Hammers
The hammer is the most common hand tool on a jobsite, and the cause of countless smashed fingers, eye injuries from flying chips, and wrist and elbow strains.
- Construction
- General Industry
Photo: claw hammer, framing hammer, ball-peen hammer and dead-blow hammer
Use the right hammer
| Hammer | Use for | Not for |
|---|---|---|
| Claw hammer | Driving and pulling common nails | Striking chisels, punches or hardened steel |
| Framing hammer | Heavier framing nails | Finish work, striking metal |
| Ball-peen hammer | Striking punches and cold chisels, shaping metal | Driving nails |
| Dead-blow / soft-face hammer | Assembling parts without marring them | Heavy demolition |
| Drilling hammer / small sledge | Striking star drills and masonry chisels | Nails |
Inspect before use
- Head tight on the handle, wedge in place
- Handle not cracked, split or splintered; grip not torn
- Striking face not chipped, cracked or mushroomed
Striking safely
- Wear safety glasses. Hardened faces can chip and send fragments flying.
- Grip near the end of the handle for power; choke up for control.
- Start the nail with light taps, holding it near the head (or use a nail holder or pliers for small nails), then move your hand away.
- Strike with the face square to the surface. Glancing blows make nails and hammers fly.
- Let the weight of the hammer do the work. Use your elbow and wrist, not just your shoulder.
- Don’t strike one hammer against another, or strike hardened steel with a claw hammer.
- Don’t use a hammer with a loose head or a taped-up handle.
- Don’t use the claws as a pry bar on heavy material. Use a pry bar.
Video: proper nailing technique
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1926.301: Hand tools
- ASME B107 series: Hand tool performance and safety standards
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