Are extra-long air hammer bits useful?

[Relax]

I've been thinking of getting this 18" air hammer bit for my 498K Thor. I'm thinking it would be useful when trying to push out a wheel hub from behind, giving me 18" to clear any parts of the suspension. But then I was thinking, with that long of a shank, how would I keep it on target as it rattles away? So now I'm wondering if this really would be useful for automotive work. What's the typical use case for these?

18" Long 0.498 Shank Pneumatic Hammer Bit | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• 18" long 0.498" shank 1" straight shoulder hammer bit • Heat treated impact grade CRO-MO • Turn type

www.astrotools.com

 

[kaymccampbell]

I find that the super long chisels take a lot of the oomph out of the air tool, much like super long extensions.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I find that the super long chisels take a lot of the oomph out of the air tool, much like super long extensions.

I agree it feels like you lose something. But if that's the only access that's how it goes.

 

[speed bump]

Not so much with air hammers but with clay diggers I like a long bit so I can lean my body on the gun rather than use my arms. With an air hammer you can use your palm on the bit to keep it lined up and lean hard into the gun.

 

[xjfish]

I personally love them and use often in the rust belt, chisel mostly.

 

[jsaw]

I have a long chisel, and a long hammer bit. Both are very useful for reaching into tight places.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

They are mostly for driving long pins out of heavy equipment without getting your tool or hands in the hole. Not much use in auto settings.

 

[gizardlizard]

I recently changed the rack and pinion on my 24 year old rusty Sequoia. I couldn’t have gotten the steering shaft out of the splines without this long extension.

 

[jsaw]

They are mostly for driving long pins out of heavy equipment without getting your tool or hands in the hole. Not much use in auto settings.

I use them in automotive setting.

 

[jsaw]

I recently changed the rack and pinion on my 24 year old rusty Sequoia. I couldn’t have gotten the steering shaft out of the splines without this long extension.

I use mine for steering shafts also

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Long bits being hit in a compressive way about their length, instead of turning like a socket extension, make them lose very little joules/umph/force per hit in long vs short. It is some, but very little compared everything else in tools.
I find having a longer bit allows my off-hand to locate and guide it like a pool cue where I cant do that with a stubby bit - but that's just me.

 

[joel63]

Long bits being hit in a compressive way about their length, instead of turning like a socket extension, make them lose very little joules/umph/force per hit in long vs short. It is some, but very little compared everything else in tools.
I find having a longer bit allows my off-hand to locate and guide it like a pool cue where I cant do that with a stubby bit - but that's just me.

I think any tool can be useful somewhere any time. The seemingly unimportant useless tool can save the day.
You just never know. More tools.

 

[Relax]

Long bits being hit in a compressive way about their length, instead of turning like a socket extension, make them lose very little joules/umph/force per hit in long vs short. It is some, but very little compared everything else in tools.
I find having a longer bit allows my off-hand to locate and guide it like a pool cue where I cant do that with a stubby bit - but that's just me.

Nice to see Astro replying, and thanks for confirming no significant power loss on the longer bits. Your pool cue analogy is interesting, never though to hold on to the bit itself, I've always kept both hands on the air hammer.