What size compressor to run a jackhammer?

[Jerry Bransford]

Will I need a huge trailer-mounted Ingersol-Rand air compressor to run a small or medium-size jackhammer or can my medium-sized belt-driven shop compressor kinda-sorta run one with rest stops? I'm thinking it's out of the question but...

[Hellbender]

How many CFM is your shop compressor?

How small is the Jackhammer and how long do you need to run it?

They have some small electric hammers now also.

But, if it is much work at all, you probably are right on the "out of the question".

If it is concrete 4" or less thick, a heavy sledge hammer and big punch/prybar work well, also.
HB

[Jeff Weston]

Jerry,

HB hit the nail on the head. You can rent electric jackhammers that will work just fine. I busted up about 35' of sidewalk and found it easier to bust it up with a sledgehammer just like he suggests. Those jackhammers will beat you up in short order if you're not used to using them.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally posted by Jeff Weston
Jerry,

HB hit the nail on the head. You can rent electric jackhammers that will work just fine. I busted up about 35' of sidewalk and found it easier to bust it up with a sledgehammer just like he suggests. Those jackhammers will beat you up in short order if you're not used to using them.

Sledgehammer is easier than a jackhammer? I woulda never guessed that. I'm bringing my trailered boat back to the house and the side of the driveway needs to be widened to get it into the backyard but there's a curb in the way. Just examing my options. Thanks for the answers guys.

[Jeff Weston]

Originally posted by Jerry Bransford
Sledgehammer is easier than a jackhammer?

Just keep the defibrillator nearby and you'll be okay!

[Hellbender]

Jerry,

If there is any rebar or wire in it, you will need a torch or bolt cutters, too.

HB

[Dan-H]

boat n.

1. A relatively small, usually open craft of a size that might be carried aboard a ship.
. . a) An inland vessel of any size.
. . b) A ship or submarine.

2. A dish shaped like a boat: a sauce boat.

3. A hole in the water into which you throw money.

[Phil Howell]

Wow! I've always run Jackhammer in a Jeep!

Jerry, you are SOOOO cool -- wanting to up the ante by running Jackhammer by driving a trailer-mounted Ingersoll Rand compressor!

I'm so far out of my element here I think I better slink away and pout . . .

[NAILER341]

THE TRICK TO BUSTING CONCRETE IS TO LIFT ONE END SO YOU GET SOME SPACE BETWEEN THE CONCRETE, AND THE DIRT. GET ONE OF THOSE STEEL BARS FROM HOME DEPOT, PRY IT UP, SLIDE A PIECE OF SOMETHING UNDER IT TO KEEP IT ELEVATED, AND SLAM IT WITH THE SLEDGE A COUPLE OF TIMES... THEN USE YOUR ELECTRIC JACK HAMMER TO OPEN THE SPIDER CRACKS.. NOT TOO BAD THAT WAY. OH YEA.... HAVE YOUR SON DO IT. lol... oops sorry about the caps. i cant look and type, and i dont want to do it again

[Paradiddle]

Jerry - the real trick to removing concrete is a suitcase of Budwiser, an aformentioned illegal allien who was just awarded his drivers license, four of his buddies, and a lawn chair for you!



Jeff

[norcaljr]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
Jerry - the real trick to removing concrete is a suitcase of Budwiser, an aformentioned illegal allien who was just awarded his drivers license, four of his buddies, and a lawn chair for you!



Jeff

[norcaljr]

Originally posted by Jerry Bransford
Sledgehammer is easier than a jackhammer? I woulda never guessed that. I'm bringing my trailered boat back to the house and the side of the driveway needs to be widened to get it into the backyard but there's a curb in the way. Just examing my options. Thanks for the answers guys.

How long does this curb run ? you can get a concrete saw from your local rental yard... cut it along the curb....then use a prybar, sledge hammer & small jack hammer to bust the curb up. You will come out with a cleaner edge when you go to pour the new slab.