How To Use A Hammer
For the first-time woodworker, using a hammer can be a challenge. Even experienced craftsman sometimes cannot help accidentally splitting wood. To avoid this, it is important to know your hammer and how to use it. It is also recommended that you know what kind of hammer your particular job requires. If you are assembling a desk, for example, do not use a sledge hammer! That is a silly example, but there are sillier ones that I could point to. Improper use of a hammer can not only lead to embarrassment, but serious pain and injury. That is why it is important to know how to use a hammer.
To use a hammer, first you must correctly set up the nail in the wood. Place the nail where you want to drive it into the wood and hold it between your thumb and forefinger on your nondominant hand. (If you are right-handed, this means you hold the nail with your left hand, and vice versa.) Hold the hammer exactly as if you were shaking hands with someone. When beginning to hammer the nail, hold the hammer closer to the head, preferably immediately below the head. After the nail is partially into the wood, you can start to hammer using the lower portion of the handle. When you do this, be sure to take your hand away from the nail so you do not injure it with the force of your hammering.
To keep from splitting the wood, create a pilot hole for the nail to go in to. It is advisable not to make the pilot hole in the grain of the wood, because this will cause it to split. Blunting the nail can help avoid splitting the wood. To do this, simply tap the sharp point of the nail with your hammer. This will ensure the force from the hammer striking the nail will be spread out into the wood and not concentrated in a discrete point, thus ensuring that the wood will stay intact.
That's all there is to it. An extra tip I could offer is swing from the elbow for maximum power and swing from the wrist if you want better control over the hammer. Another obvious tip is do not use inferior wood. Make sure your wood is the best quality you can get for your price. If you are the adventurous type, try finishing your own furniture. Unfinished oak furniture or unfinished pine furniture can be great fun to work with. Remember, always seek the help of a professional if you have any questions about your wood or your technique. It is not a bad thing to make a mistake, if you learn from it. Happy woodworking.
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (6)
Manufacturer: Stanley Hand Tools
Model Number: 51-621
Sale Price: $9.62
| 51-621 Style: Curved Claw Hammer, Price Each (part# 51-621) This item features: -Jacketed design provides superior overstrike protection for long life and safety. -Rim-tempered face helps reduce chipping. -Fiberglass handle allows for maximum shock absorption. -Head Weight: 16 oz. -Handle Type: Cushion Grip. -Overall Length: 13 in. -Head Material: High Carbon Steel. -Handle Material: Fiberglass. -Color: Yellow. -Quantity: 4 per box. |
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (1)
Manufacturer: The Original Pink Box
Model Number: PB12HM
Sale Price: $9.92
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (8)
Manufacturer: Estwing
Model Number: E16S
Sale Price: $23.99
| 16 OZ Rip Claw Hammer, Leather Grip Solid Steel Handle. |
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (15)
Manufacturer: Stanley Hand Tools
Model Number: 51-944
Sale Price: $21.62
| 51-944 Model Code: AD - Price is for 1 Each (part# 51-944) This item features: -Rubber grip design for both framers and nail hammers. -Rubber grip molded directly onto shaft. -Specially textured handle grip for improved performance even when wet. -Enlarged handle to help reduce gripping fatigue. -Handle Type: Curved. -Grip Style: Ergonomic. -Head Material: Forged Steel. -Handle Material: Forged Steel. Len. = Overall Length Len. = Overall Length Model Code Model Description AAHead Weight:16 oz, Head Type:Curve Claw, Overall Length:13 5/16 in, Type:Nail Hammer, Quantity:4 per box ABHead Weight:16 oz, Head Type:Rip Claw, Overall Length:13 5/16 in, Type:Nail Hammer, Quantity:4 per box ACHead Weight:20 oz, Head Type:Curve Claw, Overall Length:13 5/16 in, Type:Nail Hammer, Quantity:4 per box ADHead Weight:20 oz, Head Type:Rip Claw, Overall Length:13 5/16 in, Type:Nail Hammer, Quantity:4 per box AEHead Weight:22 oz, Face Type:Milled, Overall Length:16 in, Type:Framing Hammer, Quantity:2 per box AFHead Weight:22 oz, Face Type:Smooth, Overall Length:16 in, Type:Framing Hammer, Quantity:2 per box |
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Total Customer Reviews: (4)
Manufacturer: Estwing
Model Number: WF21LM
Sale Price: $20.40
| 21 OZ, Fiberglass Hammer, 16" Handle Milled Face With Weight Forward Design. |
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (0)
Manufacturer: Stanley Hand Tools
Model Number: 51-716
Sale Price: $5.74
| The Stanley Wood Handle Rip Claw Nail Hammer features a high-quality hickory handle with a durable, strong, high-carbon steel head for a dependable and effective tool. Its bell face is fully heat treated and polished. The hammer weighs 16 ounces and measures 13-1/4 inches in length. |
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Total Customer Reviews: (4)
Manufacturer: Stanley Hand Tools
Model Number: 51-167
Sale Price: $22.75
| Rip Claw Hammers Tool Type: Framing Hammer Tool Style: Rip Claw Head Weight (oz.): 22 Head Weight: 1-3/8 Handle Material: Steel w/Cushion Grip |
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (6)
Manufacturer: Estwing
Model Number: E20S
Sale Price: $26.59
| 20 OZ Straight Claw Ripping Hammer, Head & Handle Are 1 Piece Of Solid Steel, Genuine Sole Leather Grips & Washer. |
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (4)
Manufacturer: SE
Model Number:
Sale Price: $3.96
| New Chasing Hammer. This is a new chasing hammer. Great for silversmiths, blacksmiths, planishing and anyone who uses a anvil or staking tools. The head is flat and measures approximately 1" (25 mm) in diameter. The length of the head measures approximately 2 7/16" (62 mm). It measures approximately 10" (254 mm) long. We work hard to update our descriptions and pictures of our merchandise. As part of a process of ongoing innovation by our suppliers, newer versions of the item shown may be shipped before we are able to complete an update. As a result there may be a slight variation in color and design. |
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Total Customer Reviews: (18)
Manufacturer: Dalluge
Model Number: DDT16
Sale Price: $84.99
| Vaughan 7180 16 Oz Dalluage HammerThe Vaughan California Framer hammer combines the best features of two of our most popular tools into a rugged, heavy construction hammer. The smoothly swept claws were borrowed from the "999" rip hammer, and the striking face, hatchet eye and sturdy handle are a heritage of the Vaughan Rigbuilder's Hatchet. The striking face is extra large to minimize the chance of missed strikes. The hatchet style handle, available straight or curved, is made from American hickory. To provide extra strength, the handle has a large cross section where it joins the fully polished head.Vaughan 7180 16 Oz Dalluage Hammer Features:; Milled face grips nail head to minimize slipping and flying nails; American Hickory handle; Extra heavy framer design; 16 oz; American Hickory handle |
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