How to use a hammer safely

Hammers are generally used by various professionals when carrying out their daily tasks, so they are one of the most used tools by all kinds of mechanics, carpenters and builders, as well as many users who carry out DIY tasks, therefore, if you plan to use one of these tools, you must do so safely.

The hammer and its parts

To learn how to use a hammer safely, it is essential to know a little more about these tools, as well as learn to differentiate between their different parts.

Hammers are very common tools, so we can find them in practically every home, since they are used to perform many tasks such as driving all kinds of nails and removing some that are bent or misplaced, breaking objects, among others. In the market you can find a wide variety of models, each of which has a specific function. Among the best known are carpenter’s hammers, war hammers, for sheet metal workers, for shed builders, ball hammers, for mechanics, etc.

Likewise, you will find hammers specially designed for mineralogy and construction. There are models known as pneumatic hammers, which are very similar to hammer drills in their operation based on small blows that help in drilling, with the difference that, instead of using compressed air, they use a hydraulic oil fluid.

The most basic hammers are tools that are simple to make and do not have many parts or complicated parts. Normally, they are made up of a head, which varies in shape according to a certain function, in addition to being made of steel or iron. This part has 2 sides, the end that is used to hit and the other that complements the function of the first.

On the other hand, the handle is a vital part for the use of this tool, since it is used to grab and direct this tool. In the market, you can find hammer models made of metal, plastic or wood. Most of the metal hammer models have a rubber-coated handle, which improves grip and comfort to the touch, increasing the ergonomics of the tool and preventing it from slipping out of your hands, which is why many professionals believe that it is are among the best hammers today.

Safe use of a hammer

Ideal and effective for a wide variety of construction jobs and carpentry or joinery projects, among many others, the hammer generally stands out for being very simple to use. However, even if you think you know its use very well, it is very important and advisable to take the necessary safety and protection precautions so that the task is completed correctly and without suffering any injury. You need to be completely clear about the task you are going to give it and sure that the hammer you have is the right one to perform that task.

The first thing you should do, after choosing the right model, is to put on safety glasses, which will help you protect your eyes at all times from any splinters or pieces of stone that could jump uncontrollably. Next, take a good look at the hammer before you use it, so you can make sure it’s in good condition. It is not recommended to use a hammer that is rusty, if the head is loose or the handle is chipped. What can happen, if your tool has one of these characteristics, is that the wood of the handle breaks, the head of the hammer comes off or the rust causes the blow you make to end in injury.

It is highly recommended to clean the hammer carefully, especially if the tool is dirty. Therefore, if you happen to see a bit of dirt, residue or oil on any of the parts of the hammer, we recommend that you proceed to clean it with a completely clean cloth until all that residue is removed. In this way, you can use it more safely and prevent it from falling out of your hands when hitting hard. Also, remember to avoid getting the hammer wet, as this is the main cause of the product rusting.

On the other hand, it is highly recommended to stay completely focused on the task at hand, as if you get distracted or lose yourself in a daydream while doing the work, you will most likely end up accidentally hitting yourself. Therefore, you will need to pay full attention while doing the work.

Also, it is important that you take into account that the way you hold the hammer makes a difference, so you must do it correctly. Professionals recommend holding the tool just at the end of the handle. Place the handle of the hammer in the palm of your hand, and then curl the fingers of your hand into a firm thumb pressure so that you have more control over the tool. This will prevent the hammer from slipping out of your hands and landing on someone else’s head.

To start hitting with this tool, it is recommended to start with soft hits and gradually increase the power. If you are going to use it to drive a nail into wood or wall, you will need to hold the nail carefully on the surface and hit it firmly and surely until the point can penetrate the surface. Hit hard and steady, making sure to keep the nail straight and steady. When you see that the nail is positioned and not moving, you can release it and begin to apply more force in a moderate way, giving constant blows until the nail penetrates to the depth you want.

Lastly, if you need to remove the nail because it is old and rusty or simply because it turned out badly, you can use the opposite end or “nail” to exert leverage and remove it. Of course, this applies if the model of hammer you are using is a lug or carpenter.