Types of Hammers and Their Uses
Hammers are a basic tool used in a wide range of applications. Due to the many types of hammers that exist, each constructed and used differently than others, choosing the right hammer for your project can be daunting. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of hammers to help you get an idea of which one is ideal for you.
Ball-Peen Hammer
Ball-peen hammers, also known as machinist hammers, are identifiable by their two heads - one round and one flat. Hammers of this type are most commonly used in metalworking, though they can also be used to strike punches and chisels as well as round off edges on rivets.
Brick Hammer
Also known as the stonemason’s hammer, the brick hammer features a flat face with a unique chisel-like blade on the other end. Brick hammers are often made with high-grade steel heads and fiberglass or hardwood handles. They can be used to break off pieces of brick, stone, and concrete.
Claw Hammer
The claw hammer, likely the most common type of hammer, is used to drive or pull nails from objects. It can be identified by its flat head and claw. They are generally not suited for heavy hammering, as they are commonly made from softer steel alloys. High quality claw hammers are made of fiberglass, and can be forged as a single piece wherein the body and head are made from the same material. Some claw hammers have a waffle-faced head, while others will have a smooth one.
Drywall Hammer
Hammers of this type consist of a serrated front face and a small hatchet-shaped back section. Also known as plasterboard hammers, drywall hammers are a lightweight straight peen hammer used to make cuts in drywall. They are especially useful in making spaces for electrical outlets and in driving or pulling nails into and out of drywall.
Electrician Hammer
These hammers look and handle almost identically to a claw hammer. The difference is that they are made with an insulated fiberglass handle and rubber-coated grip so it can be used for electrical work. They also feature a longer striking face, allowing them to be used in tight areas.
Framing Hammer
Framing hammers are specialized versions of claw hammers. While a standard claw hammer weighs approximately 16 ounces, framing hammers can weigh more than 30. This hammer’s added weight and its waffled striking surface allow it to quickly drive in nails without slipping.
Sledgehammer
Sledgehammers are generally used to drive stakes or perform demolition work. They have long handles, usually between two and three feet, and have heads weighing up to 20 pounds. They typically have wooden handles, but can be made from fiberglass.
Tack Hammer
Tack hammers are lightweight hammers used to drive upholstery into furniture or other surfaces. As such, they are also known as upholstery hammers. Most tack hammers have two faces and a magnetized split to help place tacks accurately.
Trim Hammer
Finally, trim hammers are small, straight claw hammers used to drive trim nails without damaging other components in the work area. They are similar to tack hammers in both size and weight.
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