Jack Hammer Buying Guide: Choosing Between Electric and Petrol Demolition Hammers
An electric jack hammer is the best choice for indoor demolition, renovation work and jobs near a power source. A petrol jack hammer delivers more impact force for heavy outdoor work like breaking thick concrete, rock and reinforced foundations without needing mains electricity. For most home renovators and small contractors, an electric model is sufficient. For remote sites and heavy-duty concrete removal, choose petrol.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Electric jackhammers plug into 240V mains power. They suit indoor renovation, bathroom demolition and medium concrete removal.
- Petrol jackhammers run on fuel and deliver higher impact energy. They suit heavy outdoor concrete, rock breaking and remote site work.
- Impact energy (measured in joules) determines breaking power. Higher joules means faster concrete removal.
- Impact rate (BPM) controls how quickly the hammer strikes. Higher BPM suits lighter, faster chipping work.
- Always wear hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, steel-cap boots and a dust mask when operating a jack hammer.
- Jack hammer chisels are interchangeable. Point chisels break concrete, flat chisels remove tiles and clay spades dig trenches.
This guide compares electric and petrol jack hammers across power, portability, cost and best applications. Browse the jack hammer range at GPT Tools to see current models and pricing.
What Is a Jack Hammer?
A jack hammer is a heavy-duty power tool that uses rapid percussive force to break concrete, asphalt, masonry, rock and compacted soil. Jack hammers are also called demolition hammers or breakers. They work by driving an internal piston up and down at high speed, transferring impact energy through a chisel bit into the material being broken.
Jack hammers used in Australian construction and renovation fall into two main categories: electric (powered by 240V mains electricity) and petrol (powered by a two-stroke fuel engine). GPT Tools stocks both types in the construction equipment range, along with demolition hammers and replacement chisels.
Electric vs Petrol Jack Hammers at a Glance
| ELECTRIC JACK HAMMER | PETROL JACK HAMMER |
| ✓ Powered by 240V mains electricity | ✓ Powered by two-stroke petrol engine |
| ✓ Lower vibration and noise levels | ✓ Higher impact energy (joules) |
| ✓ Lighter and easier to handle | ✓ Works without mains power |
| ✓ Best for indoor and renovation work | ✓ Best for heavy outdoor demolition |
| ✓ No fuel mixing or engine maintenance | ✓ Portable to remote and rural site |
| ✓ Requires access to a power point | ✓ Requires fuel, oil and engine servicing |
Key Differences Between Electric and Petrol Jack Hammers
The main difference is the power source: an electric jack hammer plugs into 240V mains power, while a petrol jack hammer runs on a two-stroke fuel engine. This affects impact force, portability, noise, weight and maintenance.
| Feature | Electric Jack Hammer | Petrol Jack Hammer |
| Power source | 240V mains electricity | Two-stroke petrol engine |
| Impact energy | 15 to 55 joules typical | 40 to 80+ joules typical |
| Impact rate | 1,000 to 1,900 BPM | 1,200 to 1,800 BPM |
| Weight | 10 to 30 kg | 20 to 35 kg |
| Noise level | Lower | Higher. Hearing protection essential |
| Portability | Limited by power cord | Fully portable. No power needed |
| Best for | Indoor renovation, tiles, medium concrete | Thick concrete, rock, remote sites |
| Maintenance | Minimal. Brush and chisel checks | Fuel mixing, spark plug, air filter, engine servicing |
| Exhaust fumes | None | Yes. Outdoor use only |
Which Jack Hammer Suits Your Job?
An electric jack hammer suits most renovation and indoor demolition work. A petrol jack hammer suits heavy outdoor concrete removal and sites without mains power. Here is how they compare across the most common Australian use cases.
Bathroom and Kitchen Renovation
Best choice: Electric jack hammer. Removing bathroom tiles, breaking out old shower bases, chipping render and demolishing internal concrete walls are all jobs suited to an electric demolition hammer. Electric models produce no exhaust fumes, which is essential for indoor work. They are also lighter, making overhead and vertical work more manageable.
