Chisels for air tools interchangeable?

[kirkkw]

I am looking to buy my first air hammer - never even used on - and wondering if the chisels are interchangeable say between Sunnex, Blue Point, Chicago Pneumatic, or IR?

 

[shockwave]

Yes they are universal in size for air hammers just like changing sockets on impacts

 

[larry_g]

For the most part the .401 shank is standard, however there are others out there including 7/16 hex and .498. So pay attention the shank size for the tool your getting and make sure that the chisel shank is common and the chisels you want are available in that size.

Google 'air hammer shank size'

lg
no neat sig line

 

[md21722]

Most air hammers take standard round .401 Parker shank bits. CP & Astro do have models designed for .498 Parker shank bits. There are also some hammers that work with fluted bits to keep the bits from rotating.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I use my Snap On and a couple of no name chisels in my IR hammer. No issues at all. I also have used them in the no name one I have at home. Although they fit, I would suggest you buy a decent one like IR, Snap On, Mac or whatever name brand you like because the no name ones often don't have the oomph of the better ones in my experience.

 

[gdocktor3]

Buy a long barrel air hammer and get a quick change coupler. I bought two mint Mac air hammers off eBay, one long and one short, for about $60 each, with cases and chisels. They both hit hard. My point is to buy a lightly used top tier brand vs a cheapo if you can't afford new.

 

[crewchief888]

Buy a long barrel air hammer and get a quick change coupler. My point is to buy a lightly used top tier brand vs a cheapo if you can't afford new.

i agree, theres nothing more frustrating than a cheap air hammer banging away on something that a tap from a small ball pein drives across the shop.

 

[K-Dog]

I will second the quick change coupler mention.
Just worth it in so many ways.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

I will second the quick change coupler mention.
Just worth it in so many ways.

Make it a third, I put a quick change on my CP and I really like it better.

 

[kirkkw]

Great info - I am looking for a quality used hammer, some of which don't have chisels incluced. That is the reason for my question.

 

[gdocktor3]

Great info - I am looking for a quality used hammer, some of which don't have chisels incluced. That is the reason for my question.

If you can find a good used one with brand name chisels included, jump on it. Good chisels/bits aren't cheap. Snap On, Mac, Matco, Ajax, Mayhew, Old Forge are just a few names to look for.

As for the air hammers themselves, look into air rivet guns. Google "rivet gun vs air hammer" and read up. They are arguably better than air hammers because of the ability to feather the trigger and hit harder in most cases.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I am no expert but have many used good and cheap ones, the go to is a rivet gun I have with a quick change holder and it makes the others seem like toys. The cheapies just vibrate the material. I also think the quality of the bits is very important. and I am a Harbor Freak guy. but this is not the place for HF unless you just want to break loss some weld splatter.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Buy a long barrel air hammer ...

The longer the barrel, the harder it hits !

The Astro "Big Nasty" does use .498 shank chisels.