtremePowerUS Electric Jackhammer received an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from about 2,400 customer reviews. This falls in line with the average Amazon rating of 4.5 across all five products in this review. When adding in customer reviews from two other leading e-commerce sites, XtremePowerUS’s overall customer rating increased to 4.6, which demonstrates that the product is well-received outside of the Amazon platform.

Some positive reviews applauded the XtremePowerUS jackhammer’s equal performance to other leading demolition tools at a more affordable price. Other reviewers went on to express their pleasant surprise over the model’s power output. Critical reviews stated that while the product produced an adequate amount of force, it died after continual use. Some reviewers also expressed concern over the jackhammer’s tendency to leak oil.

Best Speed Control: Makita 35-Pound Demolition Jackhammer

Chock-full of features that maximize power and boost longevity, this Makita jackhammer is designed for heavy-duty demolition projects that require a high-performance tool. This jackhammer comes stocked with electronic speed control that adjusts to power needs in real-time to prevent burnout. Additionally, the product is designed for comfort and has an ergonomic handle and soft-start function that minimizes shock impact by easing the user up to full power.

Key Features

• Up to 1,450 BPM
• 16.4-inch power cord
• 14-amp motor
• One-year limited warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Makita’s 35-Pound Demolition Jackhammer received an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from about 60 customer reviews. This is 0.1 stars above the average Amazon rating across our top recommendations. Makita’s average rating was unchanged after considering customer reviews from other top e-commerce sites. While the product has fewer customer reviews than other top competitors, 87% of customers gave the product 5 stars, which is the highest five-star percentage across all products in this review.

Many positive reviews endorsed the jackhammer’s heavy-duty claims, saying the product has a powerful output over prolonged periods. One reviewer even updated a 2014 review to inform readers that their product was still going strong. Customer complaints on Amazon focused less on the jackhammer’s performance and more on the poor delivery experience, with reports of customers receiving the wrong product.

Best Handling: Mophorn Electric Demolition Jackhammer

This Mophorn jackhammer combines power and handling to give DIYers a manageable demolition tool suited for heavy-duty projects. This tool prioritizes grip and ergonomics with its two handles, including a swiveling handle and a D-shaped grip. Although this jackhammer prioritizes control, it doesn’t lack in other areas, as it offers 3,600 watts of power and two chisels for a customized demolition experience.

Key Features

• Available as a 2,200- or 3,600-watt model
• Up to 1,800 revolutions per minute (RPM)
• 110 volts
• 42.5 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

This Mophorn jackhammer received an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from about 380 customer reviews, which is slightly lower than the average Amazon rating of 4.5 across all five reviewed products. While this product received the lowest customer rating out of all of the recommended jackhammers, 84% of reviewers gave it 4 stars or more.

Customers commented on the jackhammer’s effectiveness as a homeowner-centered demolition tool, with many reviewers using the jackhammer to break up sidewalks or remodel bathrooms. Additionally, many customers were satisfied with the product’s output given its affordable price. Negative reviews centered around the product’s lack of power, with one user experiencing the chisel deflecting off of concrete during a demolition project.

Most Durable: Bosch 35-Pound Jackhammer Kit

Housed in durable metal to increase longevity, this Bosch jackhammer is a long-lasting demolition tool that can be used for numerous projects. The jackhammer’s quality materials not only increase the lifespan of the product, but they also reduce vibrations for a smoother user experience. For added convenience, this jackhammer comes with a carrying case equipped with wheels for easy transportation of the nearly 60-pound tool.

Key Features

• 120 volts
• 1,300 BPM
• One-year manufacturer warranty
• 30-day, money-back guarantee

What Customers Are Saying

The Bosch 35-Pound Jackhammer Kit received an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from about 60 reviews, which is equal to the average Amazon customer rating of 4.5 across all recommended jackhammers. When factoring in customer reviews from other leading e-commerce sites, the jackhammer’s average customer rating increased to 4.6 stars, demonstrating a trend of customer approval outside of Amazon’s website.

Some positive reviews praised the jackhammer’s impact force, recognizing its usefulness for a variety of DIY demolition projects, including making post holes and breaking up concrete. Some professionals even highlighted the tool’s quality performance, with one reviewer praising its ability to demolish an aging sidewalk.

