Cordless Breakers

About Cordless Breakers

Cordless breakers represent the cutting edge of demolition tool technology, combining the raw power traditionally associated with pneumatic breakers with the freedom and convenience of battery operation. Also known as demolition hammers or cordless kango hammers, these professional-grade tools deliver exceptional impact energy for breaking through concrete, masonry, brick, and other tough materials without the constraints of power cables or the need for compressors and air hoses. Modern cordless breakers utilise advanced brushless motor technology and high-capacity battery systems like DeWalt's FlexVolt 54V and Makita's XGT 40V platforms to deliver performance that rivals their corded counterparts.

The evolution of battery technology has transformed cordless breakers from niche products into genuine workhorses for construction sites, renovation projects, and demolition work. Today's models offer impressive impact rates, substantial impact energy measured in joules, and sufficient runtime to handle demanding applications throughout the working day. With multiple battery options available, tradespeople can maintain productivity by swapping batteries as needed, whilst benefiting from reduced noise levels, zero emissions, and the ability to work in locations where mains power or compressed air simply isn't available.

These tools excel in applications ranging from removing floor tiles and chasing walls for electrical conduit to breaking up concrete slabs and demolishing brick structures. The cordless design eliminates trip hazards on busy sites, speeds up setup time considerably, and allows operators to work at height or in confined spaces where trailing cables would prove problematic. With leading manufacturers like DeWalt and Makita continuously advancing their battery platforms, the selection at Tooled-Up.com now delivers the power and endurance that professional contractors demand.

Jargon Buster

• Brushless Motor: Advanced motor technology that eliminates carbon brushes, resulting in greater efficiency, longer runtime per charge, extended tool lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional brushed motors.
• Impact Energy (Joules): Measures the force delivered with each blow, typically ranging from 10J to over 60J in cordless models. Higher joule ratings indicate more powerful breaking capability for tackling tougher materials and thicker sections.
• BPM (Blows Per Minute): Indicates how many impacts the tool delivers per minute, typically between 900-2,000 BPM. This affects the speed of material removal and overall productivity.
• XGT/FlexVolt: Next-generation high-voltage battery platforms from Makita (XGT 40V) and DeWalt (FlexVolt 54V) that deliver significantly more power than standard 18V systems, making truly powerful cordless breakers possible.
• SDS-Max: Heavy-duty tool holder system designed for demolition hammers and large rotary hammers, accepting chisels and points up to 18mm diameter. Provides secure retention and efficient power transfer for demanding breaking applications.
• Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT): Engineering features that reduce vibration transmission to the operator, helping to prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and enabling longer, more comfortable working periods whilst maintaining HSE compliance.

Who Uses Cordless Breakers?

Cordless breakers are essential equipment for numerous trades and professionals:

• Demolition Contractors: Breaking up concrete structures, removing walls, and dismantling buildings efficiently without the limitations of power supplies
• Builders and General Contractors: Site preparation, breaking through foundations, removing existing structures, and creating openings in masonry walls
• Groundworkers: Breaking up concrete paths, removing kerbs, demolishing old foundations, and excavating hard surfaces
• Electricians: Chasing deep channels in walls for cable runs, creating openings for consumer units, and removing concrete for underground cable installations
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Breaking through floors and walls to install pipework, removing concrete to access underground services, and creating channels for central heating pipes
• Landscapers: Removing old patios and paving, breaking up concrete edging, demolishing garden walls, and preparing areas for new installations
• Flooring Specialists: Removing stubborn tiles, breaking up old screeds, and preparing substrates for new floor installations
• Renovation Specialists: Stripping out old bathrooms and kitchens, removing fireplaces, and opening up doorways or creating new openings in walls
• Facilities Maintenance Teams: Repair work on commercial and industrial premises where mobility and quick setup are essential
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Ambitious home renovation projects, garden improvements, and property refurbishment work requiring professional-grade demolition capability

How to Choose the Right Cordless Breakers

Selecting the appropriate cordless breaker requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure the tool matches your specific requirements:

Battery Platform and Voltage: The most critical decision involves choosing your battery system. Higher voltage platforms like DeWalt's 54V FlexVolt and Makita's 40V XGT deliver substantially more power than standard 18V systems, making them suitable for heavy-duty demolition work. Consider whether you already use tools from a particular manufacturer, as investing in their breaker allows battery sharing across your existing cordless collection, maximising value and reducing the number of chargers needed on site.

Impact Energy and Power Output: Impact energy measured in joules directly correlates with breaking capability. For occasional light demolition, 10-20J may suffice, but professional contractors tackling reinforced concrete or extensive demolition work should look for 30J or higher. Check the tool's performance specifications against the materials you'll typically encounter—thicker concrete, hard aggregate, or reinforced sections demand more powerful machines.

Weight and Ergonomics: Cordless breakers are substantial tools, often weighing 10kg or more with battery fitted. Consider the physical demands of your typical working day—if you'll be working overhead or in awkward positions, even a kilogram difference becomes significant. Look for models with effective anti-vibration systems, comfortable grip positions, and well-balanced designs that reduce operator fatigue. Side handles should be adjustable to accommodate different working angles and user preferences.

Runtime and Battery Capacity: Evaluate the amp-hour (Ah) ratings of available batteries and realistic runtime expectations for your applications. Harder materials consume more power, reducing runtime considerably. Professional users should invest in multiple high-capacity batteries (typically 6.0Ah or higher) to maintain productivity throughout the day. Quick chargers also prove invaluable, minimising downtime between battery swaps.

