How to choose and use a claw hammer

[MitchellMc]

Difficulty: Beginner

The versatile hammer is an essential tool for every home.

Whether you're a D.I.Y. novice or looking to further improve your skills, understanding how to choose and use a claw hammer effectively is essential for the success of countless projects.

This guide shows you how to select the right hammer, handle it correctly and maintain your tool so it lasts a lifetime.

Video Tutorial

Steps

Step 1

How to choose a claw hammer.

When selecting a claw hammer, consider the type, material and weight. Claw hammers generally weigh between 450 grams (16 ounces) and 680 grams (24 ounces). A 450-gram hammer is suitable for most D.I.Y. tasks.

When choosing between a lighter or heavier hammer, consider your task. A lighter hammer is easier to control and less likely to cause fatigue, making it ideal for tasks requiring precision or for prolonged use. However, lighter weight means you'll need to exert more effort to drive in longer nails or work with tougher materials.

A heavier hammer delivers more force with each strike, making it perfect for driving large nails or working with dense materials. But using a heavier hammer all day can strain your arm and reduce your efficiency. The key is to match the hammer's weight to the job's demands and your own physical comfort. 

Handle materials vary. Wood offers a traditional feel but can break more easily. Fibreglass is durable and absorbs shock. Steel is robust but may transfer more shock to your hand.

A hammer’s claw design can also differ. Some hammers have a straight claw for prying, while others feature a curved claw for better leverage.

    

Step 2

How to handle a hammer.

Proper grip and handling are important for effective use of your hammer. Hold the hammer near the end of the handle for maximum power. For more precise tasks or when starting a nail, you can choke your grip on the hammer by gripping it closer to the head. This provides better accuracy and control.

Make sure your grip is firm but not overly tight. Also ensure you keep the hammer straight to avoid angled strikes which can bend your nail.

      

Step 3

How to drive a nail with the hammer.

To drive a nail, begin with lighter, controlled strikes to set the nail in place. This prevents the nail from bending or slipping off course.

Once the nail is started, switch to more powerful, confident strikes to drive it fully into the material. To avoid hitting your fingers, use your thumb and index finger to hold the nail away from the striking area, or place a small piece of scrap wood under the nail as a spacer.

      

Step 4

How to correct and remove nails.

If a nail starts to bend while you’re driving it, lightly tap it from the side with the hammer to realign it.

To remove a nail, use the claw side of the hammer. Position the claw around the nail head and gently pry it out. For added leverage, place a block of wood underneath the hammer’s head.

    

Step 5

How to store and maintain your hammer.

To keep your claw hammer in good condition, store it in a dry place to prevent rust. Keep it in a tool belt or drawer where it won’t get damaged.

Regularly inspect the hammer for any loose or damaged parts and clean it after use to remove any debris or paint. Proper care will ensure your hammer remains effective and durable for all your D.I.Y. projects.

  

Materials

• Nails.

Tools

• Claw hammer.

Images

[Nailbag]

Some awesome tips there @MitchellMc It's a topic that most people would take for granted that everyone knows as if we were all born knowing how to use a hammer. A couple of other tips I have are:

- Position yourself when possible so you can see the top of the nail and of course your fingers. Then always start by positioning the nail as vertical as possible. If you hold it crooked it will go in crooked. Stop before its driven to far in. Wiggle it straight or lightly tap with the hammer. Failing that pull it out with your fingers or use the claw and start again. With practice, you will get better.

- It's not a race. 5 nails in straight in the first go is better than 10 with 6 bent over.

- Positioning your thumb on the top of the grip can help with accuracy, especially when getting nails started. Then tuck it back in to finish the job. Some hammers like one of mine actually has a thumb indentaion.

- Some hammers, also like one of mine have a magnetic nail-starter on the head. It doesn't work on small nails so, thats when that tip @MitchellMc had for holding nails comes in handy. Either method can come in handy when the other hand is needed to hold the material.

- And lastly, if your using your hammer a lot and not always for driving in nails, the face of the hammer will become quite pitted which, can make driving smaller nails in difficult. So, rubbing it a cross some sandpaper resting on a flat surface won't make it smooth, but will dress it in a way that will get you driving nails straighter again.


Regards, Nailbag