6 Popular Types of Hammer

If you’re new to DIY or you’re about to become an apprentice or start a new job involving the use of hand tools, you might feel overwhelmed by the huge choice of hammers available. The type of hammer you require depends on several factors such as: The type of job you’re doing, the material you’re using, and what you’re trying to achieve. Most people will only have 2 or 3 hammers in their tool box, and that will probably be sufficient. 

Types of Hammer Handles

The shaft of a hammer can be made of wood, fibreglass or metal. Wood is the traditional type and whilst this has been proven to be very effective, it could warp in moist or humid conditions and may not absorb enough vibration when striking certain types of material for a long period of time. 

Fibreglass is waterproof and therefore won’t warp and may absorb vibration more so than wooden handles.  

Some hammers have tubular metal handles. Higher quality hammers are forged from a single piece of metal and the handle is then covered with a rubber grip for shock reduction. These hammers are very strong, comfortable to hold and very well balanced. 

6 Popular Types of Hammer

Each type of hammer comes in different shapes and weights. Here are six of the most popular hammer choices:

1. Claw Hammer

Claw Hammers are the most common type of hammer and they are probably the style that comes to mind when most people think about a standard hammer. They are very versatile and can be used for lots of tasks, so it’s an important hammer to have in any tool box. Claw hammers can be used for hammering nails in and also for removing nails.

2. Warrington Hammer / Joiner's Hammers / Cross Pein Hammer

Warrington, Joiners and Cross Pein Hammers are primarily used for woodworking. By using the cross pein, you can easily knock in a small nail without hitting your fingers. Then you can use the larger side to finish driving the nail in once your fingers are out of the way.

3. Ball Pein Hammer / Engineer’s Hammer / Mechanic’s Hammer

These hammers have a rounded pein which is used for shaping metal, closing rivets and rounding edges off metal pins and fasteners.

4. Club Hammer or Lump Hammer

Club Hammers – also known as Lump Hammers are used for striking chisels to break blocks or for light demolition work. They are usually double-faced and have a wooden or resin handle. This is an important tool for builders.

5. Sledge Hammer

Sledge Hammers are similar to a club hammers, except they are a little heavier and have a longer handle. They are used for breaking stones, masonry and concrete. They are also useful for driving in stakes. The longer handle will provide hitting power when combined with the weight of the head and used like an axe.

6. Mallet

A mallet is a handle with a wooden block on the top. It is used to strike a chisel, knock in dowels or to tap wooden joints together. This is usually made of hardwood and is an essential hammer for a carpenter or joiner.

There are many more kinds of hammers available for more specialist uses, but if you’re looking for a starting point, you are likely to have found the above information useful.

Secure Tools has an excellent range of hammers that can be viewed online and in their store in Bradford. Brands supplied include: Unior, Roughneck, Gedore, Estwing, Groz, Faithfull, EGA Master and Vaughan. If you have a request for a specialist hammer, please contact the Secure Tools team: enquiries@secure-tools.com Tel: 0044 (0) 1274 308961