How Rotary Hammer drill Works (Mechanism And Maintenance)
Power tools come in handy in almost any construction or reconstruction work in today’s age. These tools are a great help to homeowners and essential in any construction professional’s kit. Specific tools are there for certain tasks, and sometimes, with innovation, manufacturers come out with hybrids that serve many purposes while saving space and money of the user.
One of these modern innovations is the Rotary hammer drill. The tool is popular amongst the professionals, and you can also see it in many garages as well. Making it easier to do a variety of heavy-duty tasks, this is one of the essential power tools today.
This article is about discovering how the tool works and how you can ensure its durability. But first, let’s discuss a little about the device in the spotlight.
What is a Rotary Hammer Drill?
A rotary hammer is a power tool used for a variety of heavy-duty operations. It is perfect for accomplishing any drilling and chiseling in hard materials. Some of the lighter rotary drills are ineffective when it comes to hard materials, or require more time, and energy. With Rotary hammer drill, you get all in one package that can provide you with the needed power for heavy-duty operations. It is also a perfect fit for your regular drilling needs. If you don’t have a direct electricity supply at your work site, consider using a cordless rotary hammer.
The versatility that comes with this tool is the reason why it is a preferred choice of professionals and other users.
The main difference between an ordinary drill and a rotary hammer drill is the power, as well as a smooth transition for a variety of tasks.
How Rotary Hammer drill Works
Now, let’s look into the Working Mechanism of a rotary hammer drill
The Usual drills that are used by people tend to be smaller in size. Similarly, they are also less powerful and are appropriate for light drilling. It’s the opposite when it comes to the Rotary hammer drill, which is powerful than an ordinary model for starters.
A rotary hammer is sizeable as well and is an appropriate choice for heavy-duty projects.
Rotary hammer drills utilize the Electro-Pneumatic Hammering mechanism (EP Technology) and provide a substantial impact force. It is because the device gets the power directly by electricity and not a separate air compressor.
There are two pistons in a rotary hammer; the First one is a drive piston, and the second one is a flitting (flying) piston. The electric motor in the device turns the crank, and this results in the drive piston moving back and forth in a cylinder. At the other end of the same is the flitting (flying) piston. The result is not touching of the two, but due to the pressure inside the EP cylinder, a more efficient transfer of energy takes place.
The EP technology is in the majority of modern rotary hammers. Similarly, most of electric power chipping guns and jackhammers utilize this technology. This way, in these units, the hammering and rotation functions can be used separately or in combination.
In the hammering mode, the device is capable of providing a jack hammer-like drilling impact. Rotary hammer drills are capable of withstanding large forces and shock, as well as extreme working conditions, because of the oil-filled gearbox that these tools have. It makes operating these tools safer.
These tools require a slip bit, which is engaged when the drill bit jams. Now, sufficient torque goes onto the slip clutch mechanism. It protects the drill from damage by stopping the violent wrenching motion that a drill without a clutch can cause on being stopped suddenly from full speed. The slip clutch also protects the operator but does not ensure total safety. There are a variety of safety features that many manufacturers employ to ensure operator safety.
- When the user presses the ON button, a single is sent, and the motor is activated.
- Once the motor is activated, it starts rotating while driving gears and rotating the bit and moving the piston.
- When the drive piston moves forward, it lessens the air pocket between itself and the free flight piston. It results in the formation of a compressed air pocket between the two, pushing the free flight piston forward. There is no actual contact between the two, and the free flight piston moves with only the compressed air impact.
- On moving forward, the free flight piston contacts the striker.
- Upon contact, the striker makes contact with the end of the drill bit or the chisel, providing the hammering action. Since the frequency of the hammering (Piston Cycle) is higher than the rotary speed, the hammering action occurs numerous times for each revolution of the drill bit.
Now, let’s have a look at some pointers you can keep in mind to make sure the durability of your rotary hammer drill.
Maintenance & Safety
- First off, if you have a corded model, make sure that you don’t stretch it. Make use of an extension board if necessary. Make sure that it’s plugged in properly before turning it on.
- While working, put on gloves, and headphones and protective glasses to be safe from the impact, noise, and flying debris.
- Work in short intervals, as the impact of the rotary hammer can be damaging to your hands and arms.
- Whenever working, make sure to hold the device properly with both hands. This way, if the bit jams due to overloading, or becomes wedged, you can handle the reaction. In a case like this, turn off the device immediately.
- Do not make sudden movements that can damage the gears of the tool. If You want to switch the direction of the device, first turn it off, face it in the desired direction, and begin working.
- Keep cleaning the dust and debris created by the drilling process to ensure smooth working. Some of the devices come with an extraction unit for user convenience.
- After finishing, don’t place the device directly on the floor. First, let it come to rest, and then place it down. Unplug the device right after.
- When storing the device away, make sure that it’s in a dry area and that nothing damaging is around it. The most convenient way to keep it is to buy an appropriate case.
You can prolong the durability, and ensure the safety of the device, and yourself, by following these pointers.
FAQs
Q – Are Rotary hammer and Hammer drill the same?
A – Although they have somewhat similar mechanisms of working, Rotary hammer and Hammer Drill are not the same. Rotary Hammer is a more powerful tool, as compared to a hammer drill.
Q – How is the Rotary Hammer more Powerful than any ordinary Drill?
A – The Rotary Hammer uses a technology known as Electro-Pneumatic Hammering Mechanism (EP). Rather than being powered by a separate air compressor, it is powered directly by electricity, which results in a higher impact.
Q – Can a Rotary Hammer work with ordinary Drill Bits?
A – No. Since the Rotary hammers provide more impact, ordinary shanks cannot withstand that. There are special Rotary hammer shanks available that are suitable for these tools.
Q – What is the use of a Rotary hammer?
A – Rotary Hammers are useful in doweling and drilling holes in hard surfaces like concrete and masonry walls. The rotary action also is switched for just the use of percussive force. It is also useful for other smaller applications using the chisel and point accessories.
Hi,
With the growth of demand for drills in the Constructions sector, and Household sector, among others, and increasing awareness about the DIY projects globally; This blog shines a light on the importance of the advance Rotary Hammer Drills in comparison to the less efficient traditional ones. With the report on Rotary Hammer Drills Market by Grand View Research, Inc, stating the high prospects of growth of this market, Informative posts like this become crucial for a layman to understand the nuances of the product.
Keep up the good work.