Concrete Driveway and Slab Removal
Best choice: Petrol jack hammer for thick slabs. Electric for thin concrete. A concrete driveway 100 mm thick or more responds better to the higher impact energy of a petrol jack hammer. For thinner concrete paths, footings or small patio slabs, a powerful electric model with 35+ joules of impact energy will handle the job.
Construction and Commercial Demolition
Best choice: Petrol jack hammer. Commercial demolition involving reinforced concrete, foundations, retaining walls, or rock requires the highest available impact force. Petrol jackhammers deliver 50 to 80+ joules and do not rely on site power, making them the standard choice for professional demolition contractors.
Remote and Rural Sites
Best choice: Petrol jack hammer. Fencing, post removal, rock breaking and foundation work on rural properties or remote construction sites often have no access to mains electricity. A petrol jack hammer operates independently using fuel, making it the only practical option in these situations.
Understanding Jack Hammer Specifications
Three specifications matter most when choosing a jack hammer: impact energy (joules), impact rate (BPM) and chisel shank size.
Impact Energy (Joules)
Impact energy is the force delivered per strike, measured in joules. Higher joules means the hammer hits harder and breaks through thicker concrete faster. Electric jackhammers typically deliver 15 to 55 joules. Petrol models typically deliver 40 to 80+ joules. For general renovation work, 20 to 35 joules is usually sufficient. For thick concrete and rock, look for 45 joules or more.
Impact Rate (BPM)
Impact rate is the number of strikes per minute, measured in BPM (blows per minute). Higher BPM suits lighter, faster chipping work like tile removal. Lower BPM with higher joules suits heavy breaking. Most jackhammers operate between 1,000 and 1,900 BPM.
Chisel Shank Size
The chisel shank is the steel fitting that locks the chisel bit into the jack hammer. Common sizes in Australia are 30mm hex (used on larger demolition hammers) and SDS-Max (used on lighter rotary hammer drills and demolition hammers). Check your jack hammer’s shank size before purchasing replacement chisels. GPT Tools stocks compatible construction accessories including chisel bits for popular jack hammer models.
Jack Hammer Chisel Types
Jack hammers use interchangeable chisel bits for different tasks. The three most common types are point chisels, flat chisels and clay spades.
| Chisel Type | Shape | Best For |
| Point chisel (moil point) | Pointed tip | Breaking concrete, rock, masonry. General demolition |
| Flat chisel | Wide flat blade | Removing tiles, scraping render, chipping edges |
| Clay spade | Wide scoop shape | Digging trenches, removing clay, landscaping earthwork |
Most jackhammers sold at GPT Tools include a point chisel and flat chisel. Clay spade attachments are available separately for models with compatible 30mm hex or SDS-Max shanks.
Safety Equipment for Jack Hammer Use
Jack hammers produce high noise levels, flying debris and concrete dust. Wearing correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential every time you use the tool. Minimum PPE includes hearing protection, safety glasses or goggles, heavy-duty gloves, steel-cap boots and a P2 dust mask or respirator
When using a petrol jack hammer, work outdoors only. Petrol engines produce carbon monoxide exhaust, which is dangerous in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Electric jack hammers do not produce exhaust fumes but still generate dust that requires respiratory protection.
Take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and vibration exposure. Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Anti-vibration gloves and shock-absorbing handles help reduce exposure.
