Impact energy of demo hammer for rebar

[Boatesy]

Alright. I've searched eplaya high and low for the info I'm looking for, to no avail. Last year, our camp (Holi High Camp) borrowed a demo hammer to pound in rebar. It was a breath of fresh air compared to sledging it. Try it and you'll be convinced. This year, we've decided to purchase one. They come in a wide range of prices and power: http://www.mytoolstore.com/compare/cphamr2.html

There is an excellent reference on demo hammers/rotary hammers that can probably answer most questions on these sweet power tools, relative to playa use: http://www.litebrite.org/rebarhammer/

Like many camps, we're on a budget and as much as I'd like to buy a nice Bosch or Dewalt that has 5 ft lbs. of impact energy or greater, I'm wondering if I can get away with lower cost and consequently, impact energy. Really, the impact energy needed depends on how big your rebar is. We don't have anything larger than 3/4 in, whereas Mr. Wizzard (see litebrite link above) was pounding in 1.5 in rebar stakes.

Does anyone have experience using demo hammers with < 5 ft lbs impact energy to pound in rebar that is < 1 in diameter? I'm guessing I would be fine, but just want to be sure before dropping the cash. Hoping to spend less than $200 on a demo hammer if I can help it.

Cheers!

[some seeing eye]

I actually borrowed his hammer once on playa. I drove 3/8, 1/2 repar with no pilot hole. He was driving larger, but with a pilot hole. I would not go under his sizing suggestions. To keep costs down, you can buy used, as he suggests. I did see Harbor Freight has a $90 one in the store that looks like their 169-199 one online. I'm not a big fan of their power tools.

[some seeing eye]

By the way, you might look up the lag screws thread. I would use screws for anything but a monkey hut/slip pipe over, or a big structure requiring an anchor depth greater than 18".