Abstract: A device for driving a tool in axial direction in the course of a vibration-like forward and reverse movement, which operates at high efficiency with a rapidly oscillating stroke frequency and can be used as an easily handled hand-held appliance because, due to the drive, an especially advantageous ratio of the weight and volume to the power exerted at output is feasible. This drive consists of a piston (8) movable non-positively to and fro, which feeds oil to a working piston (22) and moves the latter correspondingly to and fro against the pressure of a spring (25) acting on the working piston (22) and against the external air pressure. The tool to be drive is preferably connected with the working piston (22) by means of the counterpressure spring (25). Working cylinder (20) and master cylinder (9) are connected with each other by a flexible hose (14) to prevent any weight transmission to the hand-held appliance. (FIG.