Jack Hammer Maintenance Tips
The most important jack hammer maintenance tasks are lubricating the chisel shank before each use, inspecting chisels for wear and cleaning the tool after every job. Petrol models also need air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement and correct fuel mixing.
| Task | Electric Jack Hammer | Petrol Jack Hammer |
| Lubricate chisel shank | Before each use | Before each use |
| Inspect chisel for wear | After each job | After each job |
| Check power cord/plug | Before each use | N/A |
| Clean air filter | N/A | Every 10 hours of use |
| Replace spark plug | N/A | Every 50 hours or annually |
| Mix fuel correctly | N/A | Every refuel (check ratio) |
| Clean tool after use | Remove dust and debris | Remove dust, debris and fuel residue |
| Store properly | Dry location, cord coiled | Drain fuel for long-term storage |
GPT Tools stocks construction spare parts including replacement chisels, petrol tanks and recoil starters for jackhammers.
Which Jack Hammer Should You Buy?
Choose an electric jack hammer if you mostly work indoors, near a power source, or on medium-weight concrete and tiles. Choose a petrol jack hammer if you regularly break thick concrete, rock or foundations, or work on sites without mains electricity. For occasional home renovation, an electric model is the most practical and affordable option. For professional demolition and heavy construction, petrol delivers the power you need.
Before buying, consider the thickness of the material you need to break, whether you have access to mains power on site and how often you will use the tool. Check the impact energy (joules) and chisel compatibility to make sure the jack hammer matches your job requirements.
Popular Jack Hammers at GPT Tools
GPT Tools stocks electric and petrol jackhammers for renovation, construction and demolition work. All models include a 12-month warranty.
| Product | Type | Key Features |
| 3500 Demolition Jack Hammer with Chisel | Electric | 1,400 BPM impact rate, double insulated motor, shock absorbing handles. Includes point and flat chisel. Suits general demolition and tile removal. |
| 52cc Petrol Demolition Jack Hammer | 2.4HP | Petrol | 50 joules impact energy, 1,500 BPM, thumb throttle control, 30mm hex shank. Works without mains power. Suits heavy concrete and rock. |
| 2800 BPM Jack Hammer | Commercial Grade | Electric / 2-Stroke | 2,800 BPM impact rate, SDS fitting compatible with Makita, Hitachi and Baumr-Ag. Includes 3 interchangeable chisels. |
View all jack hammers available at GPT Tools. Replacement chisels and spare parts are also available in the construction accessories range.
💡 Check current pricing and availability on the product page.
Prices and stock levels change. Visit the product page or call (03) 9357 6168 for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
A jack hammer and a demolition hammer are the same type of tool. Both use percussive force to break concrete, masonry and rock. The terms are used interchangeably in Australia. Smaller SDS-Max models are sometimes called demolition hammers, while larger units are called jack hammers or breakers.
Yes. An electric jack hammer with a flat chisel attachment is one of the fastest ways to remove floor tiles and adhesive from a concrete slab. Use a lower impact setting if available to avoid damaging the slab underneath.
Jack hammer prices vary by type and power. Electric models start at a lower price point than petrol. Check the GPT Tools jack hammer range at gpttools.com.au/jack-hammer/ for current pricing.
Most home renovations can be completed with an electric jack hammer. Petrol models are heavier, louder and produce exhaust fumes, making them unsuitable for indoor use. Choose petrol only if you are working outdoors on thick concrete or have no access to mains power.
Minimum PPE includes hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), safety glasses or goggles, heavy-duty gloves, steel-cap boots and a P2 dust mask or respirator. A hard hat is also recommended on construction sites.
Compatibility depends on the chisel shank size. GPT Tools jack hammers with 30mm hex shanks accept chisels compatible with Makita HM1303, Hitachi PH65 and similar models. Check the product listing for confirmed compatibility before purchasing.
Buy Your Jack Hammer at GPT Tools
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52cc Petrol Demolition Jack Hammer | Powerful 2.4HP Engine | Thumb Throttle Control
Original price was: $690.00.$400.00Current price is: $400.00. Inc. GST -
3500 DEMOLITION JACK HAMMER CONCRETE TOOLS WITH CHISEL 3500 (Copy) (Copy)
Original price was: $490.00.$350.00Current price is: $350.00. Inc. GST
