The hammer is one of the most frequently used hand tools found in any toolbox. While simple and straightforward in their use, there are many varieties of hammers with each designed specifically a range of tasks from driving nails to shaping metal. If you’re a contractor, construction worker, or just a do-it-yourself-type looking to expand your tool collection, here’s a listing of the most common hammer types along with other essentials you should keep in mind before make a purchase.
Hammers Types
Claw Hammer
Claw hammers are probably what most people think of when they envision a hammer. These tools are great multitasking with the flat, blunt end is used for pounding objects like nails and fasteners, while the “claw” end is used for prying things up like embedded nails and more.
Ball Peen Hammer
Ball peen hammers have a dual hammer head, one spherical and one flat. These hammers are used for “peening” which is the art of expanding and shaping various materials. Naturally they’re very popular in the metal working industry.
Soft Faced Hammer
Soft faced hammers feature soft heads made from rubber or plastic compounds. They’re perfect for hammering sensitive or delicate materials without fear of damaging them making them the logical choice for auto bodywork.
Club Hammer
The bulky-looking hammers stand out for their heavy, dual flat head which makes them great for masonry work such as driving chisels into stone. They’re also great for DIY projects where light-duty demolition is required.
Dead Blow Hammer
Dead blow hammers feature hollow heads filled with shock-absorbing material. This allows you to focus the point of impact at a single point rather than spread out across a wide area. These hammers are great for woodworking projects or auto body tasks like popping out dents.
Sledgehammer
Sledgehammers have heavy, durable heads that apply tremendous amounts of force when swung to smash apart wood, glass, brick, concrete, and more. They feature a long handle and ideal for home improvement projects requiring large amounts of demolition.
What’s in a Hammer?
Materials
Most hammers heads are either metal or fiberglass while handle options are either wood, metal (if the hammer is one solid piece), or fiberglass. Hammers with wood, particularly hickory, or fiberglass handles are better at absorbing impact than metal, which reduces hand fatigue.
Metal is durable and hefty, but also quite heavy versus fiberglass which is very strong but lightweight. While wood is strong and light, it’s not as durable as its metal or fiberglass counterparts.
Full Body or Wedged
Hammers generally come in one solid piece, or feature a handle with a wedged head attached with a strong adhesive. Full body hammers are naturally stronger and more durable so if you plan on purchasing a hammer with a wedged head, ensure it’s sealed with epoxy or an industrial-strength adhesive.
Magnetic Tips
Magnetic tips help to keeps nails and other fasteners in place which is handy for hammering at an extended reach or when restricted to using only one hand. This feature is generally found only on smaller hammers like the claw.
Strike Face Size
Strike face size is what determines the hammers accuracy. The larger the strike face, the more accurate your blows will be, making it easier to strike successfully strike nails and fasteners. Also keep the shape of the strike face in mind. Domed faces drive fasteners into the surface of what you’re striking with little to no damage, while flat faces carry sa higher risk of damaging a surface.
Weight
Hammering can be a grueling task, particularly if you’re going to be doing it for long periods of time. As such, the hammers weight should factor into your decision. The lighter the tool, the less arm and hand fatigue is accrued.
Hand Grip
Hammer handles are wrapped in a range of materials including rubber, nylon, vinyl, or leather, which makes them easier to grip and hold. These materials also make them a lot more comfortable to use, as well as provides a safe measure of anti-slip grip.
Corrosion Resistance
For hammers with metal handles or heads, corrosion resistance is important, especially if you plan on using your hammer outdoors. The corrosion resistance in hammers generally comes in the form of a polished surface or powder coating.