Hydraulic breakers work hard. Naturally a breaker's working steel tool will eventually need replacing. Contractors can get another tool from the breaker OEM, or they could purchase a generic alternative. But almost every breaker brand functions somewhat differently, so one must consider whether the small initial savings on an aftermarket tool is worth risking damage to the breaker itself. Jobsite conditions also must be considered when replacing tool steel.

Stick With OEM Steel
Some believe a breaker is a breaker, a tool is a tool, and steel is steel. But there are many variations of each.

• Hardness. To meet wear resistance demands, Aftermarket manufacturers often sell harder steel. This causes problems if the steel is harder than the breaker's piston. The tool steel should be slightly softer than the piston's impact face so that any wear will be on the tool, rather than the piston. If the situation is reversed, the piston will eventually fail.
• Shape. Many tools have concave impact surfaces. If this defect exists, the piston's flat surface will only hit the tool's outer edges, damaging the piston's outer ring. Another issue is a tool face with a centering point - a hole from cheap fabrication. Problems again arise because contact with the tool is not evenly distributed over the piston's impact face. The centering hole makes an indentation on the piston that may crack.
• Specs. Aftermarket tools might have incorrect dimensions at the retainer bar recess. Overall quality also comes into question. If the piston-tool buffer ring is not within specified tolerance limits, it could crack and expose the breaker to its fragments.

To avoid discrepancies, obtain replacement tools from the OEM or companies that make working tools to exact OEM specifications.

Right Tool For the Job
Choose the tool best suited for the application and material to be broken.

• Chisel. The chisel offers some material penetration through its cutting edge. It gives an optimum wedge effect for cutting asphalt or breaking reinforced concrete. It also works well for trenching applications or primary breaking in sedimentary rock like limestone.
• Moil Point. Designed to penetrate rock or concrete, moil points come in conical and pyramidal versions that are often used interchangeably. A conical moil point produces an equal wedge effect in all directions. A pyramidal moil point has four distinct sides that wedge in two directions.
• Blunt Tool. The blunt tool transmits optimum energy, delivering a shattering effect. This vibrational energy crumbles material, perfect for recycling large concrete slabs. It's also good for breaking oversize stones and primary breaking of harder, crystalline rock.

Material Matters
Using the wrong tool could reduce productivity, but a greater risk of damage also exists. Several factors can cause working tool failure.