A hammer is a handheld tool that’s used in hitting objects. Interestingly, the first discovered hammers (around 800 to 3,000 BCE) were without handles. Through time, its design and variety evolved and one known type of it is the claw hammer.
What is a claw hammer and a nail set?
A claw hammer is a type of hammer with one side of the head flat or textured while the other side is curved, with a split in the middle forming the letter V. Its handle is long and curves up at the head—being the line across the top, it looks like letter T.
The flat side of the head is used in hitting objects such as nails, though it cannot be used in heavy hammering. The claw side, on the other hand, is useful in removing nails.
There are different types of claw hammer such as the curved claw hammer, the rip claw hammer, and the framing hammer.
Curved Claw Hammer
One side of the curved claw hammer is slightly curved, which helps lessen the damage on the surface you are hitting or driving the nail into. The claw side gives a better grasp on pulling out nails. It’s the standard or common hammer bought by homeowners and is sold in different weights.
Ripping Claw Hammer
A ripping claw hammer or straight claw hammer is often used by professionals because of its weight and durability.
Unlike most other hammers, its claw isn’t curved making it easier to fit between the materials to be separated such as tiles, boards, and wood. Also, it doesn’t have a curved head.
You can find this kind of claw hammer in different weights.
Framing Claw Hammer
As the name implies, a framing claw hammer is used for framing houses. It’s a heavy-duty hammer with a straight claw, making it easier to remove nails and rip materials just like the ripping claw hammer.
Though it isn’t curved and may create dents, its head is larger and heavier—that lessens the blows needed.
Nail Set
A nail set is a helpful tool used to sink the head of a nail below a surface, such as a finishing nail that has a small head.
How to use them safely in your wood crafting hobby
First, you need to know what type of claw hammer best suits your needs. Its weight, size, type of handle, balance, and grip all matter. Ask someone at the hardware store for assistance if you aren’t sure of what to buy.
Before using your hammer, always check that the parts are secured. Wear protective gear like an eye protector and gloves to avoid accidents. Stand properly while hammering to avoid straining your muscles. Besides, the right posture can help you exert the right amount of force.
Have a good hold on the hammer’s handle, almost closer at the bottom end. Get your nail and align its head and the hammer’s head. With just the right amount of force, hammer until the nail can stand on its own.
Remove your fingers holding the nail and let the weight of the hammer do the work. Let the head of the hammer come down, hitting the nail head continuously with the same force—but with control to avoid or lessen the damage—until it’s fully driven into the wood.
When you are using a finishing nail, make sure that its perpendicular to the surface and will not bend. If it does, remove it with the claw and use a new one. Hammer the nail as far as possible into the wood without touching its surface.
Get your nail set and place its pointed head on the head of the finishing nail. Carefully tap the opposite end of the nail set until the finishing nail is driven into or below the surface of the wood. Always remember to take a good grip of your hammer to avoid accidents.
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