Clear something up regarding air hammer

[Wile E Coyote]

Looking to confirm if a cheap HF or Northern Tools air hammer will accept a needler attachment as is?
I see the combo kits, which both stores carry, that are sold w/ both chisel points and a needler attachment. Just don't know if there is something unique about that kit's particular air hammer nose.

Here's the attachment:
Northern Industrial Air Needle Scaler Replacement | Air Needle Scalers | Northern Tool + Equipment

Here's the combo kit:
Northern Industrial Air Hammer Combo | Air Hammers | Northern Tool + Equipment

And here's the air hammer I have and want to use as a needler:
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Anyone BTDT, and have input?

If this doesn't work as I intend, I understand I can get a dedicated needler that's beefier and would likely work better, I'd just spend a lot of time waiting for my 110v compressor to catch up with 12 cfm.

Edit: Yes, I did email the question to Northern Tool, just haven't heard back yet.

 

[RavenTai]

what is the shank size of your air hammer? the most common is .401", there is also a .498" that I have only seen in larger rivet guns, never in an air hammer, they list the shank size on that scaler as .375", I have never seen a 3/8" shank before makes me wonder if it is a type-o.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

what is the shank size of your air hammer? the most common is .401", there is also a .498" that I have only seen in larger rivet guns, never in an air hammer, they list the shank size on that scaler as .375", I have never seen a 3/8" shank before makes me wonder if it is a type-o.

Thanks so much for your reply. Yeah, they must have typo'd the shank dia.

I never heard back from Northern Tools about this question. I just spent a few mins studying the pics in the above links, and I've come to my own conclusion.

Looking at the combo kit, I see the black barrel is longer, because there is an extension/adapter that allows the exchange of the chisel head, or the needler head.
My air hammer body will not fit the needler attachment, as it does not have this extra adapter part. I just went out and confirm this.

Oh well, just gonna order a dedicated needle scaler and get on with my frame refreshening.

 

[MoJ]

A little off topic but how well does your $5.99 air hammer work?

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Surprisingly, it does just fine for a rarely used hobbyist's needs. I think I'd kill it if I used it regularly.

 

[RavenTai]

the longer barrel is more about what kind of "air hammer" it is than fitting attachments, longer barrel hits harder and has a slower tempo,

2x gun

4x gun

7x gun

I don't like the cheap air hammers, they have a light blow and the triggers have no or very little tease, but I am comparing them to $300 rivet guns,

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Dern tool snobs! hehe
Thanks, but I was referring to the longer barrel being due to the presence of the adapter, I understand the larger piston present in the longer barrels allows for a slower, harder hit.

Edit:
I was referencing my conclusion from the exploded views avail on HF's manual pdf. I was wrong.

I just edited because I poked around Northern Tool and their manual clearly shows the needle scaler screwing onto the end of the barrel just as the chisel retaining spring would.

Another home run for cheap bastids everywhere!
I do appreciate your time, RTai.

 

[RavenTai]

Glad to help,

when you earn your living with a tool instead of ocational hobby use quality becomes important.