From striking the nail in the surface to taking out the nail, Hammers are used for various functions. These tools with heavy metal head and wooden or at times steel handles are mechanical tools that deliver a sudden power to an object. They are different types of hammers; they come in various shapes, sizes and structures. These are commonly used to drive nails, break objects, fit parts, and give shape to objects.
Different types of ‘Hammers’-
- Ball Peen Hammer– This peen hammer is rounded at one end. It is commonly used for rounding the edges of metal pins and fasteners and giving shape to the metal. It is commonly known as machinist’s hammer.
- Claw Hammer– It is most recognized hammer of all. This hammer has a curved, forked claw that helps in removing the nail out of the surface. This type of hammer is so useful that it can be found in most of the houses and offices.
- Club Hammer– This has a short and double faced head similar to that of a sledge hammer. This kind of tool is used for light demolition work and is not well suited for commercial use.
- Dead Blow Hammer– This tool is specially crafted for soft blows. It has either a solid rubber or plastic head which helps in delivering light blows to the object. It is diversely used, from woodworking to automotive applications where it helps in fixing small dents, leveling the surface without damaging it.
- Sledge Hammer– This is one of the most popular demolition tool. It consists of a long handle and has double metal head similar to club hammer. It is designed for delivering heavy blows. They are used in breaking up concrete and other objects.
- Rubber Mallet– It is the most common type of mallet. It consists of two rubber heads which allows for softer blows. It is majorly used in woodworking and also helps in giving shapes to sheet metal without damaging them.
Few tips to keep in mind before using the hammer safely-
- Wear goggles, particularly when you are driving in nails, breaking concrete or other materials that could shatter or fragment on impact.
- Always use the head of the hammer, not the side to strike on the object. The metal is not hard there; it is much thinner where the handle passes through and can be easily damaged.
- Hammer does need some maintenance. If the hammer handle is held in the head of the hammer with segments these can work loose or the handle can shrink if it stiff. This means that the head can come loose and slip down the handle hurting your hands or even fly off.
- The face can become polished with use and can slip off nails when struck; roughen the face with some sand paper to prevent this happening.
- Always use the right hammer for the job you are doing, It makes the task easier and will help to avoid possible damage to the hammer, yourself and the project that you are working on.
- Do not apply brutal force on those objects which can be broken easily. Use specific type of hammer to work on that object or surface.