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December 2002 - Hammer Time |
| The
original hand tool |
Every year there’s a new type of hammer for sale, promising
to be the ultimate nail driver. It seems to me hammers are similar
to golf clubs; choosing one depends on the situation at hand
and, like golf, how you swing the club is just as important
as what you swing. Always grasp the hammer near the end of the
handle. Here are some tips:
• Don't
strangle the grip or choke up.
•
Treat it like an extension of your arm and let the weight of
the hammer do the work. •
Face the
nail so it’s right in front of your striking shoulder
and swing with a full arc, raising the tool from the shoulder
and elbow—not the wrist.
•
Relaxing your wrist absorbs the impact of the blow.
•
To start
a nail, hold it near its head so that you don't crush your fingers
if you miss, keeping your eye on the nail (not the hammer) just
as you’d keep your eye on the ball....
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Before buying a hammer, be sure it feels balanced and comfortable
in your hand and that it fits your needs. Here are six different
types. (clockwise from top left)
[1]
Titanium:
this tool combines an exchangeable striking face with a lightweight
titanium head and a fibreglass shaft that flexes as you swing.
[2]
Wooden
mallet: necessary for most woodworking projects, especially
for hitting chisels.
[3]
Cabinetmaker's
hammer: the cross peen helps you start nails while the round,
slightly belled face lets you drive nails without marring the
surrounding wood.
[4]
Nailing
hammer: this features a grooved head with nail slots to help
set up nails.
[5]
Claw
hammer: everyone needs this basic, 16-oz. hammer. Straight claws
are better for prying and curved ones for pulling nails.
[6]
Tack
hammer: great for tiny tacks and nails or when working with
really delicate materials like fingers.
—Jay Somerset, photo by Daniel Harrison
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