sledgehammers

A sledgehammer is a large hammer used to deliver heavy blows in demolition, construction, and metalworking. It has a long handle and a broad, double-faced head designed to maximize momentum with each strike.

Head weights commonly range from 6 to 20 pounds (2.7–9.1 kg), with popular sizes of 8, 10, and 12 pounds. The head is usually steel, attached to a wooden, fiberglass, or steel handle. Lengths typically run from 28 to 36 inches (0.7–0.9 m).

Uses include breaking concrete or masonry, driving posts, splitting rock, and prying apart materials in construction, demolition, rescue, and forestry. Lighter sledges are often used by blacksmiths for shaping heated metal on an anvil, while heavier models perform heavy demolition.

Historically, heavy hammers of similar design appear in many ancient cultures. The modern steel-headed sledgehammer became common in the 19th and 20th centuries as industrial construction expanded.

Safety: due to weight and impact, wear eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Use a firm stance and two-handed grip, check the handle for cracks, and avoid striking near people or delicate surfaces.