What is a hammer: what is it for and how it works

Every self-respecting man has a hammer in his arsenal. It is a percussion instrument that no work in the house can do without. Assembling furniture, repairing or building a fence - everywhere you need the help of this item. A simple device can be of universal and special purpose. We will find out what types of hammers are on sale.

Tool characteristics and functions

Dictionaries note that this is a device that converts kinetic force into mechanical force. At first glance, it is as simple as possible, but it is very difficult to manage repairs without it. With its help, nails and dowels are hammered, sheet material is straightened, old fasteners are removed and the surface is cleaned of the frozen solution.

The history of the device goes back several millennia. But its relevance is not lost today.

What is a hammer?

Despite many modifications, the design is approximately the same and recognizable. It is a metal or rubber tip mounted on a wooden or iron base. Experts estimate the efficiency of the device at 70–97%, which makes it an indispensable tool in various jobs.

The handle and head are firmly connected so as not to create a risk of injury to a person during operation. When the head is struck, all applied forces are transmitted. It consists of two parts:

• The toe is the wedge-shaped part that is characteristic of most hammer models. Used for embossing and splitting of hard materials.
• The striker is the second flat side, which has a large area and is able to withstand a lot of impacts.

Also the head has a rider. This is an oval or round hole in the center where the handle is inserted.

The average handle length is approximately 250–325 mm. It is made from beech, oak or hornbeam. The striker length varies from 85 to 135 mm. The parameter depends on the size of the hammer and its purpose. The weight of the tool also varies. For repairs, heavy ones are used - about 600-800 gr. For locksmiths use hammers 400-600 gr., And for small work - 200-300 gr.

Purpose of the tool

There are a lot of varieties, because their purpose is very different. Locksmiths, carpenters, builders, electricians use this tool in their work. Unusual devices are even found in medicine and geology.

Types of hammers

Consider the main modifications of the tool, which is used in various fields of activity:

1. Locksmith. Classic shape and size. The striker is flat, slightly convex, the back side is wedge-shaped. Divided into two categories: household and professional.
2. Joiner. The cross-section of the striker is small with the weight of the head. The back side is made in the form of a wedge or a nailer. It is used in works where precision of impact is appreciated.
3. Plotnitsky. The back side is always in the form of a nailer. It is used for assembling and dismantling wooden structures.
4. Masons hammer. It features a striking part with a small cross-section. The back side is made in the form of a pickaxe. To work with a stone, maximum rigidity is required. Therefore, the head is induction hardened. Used for processing, chipping and adjusting stones.
5. Mallet. The tip is made of molded rubber and polymers. Both sides are flat. Used for flattening and shaping sheet metal.
6. Sledgehammer. The heaviest type of hammer, up to 16 kg. It is used for power work: breaking walls, dismantling any structures, driving pipes into the soil, and more.

There are special types of hammers. For example, geological, which is used to clear the area and carefully release important exhibits. In medicine, hammers are used for surgical manipulations, in neurologists. Judges use simple wooden tools to draw attention to their words.

How to choose a hammer

It seems that this is a simple task, because it is a familiar tool to many. But going to the store can be a big problem. From the variety and types of products presented, it is difficult to choose what is required for specific purposes.

When choosing a device, consider the following factors:

• decide what type of work the tool is intended for;
• inspect the handle - chips, cracks and other serious defects are unacceptable;
• choose a comfortable and correct design;
• estimate the weight of the tool, heavy hammers are equipped with a long and durable handle;
• check the tightness of the installation of the head - it should sit firmly without moving.

The choice will not be difficult if you have a clear understanding of the purpose of using the hammer and the functionality of most models. Experienced consultants will advise the parameters and help in choosing, if you decide in advance on the requirements for the tool.