Hydraulic Points & Chisels Use Tips

Points and chisels are expensive. Repairing a broken hammer from an improperly used tool is even more expensive. Follow these guidelines to keep downtime and repairs to a minimum.

-DO be sure to give your tool and breaker a short break between hammering. High temperatures are generated from constant action. This keeps your chisel tip and hydraulic fluid from overheating. Some manufacturers recommend a 5 second on, 5 second rest, or 10 second on, 5 second rest. Consult with your hammer manufacturer for best practices.

-DO Always apply enough chisel paste to coat the internal bushings and tool.

-DO NOT use the tool end as a rake to move material with. Doing so will cause premature breakage of bits.

-DO NOT use the tool to pry off large chunks of material. Instead, taking smaller 'bites' with the bit will allow faster material removal. Additionally, you will break less bits.

-DO NOT hammer in the same spot for more than 15 seconds if the material does not break. Remove the bit and hammer in a surrounding area.

-DO NOT excessively bury the tool deep into material.

-DO NOT blank fire the tool. Blank firing is when you engage the chisel to hammer without being in contact with the work surface. Some manufacturers equip their hammers with blank fire protection. Even if your hammer has this protection, be cautious and be sure to be in contact with your work.