A complete model of a pneumatic jackhammer system has been developed. Application of this model requires that two preliminary experiments be performed. The first experiment produces the relationship between piston impact velocity and the pressures acting on the top and bottom surfaces of the piston, while the second determines the force-indentation behavior for the bit/target system. The model analysis leads to the prediction of the jackhammer efficiency and target response, including target penetration and crack propagation. This model is not dependent on the jackhammer type or size, and may be applied to any such system.