The Hammer Guide

Several types of hammers are used in woodworking, coming in different weights starting at 6oz and going up to 38oz. This guide will be focusing on the Warrington hammer as this is the one Paul Sellers recommends. The handle is usually made from ash and the head is double ended. One end is formed into narrow taper for refining work, and the other has a round striking face which is ever so slightly domed across the face.

Uses

A 10oz hammer is a good weight for driving pins and tapping joints together, and for a variety of delicate and precise tasks. For larger nails and joints, a weight of 12oz and up would be more suitable. A claw hammer has a curved fork at one side of the head to help lever nails out of wood.

Terminology

• Head - The top, usually made of forged steel, a different material from the handle
• Face - Round surface(s) on the end of the head, used as a striking surface
• Handle - The shaft, usually made from ash

Types

• The Warrington Hammer (Often called The Cross Peen Hammer)
• Claw Hammer
• Nylon Headed Hammer (Chisel Hammer)

Parts of a Hammer

● Face

● Head

● Peen

● Handle

Further Reading

To read more on this we recommend the following from Paul’s blog:

My Minimalist Tools- Another Hammer