Different types of HammersA wide range of Hammers are available, varying in shape, size and weight. The differentstyles reflect different uses. Around the house, the average diyer only really needs one or twotype.The shape of Hammer heads has not changed much over the years although some modernmaterials are now used in both the head and handle. Traditionally handle were made of woodfixed through a hole in the head; this allowed the handle to be easily replaced if required.Modern hammers use modern materials and the handles are often built into the head - oftenwith a form of built-in shock absorber to make themeasier to use.Claw HammerThe most popular hammer for general work,available with a wooden (often hickory), glass-fibreor steel handle; with or without rubber grip. The mostpopular weights are 455-680g (16 to 24oz). The clawis normally curved, and incorporates a V cut-out todraw nails from timber. The claw can be used to lever up floorboards or where other placeswhere a lever is required; care must be taken (especially with cheaper models) as the forceapplied can easily weaken the joint between the handle and the head.Ball PeinNormally used by engineers, the pein in this case, isrounded and is usually used for shaping metal and closingrivets. Ball pein hammers are available from 55 - 1100 (4oz upto 2 lb.), 110 - 165g (8oz 12oz) are the most suitable for general use. Handles arenormally wood, usually Ash or Hickory.Cross and Straight PeinAgain, mainly used for shaping metal, the pein can be at right angles to the handle or parallelwith it. The most useful domestically is the cross pein, where the pein can be used for startingpanel pins and tacks. Handles are normally wood, usually Ash.Cross Pein Pin HammerA lighter version of the Cross and Straight Peinhammer, ideal for light joinery and cabinet work.Weight 55g (4oz).Club HammerSometimes called a Lump Hammer, it has a double facedhead, and is useful for light demolition work, driving steelchisels and masonry nails. As debris is likely to fly, the
wearing of safety glasses and working gloves is recommended. Weight 1135g (2 1/2 lb) beingbest suited to domestic work. Handles are normally wood, usually Hickory, or synthetic resin.Sledge HammerUsed for the heavier jobs, such as driving in stakes orto break up concrete, stone or masonry. For lighter jobsjust the weight of the head may be used for blows, butfor heavier work, the hammer is swung like an axe. Wear suitable protective clothing,including safety glasses. Weights 7, 10 and 14 lb.Joiners MalletUsed to drive chisels or to tap wood joints together, wherea metal-faced hammer would cause damage or bruising.Note that the head is slightly tapered to ensure correctcontact with the work. Both the handle and head are wood,usually Beech or Lignum Vitae.Soft-faced HammersVarious types are available, with hard and soft rubber,plastic or copper faces. Some come with a choice offaces which are interchangeable. Useful for strikingmaterials such as chrome wing outs, where a steelface would cause damage. In some cases, can replacea mallet for cabinet work.Special HammersFrom here on, there are specialist hammers developed to meet the needs of various trades.These include a Brick Hammer for striking a bolster or splitting bricks; Woodcarving Mallet,with rounded body; Veneer Hammer, for pressing and tapping veneers into place;Upholsterers hammer for driving tacks and nails in confined spaces, and Sprig Hammer,used by picture frame makers.Power HammersMore often referred to as powered nailers, these take thehard work out of fitting nails, staples etc. They are idealwhere a large number of nails need to be fitted, such asfixing floorboards. They range from light duty (for use whenfixing edge mouldings, picture frames etc) to heavy dutynailers, used to fix floorboards and garden decking etc.
Advice for using hammersAlways use the right hammer for the job, it will make the job easier and avoid possibledamage to the hammer/workpiece.Never hit nails with the side of a check or a hammer head. The metal at these points is nothardened as the striking face and could be damaged.When assembling delicate work, use a piece of scrap wood between the work piece and thehead of the hammer. This will prevent damage to the workpiece.Use a nail punch to sink nails into the timber, again this will prevent damage to the workpiece. A nail punch has a flat end (or slightly, concave) to fit the nail head rather than thepointed end which other punches have.Where the handle is held in the hammer head by steel wedges, check regularly to ensure thewedges are tight. Timber handle can shrink in dry conditions.If a timber handle does start become loose, place the head in water overnight, the water willcause the handle to expand and tighten in the head.If a hammer tends to slip off nails, roughen the face of the head using a medium abrasivepaper.Always wear safety glasses when driving masonry nails or breaking up concrete