Hammers

A hammer is a tool consisting of a weighted head attached to a handle, used to deliver percussive blows to objects. Its primary functions include driving nails, shaping materials such as metal or wood, and breaking apart assemblies. The head is usually steel and typically has a flat face for striking and a rounded or specialized peen on the opposite side. Handles are commonly made of wood, fiberglass, or steel and are chosen for balance, weight, and shock absorption.

Common types include the claw hammer, which has a curved claw for nail extraction; the ball-peen hammer, used in metalworking for shaping and peening; the framing hammer, heavier with a milled face for construction; the sledgehammer for demolition; as well as rubber mallets and dead-blow hammers that minimize surface damage and rebound. There are many specialty hammers for upholstery, masonry, and jewelry work.

Hammer use dates to antiquity, evolving from simple stone or club-like tools to metal-headed implements. In carpentry, metalworking, and construction, hammers have become standardized in weight, handle materials, and strike surfaces to suit specific tasks. The development of longer handles and shock-absorbing grips has reduced fatigue and injury.

Safety and maintenance include keeping heads securely fastened to the handle, inspecting for cracks or mushrooming, and using appropriate eye protection. After use, store dry to prevent rust, and replace worn grips as needed. Proper technique emphasizes controlled swings, aiming blows, and avoiding misstrikes that can cause accidents or damage.