What's inside
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Our Top Picks
DEWALT DCH293B 20V Max XR Brushless 1-1/8” L-ShapeOne Size15.3 x 4 x 10.6 inches8.7 poundsCheck on Amazon
DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer DrillOne Size11.35 x 8.5 x 10.7 Inches4.59 PoundsCheck on Amazon
What chipping mortar from reclaimed brick demands
Cleaning mortar off reclaimed brick is a control job, not a demolition contest. The goal is to remove mortar without bruising the brick’s edges or splitting a face. An SDS-Plus rotary hammer is a sensible choice when you have a substantial pile to clean, but even a compact hammer can take off too much material if you use it like a small jackhammer.
For most salvage work, look for a tool with a dedicated hammer-only mode, variable speed or trigger control, and a light enough body to guide comfortably. A roughly 1-inch-class SDS-Plus hammer is usually ample; more impact energy and weight can make delicate work harder, not faster. Check the tool’s stated impact energy and weight rather than judging it by motor amperage alone.
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Best choice: a compact SDS-Plus hammer with good control
For regular batches of brick, a corded compact SDS-Plus rotary hammer is often the best value. It avoids battery cost and downtime, and you do not need a large demolition hammer to break mortar joints. A cordless model makes sense when the work is outside, spread across a site, or far from an outlet, but expect to pay more for the tool and batteries.
Compare compact SDS-Plus rotary hammers with hammer-only mode by weight, control, vibration, and warranty as well as price. If you already own a compatible battery platform, a bare tool may be the economical cordless route. Verify that the model has hammer-only operation; some rotary hammers are designed mainly for drilling and offer less useful control for chipping.
Which tool fits your workload?
| Tool | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Hand chisel and club hammer | A few bricks, fragile faces, quiet work | Slow over a large batch; results depend on technique |
| Compact corded SDS-Plus hammer | Regular cleaning near an outlet | Cord management; more tool than needed for just a few bricks |
| Compact cordless SDS-Plus hammer | Mobile work and scattered salvage | Higher cost; runtime and battery weight |
| Large demolition hammer | Heavy masonry removal, not careful brick cleaning | Too much force and weight for many reclaimed bricks |
If you have fewer than a dozen bricks, a hand tool may be the better buy. A narrow masonry chisel and a small club hammer offer immediate feedback and reduce the risk of a sudden deep gouge. For hundreds of bricks, powered chipping saves effort, but sorting out cracked or badly damaged bricks still takes time.
Choose the right bit and work in short passes
Use a sharp SDS-Plus scaling chisel or narrow flat chisel suited to masonry; avoid a pointed bit for routine mortar removal. A wide chisel can skim a broad, exposed mortar bed, but it is easier to lever against the brick by mistake. A narrow chisel reaches tight joints with more precision. Browse SDS-Plus masonry scaling and flat chisels, checking shank compatibility and the maker’s intended use.
Secure each brick on a stable surface with padding beneath it. Start at an exposed mortar edge, hold the chisel at a shallow angle, and use brief bursts. Work along the mortar rather than driving straight into the brick. If the mortar does not release, change the angle or move to another edge instead of increasing pressure. Let the hammer do the work; pushing hard can make the bit skate, trap it, or chip the brick.
Test the setup on a brick you can afford to lose. Reclaimed bricks vary: soft, weathered units may shed their face, while hard mortar can be stubborn enough to damage a weak edge. Stop if the brick begins to crack or the chisel repeatedly bites into the clay. Some bricks are not worth cleaning intact.
Common damage and how to avoid it
The usual failure is taking a corner off while the bit is aimed at a mortar joint. Another is using the chisel as a pry bar after loosening the mortar; that can split a brick along a hidden flaw. Keep the work supported close to the impact point, avoid twisting the tool in a tight joint, and clear loose debris often so it does not shift under the brick.
Mortar dust and chips are another practical hazard. Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a well-fitting respirator appropriate for fine masonry dust. Work outdoors or use effective dust extraction where possible. Old mortar and brick may contain hazardous contaminants; if the source or age is uncertain, avoid dry cleanup that spreads dust and seek suitable testing or local guidance.
Buying checklist and bottom line
Before buying, check that the hammer has hammer-only mode, accepts SDS-Plus bits, and feels manageable in a one-handed working position. Compare tool weight and vibration-control features, and confirm whether a case, side handle, depth stop, and chisel are included. A more powerful model is not automatically better: extra impact can raise the chance of damage and fatigue.
Choose a compact corded hammer for frequent work near power, or a compact cordless model if mobility matters enough to justify the battery cost. For occasional cleaning, spend less on a hand chisel and hammer and reserve the powered tool for the jobs where it genuinely saves time. In every case, a sharp bit, a supported brick, and restrained pressure matter more than maximum power.