The Advanced Gear Guide: Concrete Breakers

When it comes time to break concrete, you shouldn’t have to break your back to get the job done! Hirepool offers a wide range of Hilti concrete breakers, concrete breaker attachments, and concrete drills to suit any size job. Larger projects may require a big concrete breaker, whereas smaller jobs might only need a smaller electric concrete breaker, drill or scribe. 

But how do you tell which is the best concrete breaker for your job? What’s the easy way to break up concrete? And why is it often better to hire a concrete breaker rather than buy one?

In this advanced gear guide, we will go over everything you need to know about choosing and using a Hilti concrete breaker. Afterwards, you’ll be able to break any concrete slab with ease! 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

How a concrete breaker works 

Choosing the right concrete breaker for the job

How to choose the right attachment

How to break up concrete with a concrete breaker

Safety considerations for breaking concrete

Wear the correct safety gear

Consider the effects of vibration

Be mindful of dust

Other ways to stay safe while using a Hilti concrete breaker

Frequently asked questions

How a concrete breaker works

Hilti concrete breakers use hydraulic power to hammer a tool (also known as the chisel) into concrete and hard materials, breaking them down into smaller pieces. But these helpful tools can do more than just break concrete slabs on a construction site.

In fact, a Hilti concrete breaker or concrete drill can be used in various industries for scaling concrete, cutting asphalt, tile breaking and even breaking up clay.

Choosing the right concrete breaker for the job

The range of Hilti concrete breakers available at Hirepool all feature impressive hammering power and Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technology. In saying that, choosing a Hilti concrete breaker with the right specs for your unique job is essential. When picking the best concrete breaker, consider:

• The weight of the concrete breaker
  
  
• The size of your job
  
  
• How thick the concrete you’re working with is
  
  
• Site access
  
  
• How long you’ll be using the concrete breaker for
  
  
• Your power source

Once you’ve mulled over these points, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of Hilti concrete breakers, concrete drills and breaker excavator attachments at Hirepool. These tools are an easy way to break up concrete. 

Hilti TE30A36 Concrete Breaker/ drill small battery to 5kg

The Hilti TE30A36 is fantastic for smaller masonry jobs, rebar doweling and corrective chiseling. The quick-change chuck makes it fast to switch bits. 

Single stroke energy	3.6J
Beats per minute	4500bpm
Maximum drilling diameter	28mm
Engine type	Electric (battery)
Noise level	94db
Length	420mm
Width	150mm
Height	220mm

Hilti TE30 Concrete breaker/ drill small electric 5kg

The small size of the Hilti TE30 makes it perfect for smaller drilling jobs, chiseling in brick, and driving anchor screws. The quick-change chuck makes changing bits fast and easy.

Single stroke energy	3.3J
Beats per minute	4500bpm
Maximum drilling diameter	28mm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	90db
Length	400mm
Width	115mm
Height	200mm

Hilti TE800 Concrete breaker small electric 8kg

The Hilti TE800 is ideal for small concrete and wall demolition jobs. The tool's weight and size make it perfect for working on structures above waist height, like breaking openings for doors and windows. The power reduction button can offer more control when working with lighter materials.

Single stroke energy	11.5 - 26J
Beats per minute	1890bpm
Engine type	Electric (plugin)
Noise level	87db
Length	680mm
Width	138mm
Height	230mm

Hilti TE60 Concrete breaker/ drill medium electric 6-7.5kg

The Hilti TE60 is usually used for larger through-holes but it can also be used as a breaker. It’s versatile for a wide range of medium-duty demolition work. 

Single stroke energy	7.3J
Beats per minute	3300bpm
Maximum drilling diameter	40mm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	107db
Length	490mm
Width	115mm
Height	293mm

Hilti TE60A36 Concrete breaker/ drill medium battery 8kg

The Hilti TE60A36 is suited for larger masonry drilling and smaller masonry demo jobs. Having no power lead will increase your efficiency when carrying out light breaking and chiseling. 

Single stroke energy	8.1J
Beats per minute	3300bpm
Maximum drilling diameter	102mm
Engine type	Electric (battery)
Noise level	98db
Length	440mm
Width	160mm
Height	240mm

Hilti TE1000 Concrete breaker medium electric 12kg

The Hilti TE1000 is better for medium-sized masonry jobs and demolition work. Its D-handle means users have more maneuverability when breaking slabs up to 100mm thick. 

