hammering

Hammering is the act of delivering repeated blows with a hammer or similar tool to join, shape, or form materials, or to produce acoustic effects. The term encompasses both manual striking and industrial processes that rely on repeated impacts.

In everyday use, hammering is common in construction and woodworking. Hammers drive nails, set joints, or shape wood surfaces. Different hammers serve different tasks: the claw hammer for nailing, the framing hammer for framing work, the ball-peen or cross-peen hammer for metalwork, and mallets for delicate or finish work. Proper technique and protective gear help prevent damage to workpieces and to the operator, and to avoid ricochets or flying fragments.

In metalworking, hammering refers to forming metal by impact. Hand hammering is used in blacksmithing and artisan forging, typically on anvil, often at elevated temperature (hot hammering) or at room temperature (cold hammering). Power hammers or drop hammers provide repeated blows to shape sheet metal, bars, or decorative forms. Peening, a related process, uses hammer blows to harden or surface finish a metal, or to drive in fasteners.

In music, hammers are components of several instruments, most notably the piano, where felt-covered hammers strike strings in response to key depressions. The term hammering also appears as a playing technique, such as hammer-ons on fretted string instruments.

Safety and quality considerations include controlling strike force, protecting hearing with ear protection, eye protection to guard against chips, and keeping workpieces secure. Proper tool selection and technique reduce damage and increase efficiency and precision.