Life Below Ground

For an article on basement remodeling go to Attics and Basements

Hammer Time

Probably one of the oldest tools man has ever used is the hammer. Tying a heavy rock on a stick and using the wrist as a fulcrum the force was multiplied, which came in handy for breaking bones and making spear tips.

Carpenter’s “Claw” Hammer: This is most common and common in various handle materials and shapes to lessen the impact on a person’s body. This hammer almost always comes with a claw which is used to pull nails or straighten them. Framers use a longer hammer because the mails are larger and they need the extra advantage to power the spike in.

Sledge Hammer: The largest hammer is the sledge hammer which is used for driving fence posts or for demolition. The long shaft increase the mechanical advantage and the large flat head puts force over a larger area. Actually, everyone can find a use for this large hammer and it is used in creative ways.

Ball Peen Hammer: The “peen” is the back of the hammer opposite the business end. a circular end, or ball. Sometimes called a “machinist hammer” is is used to bend and shape metal, especially softer types like copper. The end can also be used to shape rivets.

Mason’s Hammer: This is a smaller hammer and is used for all of these tasks: hammering nails, splitting block or brick or chipping away mortar. The hammering end is square and flat while the peen end is chisel-like. Practice with the sharp end can mean the mason can accomplish crisp and accurate cuts in brick and cement.

Geologists Hammer: Similar to a mason’s hammer but with a broader chisel end.

Upholsterer’s Hammer: Largely replaced by the nail gun this hammer is still used to put on decorative tacks. On end of the hammer is magnetized to help position the tacks but once in place are driven in by the other end. Once started, the tacks are driven with the other face.

Dead Blow Hammer: Largely used in specialized work like auto body repair the dead blow hammer is made of either polyurethane or fiberglass filled with water or lead shot. This filling absorbs the recoil so it can be struck harder.

There are many other more specialized hammers – picks, awls, etc. – but they do the same thing: they deliver force to a focused area where it is required.