Best Mobility: TR Industrial Electric Jackhammer

With an included 20-foot power cord and a fast speed of 1,800 BPM, this TR Industrial jackhammer allows homeowners to knock out small demolition jobs without the use of an extension cord. This jackhammer comes with tools like chisels, work gloves, and safety glasses to help homeowners complete a variety of jobs. In addition to its high-power performance, the TR Industrial jackhammer is constructed with all-metal housing to increase tool longevity.

Key Features

• 1,800 BPM
• 13-amp motor
• 35 pounds
• One-year limited warranty

What Customers Are Saying

This jackhammer from TR Industrial received an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from about 170 customers, which is equal to the average Amazon rating in this review. When factoring in customer reviews from other leading e-commerce sites, the product’s average rating was unwavering, showing customer satisfaction across multiple platforms.

Positive customer reviews for this jackhammer centered around the tool’s effectiveness in breaking up hard objects for medium-sized projects. Many customers even highlighted the product’s affordability compared to its competitors. Most critical reviews focused on the jackhammer’s bit, with customers experiencing frequent jams and expressing concerns over the tool’s incompatibility with universal jackhammer bits.

Buying Guide

From removing kitchen tile to breaking up concrete, jackhammers can make demolition-heavy projects easier. While jackhammers are a necessity for a number of DIY projects, it’s important to select a jackhammer that’s designed for your unique needs. In this buying guide, we discuss the factors that influence a jackhammer’s operation to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Type

A jackhammer is a broad term used to encompass all jackhammer variants, including hydraulic jackhammers, pneumatic jackhammers, and electric jackhammers. Hydraulic and pneumatic jackhammers are industrial-grade models that are used by professional road crews or construction workers. All of the recommended products in this review are electric jackhammers. These jackhammers are more manageable than hydraulic or pneumatic ones and are geared toward homeowners.

Weight

Weight determines the intensity at which the jackhammer runs and the length of time you’re able to operate it. A heavier jackhammer allows you to power through concrete, tile, and other materials with ease, but it can’t be operated for a long period. A lightweight jackhammer doesn’t deliver as much force, but it’s easier to maneuver.

When considering weight, take into account the specific job you’ll be performing with the jackhammer. If you need to break up a small area full of dense material, a heavy jackhammer may be a good option. However, if you need a jackhammer for a job like chipping thin ceramic tiles, a lightweight jackhammer might be a better choice.

Impact

The impact of a jackhammer refers to two specific measurements: impact rate and impact force. The impact rate is the number of times the jackhammer’s bit makes contact with the pavement per minute. While impact rate is important in breaking through material, a higher impact rate doesn’t mean you can break through denser material; rather, it just means that you can do it faster.

Impact force, typically measured in joules, is the deciding factor when it comes to power. Jackhammers with a high-impact force deliver a more powerful blow, but they’re typically harder to control.

Protection

To ensure your jackhammer is protected over time, look for features like a carrying case or product warranty.

Safety Considerations

Before using a powerful tool like a jackhammer, it’s important to understand how to safely use it. Here are some safety tips you should consider before operation:

• Clear the area you’re working in of loose objects to prevent the jackhammer from damaging any items and keep you from tripping while operating the tool.
• Inspect your jackhammer before every use to ensure that the tool isn’t damaged. Signs of damage include a broken electrical cord and rusted mechanical parts.
• Safety goggles and gloves should always be worn while operating a jackhammer to shield your eyes and hands from loose debris. Additionally, ear protection should be worn to protect against hearing loss.
• Make sure that the electrical cord is safely out of the way before operating the jackhammer to prevent electrocution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy are jackhammers?

Jackhammers vary in size and weight. Electric-powered jackhammers weigh around 40 pounds, while commercial-grade, pneumatic jackhammers can weigh more than 75 pounds. Our five recommendations in this review run on electricity and weigh between 35–45 pounds.

What are jackhammers used for?

Jackhammers are used to break up concrete, asphalt, and many other materials. One benefit of a jackhammer is the power that it provides, as it easily cuts through dense materials that would take a while to break up by hand.

Are jackhammers dangerous?

Like many tools, jackhammers can be dangerous if they aren’t properly used. When using a jackhammer, you should always wear protective eyewear, earwear, and gloves to prevent injury. Additionally, if you’re breaking up material that emits hazardous dust, consider wearing a respirator.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.