Chisel Compatibility and Accessories: Verify that suitable chisels, points, and moil points are readily available for the tool's fitting system (typically SDS-Max for breakers). Consider the range of accessories offered and whether specialist chisels for your particular applications exist. Some manufacturers offer better accessory ranges than others.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional-grade cordless breakers endure harsh conditions and heavy use. Look for robust construction with metal gear housings, protective bumpers, and sealed designs that resist dust and moisture ingress. Premium brands like DeWalt and Makita build tools engineered for years of intensive site use, justifying their higher initial cost through reliability and longevity.

Additional Features: Consider beneficial features such as electronic speed control, soft-start functions that prevent the tool lurching on startup, LED work lights for poorly lit areas, and intelligent battery management systems that protect cells from damage. Some models include carrying cases or wheeled transport solutions, valuable for tools of this size and weight.

Popular Accessories

• SDS-Max Chisels and Points: Various profiles including flat chisels for general breaking, pointed chisels for precision work, and wide chisels for removing floor tiles and large areas of material
• Moil Points: Concentrated breaking point for targeted demolition work, particularly useful for breaking through reinforced concrete or creating starter holes
• Asphalt Cutters: Specialist chisels designed for cutting through tarmac and asphalt surfaces with minimal damage to surrounding areas
• High-Capacity Batteries: Additional 6.0Ah, 9.0Ah, or even 12.0Ah batteries to extend working time between charges and maintain productivity on demanding jobs
• Fast Chargers: Rapid charging units that significantly reduce battery charging time, essential for maximising tool availability on busy sites
• Carry Cases and Trolleys: Purpose-designed storage and transport solutions that accommodate the tool, batteries, charger, and accessories whilst protecting your investment
• Chisel Grease: Specialist lubricant for SDS-Max shanks that ensures smooth operation, reduces wear, and maintains optimal power transfer
• Dust Extraction Attachments: Where available, extraction accessories help manage dust and debris, improving visibility and supporting HSE compliance

Safety Information

Cordless breakers are powerful tools that demand respect and proper safety precautions. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety goggles or a full face shield to protect against flying debris, heavy-duty work gloves, steel toe-capped boots, and ear defenders—even cordless models generate significant noise levels. A hard hat is essential when working overhead or on construction sites.

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) represents a serious occupational health concern when using breakers. Monitor your exposure time according to HSE guidelines, use tools with effective anti-vibration systems, take regular breaks, and maintain equipment properly to minimise vibration levels. Keep warm whilst working, as cold conditions increase HAVS risk. Consult your tool's manual for specific vibration emission values and calculate permissible daily exposure times accordingly.

Before starting work, check the work area thoroughly for hidden services including electrical cables, gas pipes, and water mains. Use a cable and pipe detector and consult building plans where available. Ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors, as breaking materials may release dust and harmful particles. Consider whether COSHH assessments are required for specific materials, particularly when dealing with older buildings that might contain asbestos or lead paint.

Maintain secure footing and stable positioning when operating the breaker. The tool's power can cause loss of balance if it breaks through material unexpectedly. Never operate whilst standing on ladders or unstable platforms. Ensure the work piece is adequately supported and won't collapse unexpectedly. Keep bystanders at a safe distance from the working area, and cordon off the zone if working on public sites.

Allow the tool to do the work—excessive force doesn't improve performance and increases fatigue and injury risk. Keep both hands on the breaker at all times during operation. Ensure batteries are properly secured before starting work, and always remove the battery before changing chisels or performing any maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a cordless breaker compare to a corded model for power?

Modern high-voltage cordless breakers using 40V-54V battery platforms now deliver impact energy comparable to many corded models, with premium cordless units achieving 50-60+ joules. Whilst the absolute most powerful breakers remain corded or pneumatic, the performance gap has narrowed considerably. For most demolition applications including breaking concrete up to 150-200mm thick, removing brick walls, and general construction demolition work, today's cordless breakers available from Tooled-Up.com provide entirely adequate power with the substantial benefits of portability and convenience.

How long will the batteries last on a single charge?

Runtime varies significantly depending on battery capacity, material hardness, and working intensity. As a general guide, a 6.0Ah battery might provide 20-40 minutes of continuous heavy breaking in reinforced concrete, or 45-90 minutes for lighter materials like brick or block work. High-capacity 9.0Ah or 12.0Ah batteries extend runtime proportionally. Professional contractors typically keep 2-3 batteries in rotation with a fast charger to maintain all-day productivity. Real-world runtime proves difficult to specify precisely as it depends heavily on application severity.

Can I use my existing 18V batteries with a cordless breaker?

No, cordless breakers require the higher voltage battery platforms offered by manufacturers—DeWalt's 54V FlexVolt or Makita's 40V XGT systems. Standard 18V batteries simply cannot deliver sufficient power for demolition applications. However, some battery platforms like FlexVolt offer backwards compatibility, meaning the 54V batteries can also power standard 18V tools from the same manufacturer, providing flexibility across your tool collection.

Do I need any special training or certification to use a cordless breaker?

Whilst no specific UK legal certification exists for operating cordless breakers for most general construction applications, employers must provide adequate training under Health and Safety at Work regulations. Many contractors undertake tool-specific training, and understanding HAVS risks and exposure limits is essential. If working on certain sites or for particular clients, CSCS cards or specific tool operation certificates may be required. Always follow manufacturer instructions and HSE guidance regarding safe operation and vibration exposure limits.

What maintenance do cordless breakers require?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning dust and debris from air vents after each use, inspecting the tool holder for wear, applying chisel grease to SDS-Max shanks, and checking that all fixings remain tight. Brushless motors require minimal maintenance compared to older brushed designs. Store batteries according to manufacturer recommendations, typically at partial charge in moderate temperatures. Have the tool serviced by an authorised service centre annually for professional use, or if you notice any performance decline, unusual noises, or excessive vibration. Keep the tool dry and clean, and inspect for damage before each use.