How to choose a perforator or a jack hammer and what to keep in mind when doing so?

What is a perforator? Why is it necessary and what is it used for at home? What are the differences between a perforator and a jack hammer? What kinds of perforators and jack hammers are worth buying? Answers to all of these questions you will find in this article.

Construction perforators. What are they?

A construction perforator is a hand tool which is used to refine raw materials with the help of force. Perforators create holes in various materials with the help of a combination of drilling and hitting. Perforators are very similar to electric drills, but they do have their differences. A perforators hit strength is much higher than that of regular drills. This allows it to make holes in much harder materials, for instance, in bricks and concreate. In order to increase their hit strength, perforators use special mechanisms: an electromagnetic drive or a reinforced crank assembly. Another key difference in drills and perforators is their drill bits. Perforator drill bits are more durable and can handle more power. It is important to understand that when working with a perforator, it will not be possible to create holes with perfect round edges. This is not what they are meant to do. They are meant to create large holes in hard materials for running cables, hanging chandeliers or attaching door anchors.

What is a jack hammer and how does it differ from a perforator?

A jack hammer is a much less elegant tool than a perforator. A jack hammers drill bit does not turn but just hits the surface it is pointed against, creating large holes and breaking walls into pieces. Jack hammers are used to clean a surface of old materials and dirt. For example, to remove old tiles from a wall. Jack hammers have several types of mechanisms: The first type is the arrangement of the mechanism inside the instrument body in one row. Linear types are usually used when working in narrow holes. A more modern version has an L-shaped scheme: the part with the drive mechanism is located at right angles to the cartridge and the working end. It is easier to install a powerful motor for the L-shaped mechanism, and it is easier to provide efficient cooling, which allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of work.

Perforator hit strength. Which one to choose?

Household and semi-professional class perforators and small jack hammers, usually, produce from 2.5 to 3.5 J of hit strength. This amount of strength allows to create 25mm holes and is enough for most jobs. In this category the Daewoo DAH 920 shines as it’s maximum hole diameter is up to 2.6cm. More powerful perforators and semi-professional jack hammers can reach a hit strength of 3.5 to 10 J. Professional perforators and powerful jack hammers have a hit strength of 10-20 J. The most powerful consumer jack hammers have a hit strength of more than 20 J. They have linear mechanisms and their bit diameters are between 25 to 30mm. These kinds of jack hammers create holes of up to 50mm in diameter.

Perforator and jack hammer power.

Depending on their power, jack hammers and perforators are divided into 3 classes:

• Home – from 600 to 1000W;
• Semi-Professional – from 1000 to 1500W;
• Professional – from 1500 to 2000W and more.

What is a perforator cartridge and what is it used for?

Perforator cartridge – a piece which holds in place the working head. Perforators which use drill bits of 15mm or less tend to have a SDS+ cartridge installed. These cartridges allow for drilling holes of up to 30mm in diameter. They can be found in household and semi-professional models. Example: Daewoo DAH 820. Professional perforators and jack hammers, which can drill holes of up to 50mm in diameter usually use SDS Max cartridges. They are meant to be used with drill bits that are up to 25mm in dimeter. Professional and semi-professional jack hammers tend to also use SDS hex cartridges which are quite large and have high hit strength. It is worth noting that many manufacturers use different types of cartridges, among which, they can have custom made or universal models. That’s why it is always recommended to make sure of the compatibility between your drill bits and perforator, especially if they have different manufacturers.

Perforator drill modes

Standard operating mode – drilling and hitting at the same time. There are also different perforator operation modes. There are perforators which can drill without hitting. These kinds of models are usually smaller and weigh less while creating less vibrations. This operating mode is usually used when working with wood. There are also models which can just hit or hammer without drilling. Very popular are tri-mode perforators. Additionally, to the standard operating mode, these models can also be used as just a drill or as just a jack hammer.

Additional functions

The option to choose between various hit strength levels will allow you to work with various materials and make work easier. The option to switch the drilling direction will also come in handy, especially, when taking the drill out of a hole you have just made. Usually, this function is used when working with screws. If, you are planning to work in a dim environment then it is worth checking if your device comes with a. built in light source.

What’s included with a perforator

A big plus is when your perforator comes with its own cartridge because finding one separately can be a challenge. With perforators and jack hammers included, usually, come:

• A carrying case;
• Different drill bits;
• Dust removers;
• 2 or more batteries;
• Depth gauge;
• Other accessories: an extra handle, etc.

What to keep in mind when choosing a perforator?

Ventilation. Many holes and a big fan will guarantee that your devices motor is well cooled. Good ventilation will prolong your devices life and the time it can keep working without stopping. Fixation button. When this button is pressed, you do not need to keep holding the trigger for the device to keep working. Reduces hand fatigue. Vibration damping. Soft handles, foam padding and extra supports on the device will help in reducing its vibrations and fatigue. Anti-slip mechanism which does not allow the device to suddenly slip when it gets stuck in a hole, protecting your hands.