At first glance, it may seem that a hammer is the simplest of all existing types of hand tools. But actually it is not. What types of hammers exist and how to choose a quality tool?
Basically, hammers hammer nails, they are also used to remove dried mortar from a brick. With the help of this simple tool, sheet metal is corrected; it helps in the accurate work with tiles. Different types vary in weight, in the shape of the working part. Choosing the right tool is not such a trivial task. The most popular type is the bench hammer. So let's talk about him.
This type of hammer is one of the most common. It is used for punches when chopping something, when punching various holes, riveting, dressing and for other works.
Hammer for locksmith work
This tool consists of a butt, as well as a wooden or plastic handle.
In modern models, the handle is equipped with a special anti-slip coating. This type of hammer is distinguished by the presence of two strikers. So, on the butt there is a blunt square hammer and pointed, which is used to hammer small nails. The square part of the butt can work with full force.
Weight classification
A bench hammer is classified by weight. For example, for a home craftsman, a product weighing from 300 to 500 g is suitable. The capabilities of such a tool are enough for most household chores. The heaviest locksmith tool weighs 2 kg. Professionals recommend not limited to a single hammer in the home workshop, but to have several models of different weight in the arsenal - this will improve the quality and convenience of the work performed.
Weight also depends on the nature of the work. For example, products of 50, 100, 200 and 300 grams are used in instrumental works. Models weighing 400, 500 and 600 g are used for locksmithing. Tools weighing 1 kg are used in repair work.
Types of hand hammers
There are two types of these tools. So, one of them is rectangular in shape with a square brisk. The second type has a more convex and round shape.
Square tools are cheaper because they are easier to manufacture.
They are also more common among hobbyists and locksmith professionals. Hammers with a round striker have some advantage. The impact part in this case has some advantage, which increases the strength and accuracy of the impact. For lighter work, use a square hammer.
According to the technical requirements for these tools, the bench hammer should not have any riveting, burrs or cracks. The striker should be as smooth and slightly convex as possible. Handles are made of hardwood. This is dogwood, beech, birch or hornbeam. The length of the handle must be at least 250 mm long. Also, the wood fibers should be directed along the length of the handle, otherwise the handle will simply break. Butts are made of carbon steel grades U7 and U8.
If you need to hammer in any fragile materials, then use "soft" hammers. Often, the strikers of these tools are made of aluminum alloys, copper, polyurethane, wood or rubber. The most practical option is a bench tool with interchangeable heads. Such kits allow you to perform a wider list of works.
GOST
It is no secret to anyone that GOST exists on hammers. So, this type of tool is made according to GOST 2310-77.
This standard applies to steelwork hammers weighing from 0.05 to 1000 g. Tools, as stated in the document, are created for use in the national economy and for export needs. This GOST does not apply to any hammers other than bench hammers.
So, according to the document, in addition to products with a round and square striker, there is also a hammer with a round striker and a toe of a spherical shape.
Technical requirements
Hand tools must be manufactured in strict accordance with standards and drawings.
As materials for the heads using steel 50 or U7. GOST also provides for other steel grades, if they are not inferior in mechanical properties. Heads should never be made by casting.
Wedges for a hammer are made from ST3 steel or their other steels, which are not inferior in characteristics to St3.
As for the handles, the GOST bench hammer provides for the use of hardwood of the 1st grade. Often these parts are made of hornbeam, dogwood, ash, birch, oak or beech, as well as various synthetic materials that can provide the necessary operational strength and reliability.
Hardness of working surfaces should be from 50.5 to 57 HRC. Hardness is measured in layers with a depth of not less than 5 mm, and also at a distance of no more than 1/5 of the length of the head from the ends and toe of the butt. Some deviations from the mass are allowed - this is 12% for products weighing 100 grams. The heads must be covered with various protective coatings. So, there is an oxide coating with oiling, a coating of chromium, phosphates, cadmium.
As for the connection of the head and the handle, it should be as reliable as possible. Cracks on the handles are not permitted. The hammer head must have the manufacturer’s trademark, product weight, price. It is also allowed to apply the trademark on the handle.
How to choose the right tool
As it turned out, a locksmith is serious, so the choice must be approached very carefully. The first thing you need to know is the required weight and size of the working part. If you pick up a product with a light striker, then the impact force will be insufficient, and a heavy striker, on the contrary, will be too tiring. Heavy hammers can also damage some materials.
When choosing, the working part is also important - the material matters here.
As indicated in GOST, butts are not made by casting. Only a forged hammer should be selected, and steel must be hardened and then tempered.
The hardening process is carried out by a high cooling rate, however, such materials differ in internal stresses. In order to remove these stresses, a vacation is performed - the product is heated to 200 degrees and then allowed to cool.
Vacation slightly reduces strength, but as a result, the product is much stronger than parts from ordinary alloys.
Handles
In modern models, these hammer parts are made of plastic, polyurethane, fiberglass materials. However, according to the experience of professionals, a wooden handle is still the best and most popular.
Pegs can be driven into the wood, which will make the grip with the striker more durable.
In addition, in the event of a breakdown in the handle, you can make it yourself.
Fiberglass is also popular today. It is considered one of the varieties of fiberglass. This material has in its composition more than 70% fiberglass. Also included are polyester resins. This material is characterized by very high durability and resistance.
Among the main advantages of fiberglass is durability. It is 9 times higher than plastic, and also 4 times higher than aluminum. Handles for hammers from it are not deformed.
Market Review
The modern market provides home craftsmen and professionals with a huge selection of a wide variety of tools. There are also a lot of hand hammers.
Bregadier 41-314
This hammer is designed to perform a wide variety of locksmith work.
It can also be used in carpentry. It is made of steel by forging, has a protective phosphatic coating, the striker is square in shape. Model weight - 500 g.
There are no unique technical solutions in the design of this tool, however, it is reliable and practical enough for simple homework or professional use.
The manufacturer, in addition to this model, offers other products with wooden handles and various weights, as well as hammers for other types of work.
Habero 600 IH 500
This product is also designed for a wide variety of locksmithing jobs.
The material used is steel. The head is covered with black varnishes, the shape of the striker is square.
The head made of chrome vanadium alloy has high hardness and does not flatten. By the way, for such a hammer, the metalwork price is more than affordable for a home master (from 200 rubles).
The market offers other products. Today the assortment of locksmiths is unusually wide. There is a mass of tools for needs, weight, materials, functionality. The main thing when choosing is the quality of materials, ergonomics and durability.