Types of Hammers and Their Uses

Hammers come in a wide array of weights and sizes, each designed for a specific task. There are hammers for blacksmithing, carpentry, automotive mechanics and many other applications. Using a hammer that isn't intended for the task can require more effort, possible injury or even damage to work surfaces and fasteners. So if you don't already, it's good practice to have a large collection of hammers in your shop rather than improvising with a limited set.

Here's a quick overview to acquaint you with some common types of hammers and how they are used.
Claw and Framing Hammers

| While these hammers all feature a round head for driving nails, the claw end is every bit as useful for prying, splitting wood, tearing drywall and other small demolition tasks. The claw is curved on a claw hammer, and straight on framing hammers.

These hammers are best for: Woodworking Prying Finishing Framing Splitting Small demolition
Ball Peen Hammer

| The ball peen hammer was originally designed for peening, or  shaping metal materials by hammering. One end of the head is ball-shaped for this purpose. The other end is flat and is used for driving.

Ball peen hammers are best for: Metalworking, Rounding edges,Punching and riveting
Dead Blow Hammer

| These hammers are designed to strike surfaces with great force, and dead blow means they won’t rebound after striking.

Dead blow hammers are best for: Automotive applicationsSetting jointsInstalling floor boards
Engineering and Drilling Hammers

| The heavy head of a hand drilling hammer is used to drive chisels and punches. These hammers  typically feature a flat face with rounded edges and a wedged peen opposite the head.

Engineering and drilling hammers are best for: DrivingPunching and chiselingShaping and forging metal
Mallets

| A mallet is a block on a handle, which is usually used for driving chisels. The head on a rubber mallet is made of rubber. These types of hammers deliver softer impact than hammers with metal heads. They are essential if your work needs to be free of impact marks.

Mallets are best for: Shaping metalFitting wooden partsPlasterboard
Chipping and Riveting Hammers

| Chipping hammers are great for breaking concrete. Welding and riveting hammers can help remove slag from welds.

Chipping and riveting hammers are used in: Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, Welding
Sledge Hammer

| Sledge hammers are larger than most hammers and feature a metal, mallet-like head. Heavier sledge hammers with longer handles are intended to be swung with both hands.

Sledge hammers are best for: Breaking stone, Driving stakes, Demolition
Soft-Face, Split-Head Hammers

| Soft-face, split-head hammers with interchangeable heads are for use in projects that require force without marking the surface. Soft- face,  split head hammers come with or without heads.

Soft-face, split-head hammers are best for: Machining, Metalforming, Crafting
Choosing the Best Hammer for the Job
Because many hammers have similar designs, it may seem that any one of these versatile tools will work for a variety of uses. However, once you know more about specific hammer design and the intended purpose of each, you'll be able to match the best hammer for the task. Getting this right can help reduce wear and tear on your tools, and may even help you work more efficiently.

Source: Grianger

Edited By:
Lawrence Momah
Lead Business Development
Semec Agencies Nigeria Ltd.