The Hammer Guide
Several types of hammers are used in woodworking which come in different weights starting at 6oz and go 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 end has a round striking face which is ever so slightly domed across the face.
Uses
10oz is a great weight for driving pins and tapping joints together. This size is great 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 which helps to 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
Relevant Guides
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Setting Up a Hammer
Note: This guide is on both chisel hammers and warrington hammers. Paul recommends scraping off the varnish from the handle when you get a new wooden-handled hammer and he recommends adding 4 coats of boiled linseed oil over a few days. This finish will ensure the hammer handle keeps in great condition and lasts a long…
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Buying a Hammer
Stanley and Brades are both good makes to look out for. These are quite difficult to find at a 10oz weight so if you struggle to find one, go for a 12oz instead. eBay often have good secondhand ones so it’s worth searching there. If you cannot find these, then a 10oz/12oz claw hammer will…
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The Hammer Guide
Several types of hammers are used in woodworking which come in different weights starting at 6oz and go 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…
Further Reading
To read more on this we recommend the following from Paul’s blog:
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