A hammer is an effective tool that is easy to use.It is important that you take the necessary precautions when using a hammer, so you don't hurt yourself or others.Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and ensure you have the right hammer for your job.With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can use a hammer without injury.
Step 1: Before using the hammer, make sure it is in good shape.
If the hammer is rusty, the wood is splintering, or the head is loose, don't use it.Injuries can be caused by using a hammer that is not in good working order.The head of the hammer can fly off if it is loose.To tighten the nails, use a screwdriver.You may have to replace the hammer if not.The hammer can break if the wood is splintered.
Step 2: If the hammer is dirty, you need to clean it.
If you notice dirt, oil, or debris on the hammer, you should wipe it down with a clean cloth.If you have oil or debris on your hammer, it may fall out of your hands.Water can cause the hammer to rust.
Step 3: To protect against flying objects, wear safety eyewear.
If a flying object hits your eye, you could lose it.Make sure your entire eye area is covered when you wear the safety glasses.
Step 4: It is important to stay focused on what you are doing to prevent injury.
It is possible to hurt yourself by mistake if you are distracted or daydreaming.As you work, keep your attention on the hammer.You are less likely to have an accident if you do this.You could hit your fingers instead of the nails if you daydream while working.
Step 5: Before you hit the hammer, look behind you.
If you don't double check before hitting the hammer, you can hurt yourself or others.Take a look over your shoulder to make sure no one is behind you and that there are no overhanging items.Look behind you to make sure there are no wires hanging from above.If you don't look behind you, you could accidentally hit someone while swinging the hammer.
Step 6: The hammer should be held by the end of the handle.
Put your thumb on the shaft by wrapping your fingers around the handle.This will allow you to have more control over your hammer.You can control the amount of force used to drive your item by positioning your thumb on top.
Step 7: Don't let the hammer slip out of your hands.
If you lose your grip on the hammer, it could hurt you or the object you are working on.The hammer stays in place if you squeeze the handle firmly.
Step 8: Before hitting, line up the hammer and item.
If you want to prevent hitting your fingers, line the head of the hammer up to the item.Doing this will ensure a straight, solid strike.You should strike the item with even force after you line up the hammer.Take the tip of the hammer and hold the nail up to the wall.
Step 9: Before you increase your power, start with a light blow.
If you are hammering a nail into a wall or a board, hold the nail to the surface and gently tap it with the hammer until it stays in place.The nail should go in straight and secure if you use light, consistent force.You can drive the nail the rest of the way after it's in place.It is possible to move your hand out of the way after the nail sets.If you use too much force, you can hurt your fingers.
Step 10: Use your entire arm to swing the hammer.
Bring your arm above your head and hold your hammer from the end if you aren't driving a nail into the wall.Use your arm and elbow to swing the hammer.If you are working on a car part, do this.
Step 11: You can pound in nails with a claw hammer.
The most traditional hammer type is a claw hammer.It has a metal head and wooden handle.The claw end of the hammer is used to remove nails from wood.Attach artwork, hang it, or do other craftsman jobs with this.The pronged part of the hammer is the claw section.Pull the hammer up with moderate pressure if you need to remove a nail.Be aware of flying objects as you do this.There are many different shapes and sizes of claw hammers.Solid metal varieties are also available.
Step 12: If you're doing handwork or assembling furniture, use a mallet.
If you are working with lightweight items, it is a good idea to use mallets.You can choose from wood or rubber mallets.Wooden mallets can be used to chisel wood or work on woodworking projects.It's great for working on furniture because of the rubber mallets' ability to deliver a strong blow.The bigger the mallet, the greater the swinging power.A small rubber mallet can be used to hammer in tent stakes.If you need to hit a hard object with a mallet, use a rubber or wooden one.Injury can be caused by using another metal item to strike a metal object.
Step 13: If you want to drive a chisel or punch, choose a ball peen hammer.
The rounded top of the ball peen hammer is great for pounding metals.They can be used to shape metals such as rivets or reach into small spaces.The hammer is used by metalworkers.If you want to reinforce a deck but can't fit your claw hammer into the crevice, you can use a ball peen hammer.It is great for hard-to-reach areas.
Step 14: If you are working on a demolition site, try using a sledgehammer.
Sledgehammers are used to knock over things.They have a wooden handle and heavy metal head.The sledgehammer's head is even on both sides.Sledgehammers are some of the heaviest hammer types and should be used with caution.
Step 15: If you are working on automobiles, you should use a body mechanic's hammer.
This hammer has a small, curved anvil that is attached to a wooden handle.If you want to remove dents from car panels, use this hammer type.The hammer type is used for auto work.Do not use this hammer to drive a nail.