Air Hammers & Needlers

Air hammers – also known as pneumatic hammers or air chisels – are powerful tools designed for high-impact applications such as chiselling, cutting, punching, or shaping metal and stone. Powered by compressed air, these tools are commonly used in automotive, fabrication, demolition, and construction environments, where speed, force, and precision are essential.

Common uses:

• Automotive repairs – exhaust separation, ball joint removal, rusted bolt breakup
• Metal fabrication – shaping, cutting, or separating sheet metal
• Construction and demolition – light concrete chipping or tile removal
• Workshop maintenance – removing rivets, pins, or stuck fasteners
• Panel beating – bodywork reshaping with specialist chisels

An air hammer is a hand-held pneumatic tool that uses compressed air to deliver rapid, repeated blows to a tool bit – typically a chisel, punch, or cutter. It’s used to break, shape, shear, or separate materials in a way that’s much faster and less labour-intensive than using manual tools.

Air hammers are typically used with:

• Chisels
• Riveting tools
• Cutters
• Punches
• Scalers

• Choose the correct chisel or bit: Select the appropriate attachment for your task – flat chisels for sheet metal, pointed chisels for stone or masonry, etc.

• Insert and secure the bit: Slide the bit into the barrel and secure it using the spring retainer or locking collar. Ensure it's fully seated and can't come loose during use.

• Connect to a suitable air compressor: Most air hammers require 4–8 CFM at 90 PSI. A 50-litre+ compressor is recommended for consistent performance.

• Wear appropriate PPE: Use safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and, where needed, a face shield and dust mask (especially when working with masonry or rusted components).

• Position the tool: Hold the hammer firmly with both hands and press the bit against the work surface before squeezing the trigger.

• Begin hammering: Pull the trigger to activate. Apply steady pressure and guide the tool – don’t force it. Let the rapid blows do the work.

• Stop and inspect as needed: Release the trigger to stop, inspect your progress, and change bits or positions if required.

• Clean and store after use: Disconnect the airline, oil the tool, and store it in a clean, dry environment. Wipe down the housing and clean bits for future use.

Air hammers work by converting compressed air into high-speed mechanical impact using a reciprocating piston mechanism. Here’s a simplified explanation:

1. Compressed air enters the tool through the airline connection (typically at 90 PSI / 6.2 bar).
2. Inside the housing, the air flows into a chamber containing a pneumatic piston.
3. When the trigger is pressed, the air drives the piston rapidly forward and backwards
4. This back-and-forth motion is transferred to the chisel or bit at the end of the tool, delivering a powerful, repeated impact.
5. The operator directs the chisel against the material to cut, shape, or break it.

The result is a highly efficient, controlled force capable of cutting through metal, loosening rusted components, or chipping away hardened materials with ease.

Proper maintenance is key to extending tool life, maintaining safety, and ensuring consistent performance.

• Daily oiling: Use pneumatic air tool oil (such as ISO 22) before and after use. Add a few drops into the air inlet to lubricate internal parts. Alternatively, use an in-line lubricator or filter-regulator-lubricator unit to maintain clean and lubricated airflow.
• Check air lines: Ensure hoses are free from leaks, kinks, and moisture. This is also vital to ensure user safety.
• Drain compressors daily: Prevent water vapour from entering and corroding the tool, as well as rusting the compressor tank.
• Store properly: Keep the tool in a dry place and ideally in a case when not in use.

• Inspect the chisel retainer: Ensure the spring or collar that holds the bit is secure and undamaged.

• Clean the chisel shank: Grease or debris can cause jamming. Clean with a cloth before and after use.