Kladiva

Kladiva is the plural form of the noun kladivo in several Slavic languages, most commonly Czech and Slovak, where it means hammers. The singular form is kladivo. In other Slavic languages, similar forms may be used to denote multiple hammers or hammer-like tools. The term is primarily used to refer to hand tools used for pounding, driving nails, and shaping materials, and it encompasses a range of variants designed for specific tasks.

Common types of hammers include claw hammers, which combine driving and nail-removal functions; ball-peen hammers, used in metalworking; sledgehammers for heavy impact; mallets made of wood or soft materials for delicate tasks; and tack hammers for small-fastening jobs. Each type differs in weight, head shape, and handle design to suit particular applications.

Beyond its literal meaning, hammers have symbolic associations with labor, industry, and craftsmanship, and may appear in cultural imagery, logos, or heraldic contexts related to trades and manufacturing.

Kladiva can also function as a proper noun in some Slavic-speaking regions, where the term appears in place names or family names. In such cases, the geographical or genealogical meaning reflects historical or economic ties to hammer-making, mining, or metalworking activities. The spelling and usage of the term vary by language and country, but the core meaning remains closely tied to the tool known as a hammer. See also kladivo.