Hammers: Types, Uses and Safety tips
Published by Spaenaur Inc
August 1st, 2023
The hammer is one of the world’s most popular hand tools used today.
"I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail." - Abraham Maslow
Hammers are often used to symbolize mining, industrial and manufacturing workplaces. They are also used as an icon to signify work or workers as represented on the Former Soviet Flag.
Hammers frequently serve as symbols for mining, industrial, and manufacturing environments. They are also employed as icons to represent labor or laborers, as depicted on the Former Soviet Union's flag.
People have used hammers since the Stone Ages, making them from rock to carve and break items, including stone and wood.
In 1840, a blacksmith in the United States named David Maydole created a claw hammer. The hammer's head tapers downwards around the handle opening. This gave more support for the handle. Using the hammer to pull nails prevented the handle from coming loose.
His hammer became so popular that his blacksmith shop grew into a factory to keep up with the demand. Most claw hammers made today use this same design.
Dozens of different types of hammers exist. Here are a few examples:
Claw Hammer :
- The most common style of hammer.
- Typically weighs between 455 to 680 grams (16 to 24 ounces).
- Marries two opposing purposes: the ability to drive a nail into wood and, when necessary, to lever it out.
- Widely used by carpenters for woodworking purposes.
Ball-Peen Hammer :
- Considered the best hammer for metal work.
- Three variants are available: straight-peen, diagonal-peen and cross-peen.
- Widely used for tasks such as chisels and striking punches.
Soft Hammers and Mallets:
- Mallet heads are soft to minimize damage to whatever you’re hitting.
- Some have interchangeable faces for working different materials.
- Useful for forcing joints together, driving wood chisels, forming sheet metal, working on soft metals, sitting dowels or stone.
Experts say that hammers with hickory handles are the best. Next are fibreglass hammers, followed by solid steel ones. These options help reduce tiring and painful vibrations in the handle.
Safety Tips
- Never use a claw hammer for striking hard surfaces.
- Do not use a hammer with a broken or loose handle as this may result in a severe injury to you or others.
- Get rid of hammers that have broken or cracked claws or eyes.
- Get a firm grip on the handle while striking the fasteners or nails.
- Always wear safety goggles while using your hammer(s).
Explore our catalog of Hammers
Hammers are commonly employed in construction to drive nails, fit parts, or break apart materials through repeated impact.
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