What Is a Jackhammer Used For? Types, Uses, and Best Picks

Let’s start with a few simple questions to better understand what a jackhammer is and how it's used. Many people often wonder how to define a jackhammer, so let’s clear that up first.

What is the definition of a jackhammer?
A jackhammer is a strong, handheld tool used to break hard surfaces like concrete, rock, or pavement. It works by using fast, repeated hammering to chip away at tough materials. It’s loud, powerful, and made for heavy-duty work.
Why is it called a jackhammer?
The name "jackhammer" comes from two words—“jack,” meaning a strong, handy tool, and “hammer,” because it hits hard and fast. It’s a perfect name for a tool that’s small but built to break through big jobs.

What is a jackhammer used for?
Ever wonder what jobs call for a jackhammer? It’s a go‑to tool for tough demolition or breaking tasks. Below are the main uses:

It is normally used for:
Breaking pavement
Do you need to remove sidewalks or a driveway? A pneumatic jackhammer or an electric jackhammer can quickly shatter the concrete into manageable pieces.
Making large holes.
For plumbing or foundation work, you’ll drill through rock or reinforced concrete. A rotary jackhammer or punch-type rotary hammer vs a jackhammer setup can carve out those holes cleanly.

Demolishing walls or small structures.

Tear down old brick or block walls fast. A big jackhammer machine or a hand jackhammer does the job. In tight spaces, compact models shine.
Breaking up hardened soils.
Hard, compacted dirt often resists normal digging. An air-compressed jackhammer or pneumatic jackhammer blasts it apart so you can dig in easily.
Drilling rock.
When you need to create anchoring holes in rock, a robust jackhammer machine can handle it. Electric or pneumatic power both work, depending on power access.
Opening channels for pipes and wiring.
Plumbers and electricians often use jackhammers to carve grooves in concrete for piping or electrical lines.

Disassembling ceramic coatings.

Cracked tile or thick coatings need removal. A lighter jackhammer (often electric) can chip away the surface without damaging the substrate.
Or

 multifunctional uses:

Think of the jackhammer as a superhero tool. It handles:

• Concrete, bricks, rocks
• Building demolition
• Foundations
• Driveway demos
• Reinforced concrete breaks
• Concrete floors or walls
• Solid rock breaking
• trenching for pipes or wiring

No matter it's an air powered jackhammer or an electric jackhammer, it adapts to many tough jobs.
Types of Jackhammers and Their Uses
Let’s take a quick look at the main types of jackhammers and what each one does best:

Pneumatic Jackhammer
 Also called an air-powered jackhammer. It needs an air compressor to run. Great for road projects and large construction jobs. It’s lightweight and quieter than electric or diesel versions.

Electric Jackhammer
 Plugs directly into a wall socket, no extra gear needed. Best for indoor or home projects. It’s clean to use but limited by cord length and power.

Heavy-Duty Jackhammer (Jackhammer XL)
 Built for tough demolition work. It breaks through rock and reinforced concrete with ease. Requires proper setup and safety gear due to its size and strength.Handheld Jackhammer
 Small and easy to control. Ideal for tight spaces, like removing tiles or digging narrow trenches. It doesn’t have much power but offers better precision.

Tips for choosing the best jackhammer

A little overview of which jackhammer to choose for specific tasks.
Task
Best Tool
Breaking pavement or concrete

• Pneumatic jackhammer or Jack Hammer XL
• Drilling in concrete
• Rotary hammer (because of rotation plus hammer action)
• Indoor jobs or limited power
• Electric jackhammer
• Compact spaces or light tasks
• Hand jackhammer
• Hardest demolition tasks
• Big jackhammer machine

Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering what is jack hammer used for, now you know, it’s a powerful tool for breaking up concrete, rock, pavement, and more. Whether you need to demolish walls, dig trenches, or remove tough surfaces, there’s a jackhammer designed to make the job easier.
From our opinion the key is choosing the right type for your specific task. Heavy-duty jackhammers handle big demolition work, while electric or handheld models are better for indoor or smaller projects. Using the right jackhammer saves time and effort on any tough job.

Still have questions about jackhammers? Check out the FAQ section-it’s packed with answers to common questions to help you out.

FAQS

1. What is another name for a jackhammer?
Often called a pneumatic jack hammer, hammer jack, or jackham‑ mer. Some folks mix in terms like electric jack hammer or rotary jack hammer by mistake. But they all refer to the same basic tool—one that hammers hard to break stuff.

2. What's the difference between a rotary hammer and a jackhammer?
A rotary hammer rotates while it hammers—great for drilling holes. A jackhammer hits straight, perfect for breaking things like pavement or walls.

3. Is a jackhammer a type of drill?
Not exactly. A rotary hammer drills while a jackhammer just pounds. So, “no,” it’s a demolition tool, not a drill.

4. Can a jack hammer break rocks?
Absolutely. Rock, hardened soil, concrete—it can all be broken. Heavy-duty jackhammers are built to crush tough stone fast and effectively.

5. What's the difference between a concrete and a jackhammer?
That’s tricky wording. Concrete is the hard material. The jackhammer is the tool that breaks it.

6. What makes the best pneumatic jack hammer stand out?
High‑impact energy with low vibration, reliability, easy maintenance, and ergonomic handles make the best pneumatic jack hammer popular on job sites.

7. What’s the advantage of an air powered jack hammer over electric?
Air powered models run longer and lighter. They don’t overheat as fast, and you avoid cords in the way.

8. When should I choose a hand jack hammer?
Pick a hand jack hammer when you need precision or are working in tight spaces. It’s lighter and easier to control.

9. Are electric jack hammer tools quieter than pneumatic ones?
Sometimes. Electric jack hammers don’t need noisy compressors. That cuts down on noise overall, especially indoors.

10. Which is the best pneumatic jack hammer for home use?
Look for a compact, lightweight model. The best pneumatic jack hammer for home use balances power with size and works off smaller compressors.