Crosspeen

A crosspeen hammer, also written cross-peen hammer, is a hand tool used in metalworking. Its defining feature is a flat hammering face on one side and a wedge-shaped peen that is perpendicular to the handle on the opposite side. The cross peen allows users to work close to the workpiece and to create lines, edges, and forms by pushing or drawing metal along a seam or bend.

Design and construction: Crosspeen hammers have a forged steel head with a flat face for general striking and a cross-shaped peen at 90 degrees to the handle. They are typically offered in weights ranging from about 8 ounces to 2 pounds for lighter and heavier tasks. Handles are commonly wooden (often hickory) or modern composites such as fiberglass, designed to balance control, durability, and vibration dampening.

Uses: These hammers are favored in metalworking for forming, shaping, riveting, and drawing out metal along lines. The cross peen is especially useful for starting rivets, narrowing and shaping sheet metal, creating crisp edges, and working in tight spaces where a flat-faced hammer cannot reach accurately.

Comparison with other hammers: The crosspeen differs from a ball-peen hammer, which has a hemispherical peen. The ball peen is preferred for peening and finishing without marking lines, while the cross peen excels at forming along a line and spreading material in narrow areas.

Maintenance and safety: Keep the head securely attached to the handle, inspect for cracks or deformation, and replace damaged components. Use appropriate eye protection and gloves, and store the tool dry to prevent rust and handle deterioration.