vasara

Vasara is the Finnish word for hammer, a hand tool designed to deliver blows to a workpiece. Hammers are used to drive nails, shape or bend metal, break or loosen materials, and seat fasteners. The tool consists of a head, usually made of steel, attached to a handle that can be wood, fiberglass, or steel. The head typically features a striking face and an opposing surface or claw for pulling nails, depending on the model.

Common types include the claw hammer, which combines a hammering face with a curved claw for nail removal; the ball-peen hammer, used in metalworking for shaping metal and riveting; and the sledgehammer, a heavy, weighty hammer for demolition or driving stakes. Smaller variants include tack hammers for upholstery and framing hammers for carpentry. Softer-faced mallets, such as rubber or rawhide mallets, are used when a non-marring strike is required.

Use and technique emphasize controlled swings, proper grip, and appropriate protective gear, especially eye protection. The choice of hammer should match the task: a heavier hammer for driving long nails and a lighter one for delicate work. Maintenance involves ensuring the head is secure on the handle, replacing worn handles, and keeping the striking surfaces clean and undamaged.

Historically, hammers have been essential tools since ancient times, evolving from simple stone or wooden implements to purpose-built metal heads mounted on various handles. In Finnish context, vasara covers a range of hammer types used across carpentry, construction, and metalworking, reflecting a universal tool category as much as a linguistic term.