Single stroke energy	22J
Beats per minute	1950bpm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	87db
Length	700mm
Width	138mm
Height	230mm

Hilti TE1500 Concrete breaker large electric 14kg

Source

The Hilti TE1500 is perfect for medium to larger masonry and demolition work including breaking concrete slabs up to 150mm thick. The weight of this breaker makes it easy to operate at a 45-degree angle. 

Single stroke energy	30J
Beats per minute	1620bpm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	89db
Length	760mm
Width	138mm
Height	230mm

Hilti TE2000 Concrete breaker large electric 15kg

The Hilti TE2000 is a powerful and lightweight demo hammer. The T-handle design means this is a dedicated floor breaker perfect for use on concrete slabs up to 200mm thick. 

Single stroke energy	35J
Beats per minute	1800bpm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	77db
Length	550mm
Width	200mm
Height	14.5mm

Hilti TE3000 Concrete breakers heavy electric 29-32kg

These heavier Hilti TE3000s are more used for larger masonry breaking jobs, asphalt cutting, earthwork and driving ground rods. The T-handle means that this is a dedicated floor breaker perfect for breaking concrete slabs 300mm or thicker.

Single stroke energy	63 - 68J
Beats per minute	860 - 1100bpm
Engine type	Electric (plug-in)
Noise level	94db
Length	610mm
Width	209mm
Height	808 - 825mm

Hilti DD150-U Core drill diamond to 150mm

The Hilti DD150-U can be used either wet or dry on its purpose-built stand or handheld. Great for the installation of pipes, cables, ducts and railings.

Weight	8.2kg
Max drill depth	450mm
Max drill diameter	150mm
Angular coring	Yes
Noise level	106db

As a general rule of thumb, if you’re working at waist height or above, use a TE60 ATC/AVT or TE60 A36. If you’re working on the ground, use a TE1000 for slabs up to 100mm thick, a TE2000 for slabs up to 200mm thick, or a TE3000 for slabs 300mm or thicker.

Hirepool also has a range of concrete breaker excavator attachments for when an excavator is being used on site. Not all of these Hilti concrete breakers,  concrete drills, and breaker excavator attachments are available at every Hirepool branch. It’s best to talk with your friendly local Hirepool team or inquire online to discuss your options and decide the best concrete breaker for your job.

How to choose the right attachment

Now that you’ve chosen your Hilti concrete breaker, you’ll need to pick the proper concrete breaker attachment. Hirepool has a range of concrete breaker attachments, inserts and drill bits for concrete jobs. 

• Pointed chisel
  
  A self-sharpening pointed chisel bit. This concrete breaker attachment is great for demolishing concrete and masonry.

• Narrow flat chisel
  
  A self-sharpening flat chisel bit. This concrete breaker attachment is suited to precision demolition of concrete and masonry. 

• Wide flat chisel
  
  A self-sharpening chisel for scaling concrete, cutting asphalt, tile breaking, and scraping away weld spatter formwork seepage and other residues. 

• Pointed wall chisel
  
  An extra-sharp pointed wall chisel for demolishing concrete and masonry walls. Its shorter length means more accuracy when working at waist height or above.

• Narrow flat wall chisel
  
  Because of its shorter length, the user has more accuracy when working at waist height or above. This is an ultra-robust flat wall chisel for precision demolition of concrete and masonry walls. 

• Flexible chisel
  
  An extra sharp clay spade chisel for breaking up clay. This concrete breaker attachment is perfect for hard-packed gravel and dirt.

 

• Spade chisel
  

  Extra-sharp floor scraper chisels for removing flooring and coatings such as linoleum, vinyl tile (PVC), laminate and adhesives.

• Brushing tool
  
  A brushing tool for surface work and layer removal in concrete to better receive new coatings. 

It can be helpful to talk to your local Hirepool branch about the best-suited attachment for your specific job. 

How to break up concrete with a concrete breaker

Although the process will be slightly different for each Hilti concrete breaker and concrete breaker attachment, there are general operating steps to consider. You’ll receive more specific and detailed instructions for use when you hire your Hilti concrete breaker from Hirepool, but there are general steps to follow. 

1. Carry out pre-start safety checks

Each Hilti concrete breaker will come with its own unique pre-start safety checks to carry out. These checks will be on the instructions for use document. If you are collecting equipment for someone else, you must give this sheet to the user to read over. 

