How to Use a Hammer

Here are the tricks to using a hammer safely

 

 

 

The components to a hammer include the handle, a steel head made up of flat steel round end that drives in the nail, and a “V” (or split claw as it is also known) at the other end is used for pulling out  nails.  There are some simple tricks to using a hammer safely.

As with other tools, please check our tool safety tips before using any tool, including a hammer.  At the very least wear eye protection, as nails have been known to flick up and hit people.

In using a hammer keep in mind that it is the head of the hammer that is driving in the nail.  Here is what you do to drive in a nail.

1.    If you are right-handed, take hold of the hammer handle towards the back of the handle rather than towards the head.  Find a position that feels comfortable in your hand and the thumb should be facing up the hammer.

2.    Take a nail and hold it between your index finger and thumb in the position on the timber where you wish to drive the nail in.  Give the nail several taps of the hammer to make the nail stand upright int he timber.

3.    The key to successfully driving in a nail is to bring the head down vertically over the nail head.  It is the weight of the hammer head that drives the nail into the timber.  It is also important to keep your wrist straight and the  face of the hammer square to the nail head.

4.    Keep your eyes focused on the head of the nail.  Remember this:  where you are looking is the point that the hammer head will hit.  With a little practice you can have a good hammering technique.   If you do this the nail will go in to the timber  straight.  However, if you hit the nail head at an angle the nail will go in at an angle.

 

Removing a nail

If you bend a nail while driving it in to timber you can remove it by taking the claw (“v”) of the hammer head.   Slide the claw under the nail as far as it will go, brace the head on the timber,  and then pull back on the end of the handle.

Usually this can be done with minimal damage, but placing a scrap piece of cardboard or wood under the hammer head will allow you to pull the nail out without damaging the original timber.

IF you are in the market to buy a new hammer you may like to select from one of the hammers on offer below.

 

 

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