Demolition breakers - most often used to break up concrete - are available as hand-held models, attachments for machines such as backhoes and skid-steer loaders and self-contained units. Breakers are found on every road and bridge repair job, but they can be used to break up any concrete surface - sidewalks, driveways, curbing, floors, foundations - and rock. Breakers frequently are used to dig small excavations through paving to get to underground utility lines.
Breakers are only one of many kinds of special tools used in demolition. Each one has its own purpose, and that opens the possibility of building the rental order by providing the customer with several specialized tools. To know what is required, ask plenty of questions about the job - materials, thicknesses, how big is the job?, is there rebar to cut?, how deep do you have to go?, what do you have to go through?, etc.
Rivet busters are designed to cut rivets off metal structures. Digging equipment may be required to get through clay, shale formations or frozen ground. Chipping hammers, rock drills and reciprocating hammer-drills may be needed.
Hand-held hydraulic tools can be operated off the hydraulic systems of backhoes, trenchers and other equipment, but many contractors prefer to use separate hydraulic power packages to avoid tying up expensive machinery.
Hand-held units also are available in pneumatic and electric models. Customers may need to rent air compressors, generators or hydraulic power units also.
Customers want to know a breaker's weight, power source, length of stroke and the number of blows per minute (BPM) it can deliver.
Attachment breakers most often are rented for use with backhoes, skid-steer loaders and excavators. Compatibility with equipment customers already have can be a factor in the choice of tool.

Who rents this equipment?
Breakers and other demolition tools are rented by demolition contractors, companies specializing in highway and bridge construction, repair and maintenance, paving and utility contractors, road maintenance departments and other government agencies, including military installations, utility companies and plant maintenance personnel. Individuals also may rent breakers, but many may not be able to handle such equipment - ask homeowner renters if they've had any experience using breakers.

Operation
While breakers and similar demolition tools are relatively uncomplicated in design and operation, they are not easy for the inexperienced to use. Before operating any type of breaker, customers must read and comprehend operating and safety instructions. Instructional videos help, too.
First-time users need to get a feel for hand-held equipment and learn not to exert physical strength against the force generated by the breaker. Breaker equipment must be used with the correct power source. Show customers how to connect and disconnect hoses.
To operate properly, the tool must be positioned perpendicular to the working surface; that alignment must be maintained during operation. The boom and dipper must be adjusted to maintain sufficient applied pressure for breaker attachments used on backhoes or excavators.
Work should be started at the outside of the work area, rather than the center. Move the tool often and do not allow a breaker to strike the same spot for more than 30 seconds. Turn off the breaker while repositioning it.
Rental personnel must make sure customers have the correct steel tools for job conditions they expect to encounter. Moil points are good for general work; cross-cut and straight-cut chisels are used on concrete and asphalt and for trenching; blunt tools are for boulders and concrete; spades are for soft rock, hard clay and paving.
Do not use damaged or worn tools. Know what tools the manufacturer recommends for what surfaces. Never use a breaker for work it was not designed to do. Do not use the steel tool for prying - a common cause of breakage - and never use a breaker as a lifting device.

Maintenance on the job
Breaker equipment is one rental tool category that does require maintenance during the rental period. Proper lubrication is essential. Air and electric breakers are not self-lubricating. Some models have built-in oilers that must be refilled.
Be sure to clean and lubricate tool points.
The vibrating action of breaker equipment loosens bolts, nuts and retaining pins. Check fasteners at regular intervals and tighten as necessary. Check hose connections and inspect all hoses for damage. Check steel tools for wear and damage and replace when necessary. Operation of breakers can produce high volumes of dust, so regular cleaning is necessary to maintain performance.

Safety
The use of breaker-type demolition equipment poses serious hazards for operators and any person standing near the work area. Safety begins with a thorough understanding of potential hazards and how to avoid them. Operation manuals include detailed safety instructions and warnings. Decals warn of specific dangers.
Losing control of a hand-held breaker can cause serious injury. This powerful equipment can throw pieces of concrete or rock with great force. Do not allow other workers or bystanders in the work area. If people come too close, stop work immediately and have them move to a safe distance.
Wear appropriate protective clothing - hard hats, gloves, eye and hearing protection and safety boots; and for some applications, face protection and dust masks, too.
Disconnect the power source before performing any type of maintenance or adjustment. Never leave unattended equipment connected to its source of power.