You would think an everyday tool like a hammer would be simple. Yes and no. There are all kinds of features you might need to know about. Choose a tool that’s too heavy for you and you’ll pay the price with a sore arm. But a tool that’s too light might not get the job done, so choose wisely.
I needed to buy a new hammer and looked at several options. I’m a big guy, so I thought right off I should get a larger tool. Something in the range of 22-25 ounces. Not so fast, big boy! Those are great tools, no doubt, but if you need to swing a hammer all day or for several hours of work, a lighter 15-16 ounce tool might be best unless you’re a real pro and are used to the activity.
What is a hammer?
A hammer is a tool that has a weighted “head” at the end of a long handle that is swung to deliver a force to a small area of an object. This might be, for example, to drive nails into wood, to shape metal (with a forge), or to crush rock. They are used for a variety of tasks.
The modern hammer head is typically made of steel which has been heat-treated for hardness, and a handle (also called a haft or helve) is usually made of wood or plastic.
Choosing the right tool for the job.
For home use, you typically need a claw hammer to hang pictures, fix your fence or most any other common household task. A claw hammer has a “claw,” opposite the “head,” to pull nails out of wood and other materials. There are hammers with magnetized heads and nail starters to help hold the nail while driving a nail. This can be a real time-saver.
The handle is important, too. Some are made from tried-and-true harder woods like hickory, and will last the life of the tool. There are also shock-absorbing handles which can reduce fatigue and wear and tear on your shoulder and arm.
The short list.
Here’s a few I considered:
In the end, which hammer you buy is up to you. Just remember to always use the right tool for the job: if you are driving a small finishing nail with a huge 25-ounce framing hammer it will be like using a sledgehammer. In this case, it would be better to use a smaller finishing hammer.
Likewise, if you’re driving a 16 penny nail, you’ll want a heavier tool to get the job done. You need mass and force. Just know that there can be problems with choosing a tool that is too light or too heavy. It all depends on what the task at hand might be.
I hope this helps you choose the right hammer for you.
Thanks,
Hank
