hammer

A hammer is a hand tool designed to deliver rapid, high-magnitude impacts. It is used to drive nails, fit parts, shape or break objects, and to perform metalworking and masonry tasks. Hammers are among the oldest tools and show a long history of development across cultures.

Most hammers consist of a metal head attached to a handle. The head includes a flat strike face and a peen or claw; the claw is often curved to remove nails, while a ball peen or straight peen broadens metalworking capability. Heads are typically made of steel; handles vary from wood (traditionally ash or hickory) to fiberglass or steel, selected for durability and shock absorption.

Common variants include the claw hammer, used in carpentry; the framing hammer, with a heavier head and longer handle; the ball-peen hammer, used by metalworkers; the sledgehammer for heavy demolition; and mallets and dead-blow hammers for softer or controlled impacts. Each type is optimized for its tasks, such as nail driving, shaping metal, or reducing rebound.

Historically, early hammers were stones bound to wooden handles. With the alloying of metals and the development of steel, hammer heads became more durable and balanced. Modern mass production has standardized sizes and weights, from light eight-ounce hammers to twenty-two-ounce or heavier sledgehammers.

Safety and maintenance focus on preventing injury and damage: keep a sound grip, check for cracks, avoid striking with misaligned surfaces, and store away from children. Regular inspection and proper use extend tool life.