Hammers

Hammer is mainly used to hit an object that has a heavy metal head that are attached to a handle. They are generally classified based on the type of head and weight. Metal head hammers are the hard ones that are made up of high carbon steels and can be used on bolts and nails.

A mallet is a hammer like hand tool with a striking surface made of wood, hickory, hard rubber, plastic or rawhide. These hammers should not be used for striking hard metals, as it will damage the hammerheads. The wooden mallets must be used when pounding a wood chisel.

The main types of hammers are given below.

Claw Hammer: This is the common type and can be used for various tasks. The claw is curved and has a V-cut that draws the nails out.

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Ball Peen Hammer: This hammer is also knows as mechanist’s hammer or engineer’s hammer. It is a peening hammer with one end shaped like an ordinary hammerhead while the other end is ball shaped. It is mainly used in striking and shaping metals especially in metal fabrication. It is the best choice to set rivets in metal by hand.

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Cross Peen Hammer: This hammer is used for starting panel pins and tacks, especially for use where the working area access is limited. The peen is at right angles to the shaft and allows you to tap the nail between your fingers without striking a finger.

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Straight Peen Hammer: This hammer is mainly used for shaping metal and the peen is in-line with the shaft.

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Riveting Hammer: This hammer is used for swaging down rivets and beating metal sheets. It has a flat face and a narrow peen.

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Nylon Faced Hammer: This hammer is used to deliver blows to the work without causing damage to the surface.

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The following are the aspects that must be ensured when using hammers.

• Always use the correct hammer that is best suited for the job.
• Ensure that the handle is fitted tight.
• Ensure the hammer faces are free from chips and dents.
• Wear safety goggles when using a metal hammer.
• Hold the handle at the farthest position away from the head.
• Use the forearm as an extension of the handle when striking a blow.
• Swing the hammer by bending the elbow, not the wrist.