Hammer Types

The great variety of types of hammers that currently exist respond to a specialization for each trade, profession and application. They all have a common origin, the ancient paleolithic ax which is a legacy of our ancestors thousands of years ago. There are pieces that show the evolution of these manual tools in paleolithic and neolithic times where the functional specialization for applications such as percussion and splitting can be clearly seen. During the so-called Iron Age, both functions were very clearly dissociated: On the one hand, purely percussion tools (maces and hammers) and, on the other, splitting tools (axes).

Parts of a Hammer

The hammer from the earliest times it began to be constituted by a head metallic or very solid made of compact material (hard woods, stones, metals) and a mango with which to direct the impact. The latter, softer, which allows it to absorb the blow, is usually made of wood, although today we can find it made of plastic compounds. And something much appreciated by users, the handles have been improved by adding “grip” that make them more comfortable in daily use.

The greatest evolution in terms of specialization was received by the head of hammer depending on its destination, for forging, blacksmithing, tooling, carpentry, silversmithing, etc. In the head of hammer we find an empty central part (eye), where he stays mango and two opposite parts (in which a balance is usually located) made up of a forceful, solid, circular or quadrangular mass, and another more refined, outlined or irregularly shaped opposite mass. The blunt part is what is called cheekbone or gossip, which is opposed by mouth. When it is whole and of rectangular section (with its ends more or less pointed or blunt) it constitutes the pain.

Referring to the previous image we find simple hammers (reference 1 and 2) that are used interchangeably for locksmith work or carpentry and joinery. to one square neck one opposes depressed rectangular rock.

In references 3 and 4 we find hammers employed by the metal trades. to one circular neck one opposes vertical or horizontal rock.

In reference 5 we see the famous ball peen hammer, in which the pain it is semicircular. Typical of mechanical trades.

In reference 6 we see a more modern version, in this the heads they are the same and are made of a relatively soft plastic material (nylon or terephthalate). Older versions we can see in references 8 and 9 whose heads They are made of wood, a very soft material. The impact they generate does not damage the objects hit, unlike what happens with a hammer from head metallic.

In reference 7 we see the mason’s pot-type hammer, its head has balanced and equal ends, and the most important thing about it is the great impact caused by its own weight, since it is capable of percussing and penetrating accessories in stone materials.

In reference 10, we find the Tas (it is shaped like the head of the hammer and can therefore be framed through the eye) its mission is to receive the impacts of the mace or of a hammer behind the piece being hit. It’s practically a portable anvil.

In reference 11 we see the universal hammer for DIYers, very similar to 1 and 2, although in more traditional ways. Its handle is made of plastic material and has holes that prevent the transmission of the impact.

types of hammers

references 12, 13 and 14 correspond to hammers from cheekbone Y ears. They are preferably used by packagers, a task in which the driving and removal of nails is important. It depends on the type of nail to be nailed which one has to be used. cylindrical or quadrangular butt, as well as an incidence of greater or lesser angle in the ears.

reference 15, corresponds to stagehand hammer. The old function of percussion and splitting reappears in this tool that should facilitate a quick job that only requires a satisfactory although ephemeral finish.

in reference 16 we find the ironer’s hammer with double cheekbone (rectangular and cylindrical) to hit malleable surfaces, whose impact is received and shaped by Tases (reference 17 and 18)

in references 19 and 20 we expose the cobbler’s hammers and leather professionals. Such particular forms are related to the type of materials and nails on which they work.

finally in reference 21 we see the jeweler’s hammer and chisel. The most notable thing about this tool is the irregular shape of the handle, which each craftsman can shape at his discretion.

It is important to note that the different types of hammers They are also usually classified by the weight of the head. This weight is directly related to the impact they cause.