2. Follow the starting procedure

Each Hilti concrete breaker will also come with its own starting procedure. For most pieces of equipment, you will need to plug the transformer or RCD into a power supply. Once you’ve done this, turn on the power supply.

3. Find a safe and comfortable drilling position

Positioning your body correctly while holding a Hilti Concrete breaker is essential for safety. Always hold the machine firmly with both hands and extend your arms so that the Hilti concrete breaker is at a comfortable length from your body. 

4. Commence drilling

If your Hilti concrete breaker is locked, start by depressing the lock button. Begin to drill by applying downward pressure on the handles for larger Hilti concrete breakers.

Top tip: Don’t use a Hilti concrete breaker or drill aggressively. Let the gear do the work!

5. Shut the concrete breaker or drill down

To stop the Hilti concrete breaker, release the trigger. Then, when the job is complete, simply disconnect from the power supply. It’s always good to clean the machine with a dry cloth once you’ve finished. 

Read our guide on how to break up concrete for other tips and tricks. When it comes time to get rid of old concrete, try to think sustainably. 

Safety considerations for breaking concrete

If not handled and operated safely, a concrete breaker or drill can be a dangerous piece of gear. Before picking up a Hilti concrete breaker, it’s essential to consider potential risks and go over the pre-start safety checks.

Wear the correct safety gear

Before you start using a Hilti concrete breaker or drill, make sure you are wearing the appropriate PPE including: 

• Hard boots
  
  
• Gloves
  
  
• Ear protection
  
  
• Safety glasses
  
  
• Head protection 

Ensuring you have the correct safety gear will help to prevent injury. 

Consider the effects of vibration

With concrete breakers, exposure to vibration comes with the territory. Long-term exposure to vibration can, unfortunately, lead to health problems. Thankfully, Hilti active vibration reduction technology is a feature across the Hilti range. This tech can help minimise exposure to tool vibration by up to two-thirds compared to most competitor tools. 

Be mindful of dust

Another par for the course with using a concrete breaker is the effects of dust, particularly silica dust. While your mouth and nose filter out more significant dust bits, fine silica dust can get into your airways. Over time, silica dust can cause health issues, including silicosis.

Thankfully, you can meet dust-related regulations using the TE DRS-B dust removal system with your Hilti concrete breaker. Using the TE DRS-B attachment and a Hilti vacuum can keep dust to a minimum on-site. It’s also vital to wear the correct PPE to reduce health risks from dust.

Other ways to stay safe while using a Hilti concrete breaker

Now that you are ready to operate the machinery, safety must remain top of mind. Other ways to keep safe while operating a Hilti concrete breaker include:

• Keep an eye out for hazards around you like drops, trip hazards, sharp objects, or falling objects
  
  
• Only place pressure on the tool so that the chisel is pressed against the surface and not bouncing
  
  
• Don’t lean on or force the Hilti concrete breaker as it could break the insert
  
  
• You can reduce chiseling power to approximately 70% by pressing the power level selector switch by the handle and service lights panel
  
  
• If the service indicator light is red it means there’s a fault with the tool. In this instance, contact your local Hirepool branch for further instructions

In general, if something doesn’t look or feel right with your Hilti concrete breaker or drill, it’s safest to contact Hirepool. 

Top tip: If you’re using a Hilti concrete breaker or drill with a generator, choose a generator that’s double your tool’s wattage output. This will make sure the power supplied to your concrete breaker is sufficient. 

Frequently asked questions

Other common questions about using a concrete breaker include:

• How many joules does it take to break concrete?
  
  This will depend on how thick the concrete is and the size of your concrete breaker. See our gear specifications for more information.

• What oil do you use for concrete breakers?
  
  Once again, this will depend on the Hilti concrete breaker you have. Hirepool staff will inform you when you pick up your gear. Otherwise, it will also be on the instructions for use. 
  
  
• Why hire a concrete breaker instead of buying one?
  
  There are many benefits to hiring a Hilti concrete breaker, including no upfront cost or purchase, avoiding maintenance costs, and not having to store equipment. Read our guide that weighs up more pros and cons to buying or hiring gear for your trade business. 

Time to break new ground with your concrete breaker?

A Hilti concrete breaker or concrete drill will help you tackle demolition work with ease. A concrete breaker also needs to be handled with care so that you stay safe on the job.

Book your Hilti concrete breaker or concrete drill online now, or visit your local Hirepool branch to chat with the friendly Hirepool staff about any questions you have. For more ways to work smarter, check out our Hirepool trade hub.