Have you worked on a claw hammer before? I bet it is pretty easy considering you basically just need to pound it into the nail until it stuck and join two pieces of wood together, and that’s it-the job is done. But while that can be true, certain techniques and safety procedure must be also applied in order to avoid injuries and accidents. Because as simple as it is, accidents still do happen. In fact every year several cases of hammer injuries were reported. That being said, here are the ways and steps on how to use a claw hammer the right way.
What you will need to follow this tutorial
There are several types of hammer available for use when working, but from among the choices, claw hammer is commonly used because of its dual functionality, which is pounding nail into the wood, and at the same time can be used when pulling it out from othe objects.
For this tutorial you will need the following:
Claw Hammer
It is surely easy to find a claw hammer in the market. And buying one is no sweat as being a basic tool that it is, it does not have a lot of features and specs to check one by one to ensure that you buy exactly what you need like when you are choosing power tools. However, this tool also require proper handling and usage, thus there are certain things you need to also consider when buying one such as:
Balance
It is essential to check on the balance between the head and the handle. And how to do that? You can try swinging the hammer, if it has good balance it is supposed to be smooth and a breeze, that it could seem to swing itself. Having the right balance is highly important in avoiding injuries as it allows you less stress on your muscles when using it.
Hardness of the Head
The head is made of high quality steel. The feature is important to ensure the durability of the hammer at the same time efficiency of performance. Too much hardness, can however be not a good thing, as according to professionals, if it is too hard, it becomes brittle and may chip easily.
Grip
Make sure to also find one that has a comfortable grip for easy and proper handling as you hammer. And while you check on that as pect, ensure the safety features of it also before deciding to buy.
A good grip could be dependent on the shape, quality and material of the handle. Wood seems to be the most commonly preferred choice for a fine and strong hammer. There are some available models that also features cushioned grip. That is also a good choice for added comfort and shock absorption.
Nails. The use of the hammer is of course not complete without the nails.
Tips how to Use Claw Hammer Safely
Hammer is perhaps one of the most basic and oldest woodworking tool we have. And it is still widely used up to this day because of its essential function and efficiency of use. Though everything about it seems simple, there is in fact proper ways and techniques on how to handle and use it in order to avoid accidents and injuries.
And like the rest of the tools we use for woodworking, practicing safety is paramount. These basic safety tips may come in handy:
- Before using the hammer, ensure that parts are secured and in good working condition. Make sure the handle is not loose or cracked and your grip okay.
- Keep work area clean and clear.
- Use protective gears such as eye protection and gloves.
- Hammer with cushioned handle reduces vibration and pressure when working.
- Also, choose one that is not too heavy for you and with good balance so you will not be straining your muscles too much when pounding.
- When using the claw in pulling nails, ensure that it is in proper position and the nail’s head is securely attached.
- Stand properly and don’t be awkward when hammering to be able to apply the right pressure and not strain your muscles.
- Take care of your hammer and store after use.
Step by Step Instructions:
When everything are settled and set, the following are the steps in how to properly use the claw hammer:
When pounding the nail:
1. Hold Hammer Correctly
Get a firm grip and hold the hammer at the end of the handle. Some however, especially the beginners would hold it few inches away from the end, almost at the middle where they feel most comfortable, have the better grip and energy efficient. Through practice, you’ll be able to be adept of holding it near the end, though. Then feel it and try to swing it on your hand to ensure the balance.
2. Hit the Nail
When using the hammer, make sure to hit the surface of the nail squarely with just the right amount of force. That means not to use all your force to pound hard, nor it be too soft to almost seems like you are just tapping it.
And while keeping a good grip, use the distribution of strength of your whole arm and not just solely work on your wrist and hand. In order to hit the nail directly, allow the weight of the hammer to do the work and not your arm.
3. Ensure a clean work area
An important reminder, the wood or object you are working with should be placed on a hard surface. And it is also necessary to keep your area clean and clear from any debris.
4. Follow up consistently
Follow a consistent force and pace when pounding until the nail is set properly and is flushed to the wood. With practice, you will be able to develop your own techniques that is comfortable and best works for you for increased efficiency.
When pulling out nail from the wood or object using the claw
- Use a piece of scrap wood and place it under the hammer.
- Then lift it up using just the right amount of pressure to fully remove the nail.
Conclusion
So what do you think about this tutorial? Knowing the proper steps and developng techniques when using a woodworking tool even how simple and basic it is is important to ensure safety and increase your effectiveness and productivity. Because with this claw hammer, it is not just pounding the nail, there is an art to it and it is a skill to be developed, too for a fast and efficient work.
Have you tried working with a claw hammer too? How was your experience? Tell us about it and what you think about this article. And please share if you enjoy and like this tutorial.
