Jackhammer, also known as a pneumatic drill or pneumatic jackhammer, is a handy percussive drill powered by compressed air. The pneumatic drill is used for a variety of tasks that may include drilling rock, break up pavement, and various other tasks that require powerful hammering. The pneumatic jackhammer works similar to a hammer and chisel, by jabbing with its bit, not rotating it. The pneumatic jackhammer is one of the most popular rugged tools that are available today. Although, the portable pneumatic jackhammer is not viable for use on walls and steep slopes, as it relies on the inertia of the mass of its body to drive the bit into the work, and directing that mass when not supported by the work is difficult.

Also, for the pneumatic jackhammer to be effective, gravity is required to bring the mass back into contact with the work after each blow. For using the pneumatic jackhammer effectively, the operator may bend over the tool to assist but is not really capable of overcoming the forces involved when not assisted by gravity. A technique developed by experienced laborers is the use of two man teams to overcome this obstruction of gravity. One laborer operates the hammer and the second assists by holding the hammer either on his shoulders or supported in his arms. Both men can use their collective weight to push the bit into the workface. This method is widely referred to as horizontal jack hammering. Another method is overhead jack hammering, which requires strength conditioning and endurance to hold a smaller jackhammer, called a rivet buster, over ones head.

Jack hammers are widely used in construction projects. The jackhammers find a typical use particularly for knocking down and putting up the foundation of structures. However, the pneumatic jackhammers also find extensive use in the fields of excavation and mining. The pneumatic jackhammers are one of the important tools. The pneumatic jackhammers are faster and more efficient than the traditional hammer-and-chisel. Thus, when employed in projects which demand tasks to be finished in time, the pneumatic jackhammers come forth as the most reliable solutions. The pneumatic jackhammers are thus especially needed in demolition projects that need to be finished in time.

The pneumatic jackhammers are quite difficult to operate considering the tasks they perform and require some basic skills to work with. Therefore appropriate care should be taken whenever they're used. To promote occupational safety, construction companies must require their operators to read a pneumatic jackhammers guide. Before you start using the pneumatic jackhammer, it is strongly recommended that you wear your safety gear when it. The recommended safety gear is mentioned clearly in the user guide but generally include boots, gloves, goggles and ear muffs. While operating a pneumatic jackhammer stout clothing helps too. Usually the bits of the jackhammer get very hot in operation so use caution handling them. The rest of the machine can get quite warm also. So it is always better to count on the safety precaution while operating a pneumatic jackhammer.