Choosing the right chisel for hydraulic breakers is not only a technical issue, but above all the key to efficient and safe work. Different blade shapes work well for completely different tasks - from precisely crushing concrete to breaking rock or demolishing structures. In this guide, you'll find practical tips to make it easier to match a mainsail to a specific project, learn about the most versatile models and find out what materials are used to make mainsails that really stand the test of time.
How do I choose the correct blade for the type of task or project?
Choosing the right chisel for hydraulic breakers is more than a matter of convenience - it's a decision that has a direct impact on work efficiency, equipment life and operator safety. Each blade has slightly different characteristics, and its shape, length and hardness determine what type of material it will be best suited to. So before you reach for the first mainsail off the shelf, it's worth considering the exact task at hand - whether it's breaking concrete with precision, demolishing walls or perhaps crushing rock in a quarry.
The basic idea is to match the shape of the blade to the type of impact force the task requires. For hard, homogeneous surfaces, choose a blade that concentrates the energy at a single point - such as a spike (point). On the other hand, where it is important to distribute the energy evenly, flat heads (chisels) are more suitable. It is also worth looking at the class of equipment - a blade that works perfectly in a 1500 J hammer may wear out in no time in a larger hammer generating 5000 J.
It is also good practice to observe how the hammerhead behaves during use. If you notice that the hammer bounces or stops penetrating the material effectively, this is a sign that the blade is not suitable for the surface. The strongest blade is not always going to be the best choice - what matters is the fit with the material's structure and how the impact energy is transferred.
What are the best and most versatile blades?
If you're looking for blades that will work for most tasks, start with the two most classic types: pointed and flat. These are the duo that will allow you to handle more than 80% of standard construction jobs. The spike (moil point) blade is perfect for breaking hard surfaces, especially when you need precision and penetration at a single point - ideal for crushing concrete, stone or asphalt. The flat blade (chisel), on the other hand , is indispensable for cutting, undermining and clearing surfaces. Thanks to its wider tip, it allows energy to be evenly distributed and produces clean, even edges.
In many cases, combining these two blades in one set is the best solution, as it gives you the ability to quickly adapt to different tasks. However, if you are working in an environment where stone or reinforced concrete is prevalent, it is also worth considering a tapered or blunt blade - the former gives better control with reinforced concrete and the latter is ideal for crushing large blocks of rock. The quality of manufacture is also important. Chrome-vanadium or molybdenum steel blades have a much higher abrasion and temperature resistance, making them a reliable choice for long-term work.
Types of tasks and which blade to use for it - now the specifics!
Selecting a mainsail for a specific task is the foundation of effective work. Here is an overview to help you match the right blade to the planned project:
|
Task type |
Recommended mainsail |
Why this mainsail? |
|
Demolition of buildings |
Pointed + flat |
Pointed for spot breaking of concrete, flat for cleaning and shaping surfaces after demolition |
|
Rock breaking in quarries |
Blunt / Tapered |
Large contact surface for efficient crushing of rock blocks and reduces the risk of jamming |
|
Crushing of reinforced concrete |
Tapered / Pointed |
The conical controls the direction of the crack, while the pointed one facilitates the penetration of hard concrete |
|
Asphalt work |
Flat / Pointed |
Flat for cutting and stripping, pointed for spotty edge work |
|
Floor cleaning |
Flat |
Ideal for chipping thin layers and smoothing out surfaces |
|
Demolition of reinforced concrete structures |
Tapered |
Effectively penetrates reinforcement and remains stable in high impacts |
|
Removal of stones from the ground |
Pointed |
Penetrates the ground and makes it easier to pull out stone blocks |
|
Crushing of boulders |
Blunt |
Maximises impact energy, breaking up material without penetrating deep into the ground |
|
Earthworks |
Pointed |
Concentrates force at a single point, making it easier to loosen hard substrate |
|
Concrete cutting |
Flat |
Allows you to achieve even lines and control the direction of cut |
Thanks to this fit, the blade not only works more efficiently, but also wears out more slowly. It is worth remembering that a poorly matched blade can reduce its life by up to half - especially when working in materials with a high quartz content or when the impact temperature is too high.
