Hammer (tool): Difference between revisions
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A '''hammer''' is a tool that delivers a discrete impact to an object; the object can be another tool that is powered by the hammer blow, such as a [[chisel (tool)]]; an object that is moved by the blow (e.g., a [[nail (fastener)]] or a beam being forced into place); or an object to be disrupted by force (e.g., [[concrete]] to be shattered). Muscle-powered hammers are among the earliest known tools, in the form of suitably shaped stones, but there is a wide range of specialized hand-operated hammers, as well as hammers driven by an external power source. | A '''hammer''' is a tool that delivers a discrete impact to an object; the object can be another tool that is powered by the hammer blow, such as a [[chisel (tool)]]; an object that is moved by the blow (e.g., a [[nail (fastener)]] or a beam being forced into place); or an object to be disrupted by force (e.g., [[concrete]] to be shattered). | ||
Muscle-powered hammers are among the earliest known tools, in the form of suitably shaped stones, but there is a wide range of specialized hand-operated hammers, as well as hammers driven by an external power source. "Hammer" has other meanings, actual and symbolic; a [[war hammer]] was an early refinement on a [[club (weapon)]], and it can be a symbol of force for good or evil. | |||
The basic principle of hammering — delivering successive impacts rather than a continuous motion — is present in variants of other tools, such as a [[hammer drill#drill (tool)|hammer drill]] or [[impact wrench#wrench (tool)|impact wrench]]. | The basic principle of hammering — delivering successive impacts rather than a continuous motion — is present in variants of other tools, such as a [[hammer drill#drill (tool)|hammer drill]] or [[impact wrench#wrench (tool)|impact wrench]]. | ||
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==A basic hand hammer== | ==A basic hand hammer== | ||
A simple muscle-powered hammer is little more than a striking head attached to a handle. Assuming that both sides of the head are identical, there is still a great deal of variation. For example, a [[mallet (tool)]] has a head made of a relatively soft substance such as wood or rubber, and is used to drive other tools such as chisels, or to form sheet metal. The handle of a mallet is often fairly light if it is intended for reasonably precise work. | |||
A sledge hammer is still a basic hammer type, but the striking head is of metal, and of considerable weight. Sledges intended for use with one hand might have a flat-faced steel head of 1-2 pounds (500-1000 grams), and be used for much heavier tasks, such as driving hardened nails into concrete or stone. The handle of such a hand hammer might be 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) long. | |||
Sledge hammers for heavier tasks will be wielded with two hands. The handle is longer, to allow swinging from over the shoulder, and the head is much heavier. For many tasks, the heavier the head, the more effective the hammer in applying force, but human strength limits its weight. People who do not use such hammers on a daily basis rarely can control, or even swing, a head weighing much more than 6-10 pounds (3-5 KG). | |||
===Basic hammerheads=== | ===Basic hammerheads=== | ||
Revision as of 07:43, 4 June 2009
A hammer is a tool that delivers a discrete impact to an object; the object can be another tool that is powered by the hammer blow, such as a chisel (tool); an object that is moved by the blow (e.g., a nail (fastener) or a beam being forced into place); or an object to be disrupted by force (e.g., concrete to be shattered).
Muscle-powered hammers are among the earliest known tools, in the form of suitably shaped stones, but there is a wide range of specialized hand-operated hammers, as well as hammers driven by an external power source. "Hammer" has other meanings, actual and symbolic; a war hammer was an early refinement on a club (weapon), and it can be a symbol of force for good or evil.
The basic principle of hammering — delivering successive impacts rather than a continuous motion — is present in variants of other tools, such as a hammer drill or impact wrench.
Hand-operated hammers come in a great variety of sizes, shapes, and materials both of the striking surface and the parts of the hammer that direct force to that surface.
A basic hand hammer
A simple muscle-powered hammer is little more than a striking head attached to a handle. Assuming that both sides of the head are identical, there is still a great deal of variation. For example, a mallet (tool) has a head made of a relatively soft substance such as wood or rubber, and is used to drive other tools such as chisels, or to form sheet metal. The handle of a mallet is often fairly light if it is intended for reasonably precise work.
A sledge hammer is still a basic hammer type, but the striking head is of metal, and of considerable weight. Sledges intended for use with one hand might have a flat-faced steel head of 1-2 pounds (500-1000 grams), and be used for much heavier tasks, such as driving hardened nails into concrete or stone. The handle of such a hand hammer might be 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) long.
Sledge hammers for heavier tasks will be wielded with two hands. The handle is longer, to allow swinging from over the shoulder, and the head is much heavier. For many tasks, the heavier the head, the more effective the hammer in applying force, but human strength limits its weight. People who do not use such hammers on a daily basis rarely can control, or even swing, a head weighing much more than 6-10 pounds (3-5 KG).