More and more of the carpentry tasks you once completed with a traditional hammer have been automated to make the job easier and more convenient. But many times each day, you still have to wield an old-fashioned hammer on the jobsite. And when you go home at the end of the day, you still need a variety of striking tools.
Manufacturers of hammers and other striking and struck tools emphasize that proper selection of a hammer is one of the first steps in using a hammer safely. Hand Tools Institute has set up some suggested guidelines to help you choose the right tool for the job at hand.
The manufacturer’s trade group recommends one set of basic striking tools for the novice, and an additional list for seasoned handymen.
Starter Set
• Medium weight (16 oz.) nail hammer to accomplish the many projects requiring the use of the relatively soft common nail. It’s not for masonry nails, cold chisels or other metal.
• Medium (16 oz.) ball pein hammer for striking the very small hand chisels and punches and for riveting, shaping and straightening unhardened metal.
• 3-pound hand drilling hammer for use with metal striking tools, including cold chisels, brick chisels and star drills as well as hardened masonry nails.
• Magnetic tack hammer – for light chores. Has a magnetic face on one end to help set tacks before driving them home with the other end.
• 3 1/2-inch half hatchet – for splitting wood and driving wooden stakes. Its striking face can be used for driving common nails.