What materials are arrowheads made of?
The material from which the blade is made is of paramount importance - it affects durability, abrasion resistance and flexibility during use. Carbon steel, manganese steel, molybdenum steel, chrome steel or chrome vanadium steel are the most common, and each of these alloys has slightly different properties.
Carbon steel is the cheapest, but also the least resistant solution. It works well for light work where there are no extreme loads. Manganese steel, on the other hand, is more flexible and resistant to impact - ideal for hard rock and reinforced concrete. For more demanding projects, where both strength and precision are important, it is worth opting for molybdenum (Cr-Mo) or chrome vanadium (CrV) steel. These are premium materials that ensure a long service life even under heavy use.
In recent years, composite materials have also emerged for use in specialised industrial blades. Although very expensive, they have exceptional abrasion and temperature resistance, making them almost indestructible in extreme conditions. For most users of professional hydraulic breakers , however, Cr-Mo or CrV steel blades remain the best choice - they offer the ideal compromise between durability, price and versatility.
How do I match a blade to an excavator?
Selecting a blade for an excavator is a process that requires knowledge of both the parameters of the equipment and the specific work to be performed. Chisels for hydraulic breakers for excavators vary in weight, operating pressure, oil flow and impact energy - and it is these factors that determine which mainsail will work best. A blade that is too small may not use the full power of the hammer, while a blade that is too large will lead to overloading the ram or damaging the attachment. It is therefore important to match the blade not only to the type of material (concrete, rock, asphalt), but also to the class of excavator. For example, for machines weighing 12 tonnes, 75-90 mm diameter blades work best, while larger excavators require blades up to 135 mm in diameter.
If you're looking for reliable chisels for hydraulic breakers and hammers for excavators, take a look at Technapoland. It's the place to find professional attachments for excavators to suit different classes of equipment - from lightweight earthmoving models to heavy demolition breakers. The company offers a wide range of arrowheads made of high-quality steel, matched to the most popular brands of excavators. With expert advice and proven quality, you can rest assured that your equipment will perform at maximum efficiency and durability.
FAQ
Can one blade be used for all demolition work?
No, one blade will not work for all types of demolition work as different materials require a different shape and hardness of tip. A pointed tip is the most versatile, but other types will work better for asphalt or reinforced concrete.
How do I know which chisel for hammer is best for my hydraulic breaker?
The easiest way to match a blade is to check the technical specifications of the hammer, i.e. oil flow, pressure and impact energy. A good manufacturer or supplier of chisels for hydraulic breakers will always help you find the right model for your hydraulic breaker.
Does the size of the blade matter?
Yes, the diameter and length of the chisel for hammer must match the class of excavator and the power of the hammer, otherwise damage to the equipment or a decrease in performance can occur. Too large a mainsail will overload the hydraulic system and too small a mainsail will not utilise the full impact energy.
How long does the mainsail last?
Blade life depends on the quality of the material and the intensity of the work - under typical conditions it ranges from 300 to 1,000 operating hours. In abrasive materials such as granite or quartzite, the life can be reduced to as little as 200 hours.
Is one blade enough?
If you are working with a variety of materials, it is worth having at least two types of blade - a pointed blade and a flat blade. This way you can match the tool to the task and significantly extend its life.
What do the letters on the blade mean?
The letters are an indication of the manufacturer, type of steel or specific model of the blade, e.g. "Moil", "Chisel" or "Blunt". They help to identify its purpose and compatibility with a particular hydraulic hammer.
Should I repair a worn-out mainsail?
Repairing arrowheads is not recommended, as welding or grinding can damage the structure of the steel and reduce its hardness. It is better to replace the spearhead with a new one - a safer and more economical solution in the long term.
Which mainsail for a 15-tonne excavator?
For excavators weighing around 15 tonnes, 90-110 mm blade diameters are best for efficient transmission of impact energy. It is advisable to choose a conical or pointed blade, depending on the type of material.
Which type of blade is the most versatile?
The most versatile choice is the moil point, which is suitable for most common tasks, from concrete crushing to light demolition. It is an essential piece of equipment for any hydraulic hammer operator.