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AIRCAT Pneumatic Tools 5250-A-T .401 Shank Super Duty Air Hammer

April 28, 2025

Pete Rudloff, owner of Pete’s Garage in Newark, Delaware, provides his take on the tool.

The AIRCAT .401 Shank Super Duty Air Hammer, No. 5250-A-T, offers a solid steel housing and barrel design for durability. It has a 3” long piston stroke, 3/4” diameter steel piston, 2,500 bpm, and a contoured cushion grip. Multiple front exhaust ports direct exhaust and debris away from the user. The four-position air regulator and variable speed trigger provide user control. The tool measures 9.25” in length, weighs 5.5 lbs., and includes a heavy-duty quick-change safety retainer.

Pete Rudloff, owner of Pete’s Garage in Newark, Delaware, provides his take on the tool below.

Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A: Functions great, very controllable, it seems to be not as loud as the tool truck air hammers I previously used.

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?

A: Reduces time cutting/splitting exhaust and helps with dislodging hard-to-get loose bushing and bolts.

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: Almost zero, you unbox it, install an air fitting, add lube, and use it.

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: Super easy — the trigger is controllable and feels very comfortable in my hand.

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: Basic cardboard packaging, comes standard with a quick disconnect chuck that works well.

Q: What features did you like?

A: The plastic handle is really comfortable and doesn’t get as cold as old steel-housed air hammers. Just holding the AIRCAT 5250-A-T, it feels like the right weight for something that’s quality-built. Techs understand that sometimes you pick up a new tool and your first impression is it’s quality or cheap junk. This one hits hard and seems quieter than my other brand of air hammers.

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: A rust descaler attachment would complement this nicely.

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?

A: Splitting exhaust during removal, cutting up an old fuel tank, and control arm busing removal.

Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?

A: I have owned several different air hammers, all the tool truck brands and some store brand versions. The AIRCAT 5350-A-T is standing a rung above the best I’ve used before.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: A solid 10. It’s a great tool and has lots of practical purposes. It’s not over-engineered and it performs quite well.

Content brought to you by PTEN and originally published on VehicleServicePros.com

About the Author

John Hitch | Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance

John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.

He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.

Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.

The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.