Different Hammer Varieties

Every home toolbox should ideally include a hammer or two for driving nails into wood. However, before making any purchases, it’s essential to get acquainted with the various types of hammers available.

What Exactly is a Hammer?

A hammer is a basic tool used to manually drive nails, brads, and other fasteners into softer materials like wood or drywall. It consists of a head and a handle, with the specific design of the head varying depending on the hammer's type and purpose. Generally, the head features a face that strikes the fastener, while the neck and bell hold the handle in place.

The opposite end of the hammer's head might feature a claw for pulling nails (in a claw hammer) or a peen (a small face used for driving pins or tacks). The majority of household and construction hammers are claw hammers, and their heads usually weigh between 7, 10, 13, 16, or 20 ounces.

Various Hammer Types

While hammers don't come in as many variations as screwdrivers, there are still several types of hammers created for specific tasks. These robust tools are available in a range of sizes and are made from different materials to match the needs of the job at hand.

From the classic claw hammer to more specialized tools like the brick hammer, there is a surprising variety within the world of hammers. Below, we will explore some of the most common types of hammers available today.

Claw Hammer

Claw hammers are among the most ubiquitous tools around. Characterized by the two-pronged claw on one side of the head, these hammers (also referred to as framing hammers) are as effective at driving nails into wood as they are at removing them.

Most claw hammers are crafted from forged steel, and they often serve a dual purpose, functioning as pry bars to pull out nails or dismantle wooden crates and boxes.

Ball Peen Hammer

Often known as a machinist's hammer, the ball peen hammer features two distinct striking faces: one flat and the other rounded.

The ball peen hammer is primarily used for peening metal, a process where a metalworker repeatedly strikes a welded metal section to strengthen the joint. This type of hammer can also be used to round off the edges of metal surfaces [source: Abasco Tools].

Cross Peen Hammer

The cross peen hammer is another essential tool on construction sites. Unlike other hammers, it has a "blade" instead of a rounded face.

The horizontal blade, known as the cross peen, may be sharp or rounded, and is used in a variety of practical tasks including woodworking, masonry, and metalworking.

Tack Hammer

Tack hammers are ideal for tasks requiring precision and finesse. Often referred to as Swiss-style mini hammers, they feature a small, flat head with a slender pointed tip.

These compact tools are most commonly used in cabinetry and upholstery, where small nails and tacks are employed, and the need for force is minimal.

Sledge Hammer

The sledge hammer is hard to miss. As the largest and heaviest of all hammers, it is designed to deliver maximum force. It boasts a substantial, double-sided steel head attached to a handle that can extend up to 3 feet in length.

Club Hammer

Club hammers are essentially smaller versions of sledge hammers. Typically crafted with wooden handles and robust, double-sided steel heads, they are designed for demolishing objects or driving large stakes and cold chisels. Although easier to manage than their larger counterparts, they are more suitable for smaller tasks.

Dead Blow Hammer

If you've ever worked in or visited an automotive garage, you've likely come across a dead blow hammer. This tool is essentially a type of rubber mallet [source: Hearst Autos Gear Team].

Rubber mallets like the dead blow hammer are primarily used in tasks such as installing hubcaps, performing body work, and loosening stubborn parts that are difficult to remove.

Drywall Hammer

Chances are, you’ve never come across a drywall hammer unless you've spent a considerable amount of time installing or removing drywall.

These specialized hammers feature a unique head designed for driving nails, along with a hatchet-like face that helps make rough cuts in drywall pieces.

Brick Hammer

Brick hammers, also known as stonemason's hammers, are equipped with a two-sided head. One side has a flat face while the other side is shaped like a chisel.

These precise tools are essential for shaping stone and cutting brick, eliminating the need for a separate chisel. Geologists also use them to collect rock and mineral samples.

How to Safely Use a Hammer

When using a claw hammer, select one that matches the size of the fastener being struck. For smaller nails like tacks and brads, choose a 7-, 10-, or 13-ounce hammer. For heavier tasks like framing or roofing with 8-penny nails or larger, opt for a 16- or 20-ounce hammer [source: Center for Protection of Worker's Rights].

Grip the bottom half of the handle firmly, gently swing the hammer's face, and make sure the fastener's head is aligned before proceeding. Be cautious to avoid hitting your hand with the hammer. Once in position, strike with more force to drive the fastener into the material. Continue striking squarely to ensure the fastener is securely embedded.

How to Maintain a Hammer

Hammers generally don’t require maintenance. However, if the head of a wooden-handled hammer becomes damaged, it can be replaced. Replacement handles and installation wedges are available at most hardware stores.

Tools Related to the Hammer

In addition to hammers, there are other tools that help with fastening, such as pneumatic nailers, staple guns, and screwdrivers.

Not what you're looking for? Try these: