I'm planning to break open my 4" thick basement floor slab to relocate my shower and toilet drains. I'm considering renting a demolition hammer—should I go for a 27lb model for better maneuverability in my cramped space, or do I need the power of a 60lb one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, just start with the 27lb hammer you have. Smash away and see how it goes! If you find it’s not cutting it, then consider going for the bigger one. Sometimes it's best to dive in and adjust as you go.
From my experience in excavation, a 20lb hammer is quite manageable for a couple of minutes, but it can tire you out quickly. If you're not used to swinging heavy tools, you might find a smaller hammer is better for you. It’s also worth considering getting a concrete saw to make clean cuts first before hitting it with the hammer—it'll save you effort and give you a neater finish!
You might not need such a big hammer! A 4" slab should be manageable with an sds drill. If you can, check if the slab is reinforced with rebar, as that could complicate things. If it’s not reinforced, cutting out a path with a concrete saw first can help a lot, making it easier to chip away the rest.