You must have never learned the anatomy of a hammer in your science class, did you? Well, this article covers all the different parts and their use.
We all have seen a hammer being used. Hammers are one of the most common and valuable tools we use in our everyday lives. They are great for driving nails into walls, pounding on metal to shape them, and for many other tasks.
Hammers come in different sizes, from tiny jeweler's hammers to huge sledgehammers. But have you ever wondered what all the different parts of a hammer are called? Or what each part is used for? You don't need to be into carpentry or engineering to understand the different parts of this versatile tool.
So, without further ado, let's get into it.
Article Contents
The Different Parts of a Hammer
The most common type of hammer is a standard claw hammer. Therefore, this anatomy lesson can be based on this since these parts are typical across most types.
Head
The head of the hammer is the part that does all the work. It is usually made of metal and has a flat surface on one side and a rounded surface on the other. The flat surface is called the face of the hammer and is used for pounding nails into walls and other surfaces.
The weight, shape, and size of the head vary across the various types of hammers. You can also find differently weighted hammers for a single style as there are smaller versions. The weight is calculated in ounces or pounds, and the heavier the hammer, the more powerful the blow.
Handle
The handle is the part of the hammer you grip while using it. It is usually made of wood, metal, or fiberglass. You can find several hammers with a rubber grip on them. There are other varieties and combinations, but a rubber grip is the most preferred as it provides a good grip. It all comes down to personal preference and comfort.
The length of the handle varies depending on the type of hammer. For example, a sledgehammer will have a much longer handle than a claw hammer. Next, if you talk about the shape, it is usually cylindrical. However, the curvature, structure, and thickness also tend to vary.
Throat
The throat is the part of the hammer that joins the neck to the face. It is a thin section whose primary purpose is to support the face. The presence of the throat makes the hammer more durable. While some hammers have long throats like an electrician's hammer, there are some with no throat, such as a sledgehammer.
Neck
The neck is the part of the hammer that connects the handle to the head. Like the throat, it is also a thin section, and its main purpose is to support the head. The length and diameter of the neck are subject to vary as per the hammer type.
Face
The face is the flat side of the head that you use to pound nails. You can call this the striking part of the hammer as it is the part that collides with the nails and other objects. A hammer's face can be either smooth or textured. The size and shape of the face also tend to differ as per the type of hammer. For example, a ball-peen hammer will have a different face than a claw hammer.
Claw
The claw is at the backside of the head, and it's a standard feature among claw hammers. It is used to pull nails out of wood and other surfaces. The claw is usually curved to provide a better grip on the nails. The size and shape of the claw also differ as per the type of hammer. For example, a brick hammer has a more pronounced and bigger claw than a standard claw hammer.
Other Parts
Some hammers have additional features besides the parts mentioned above, such as a magnet on the head. This is generally found in electricians' hammers as it helps them hold nails and screws in place. Some other hammers also have a measuring tape on them which is again found to be useful for electricians. Then, there are some that come with a replaceable head and handle.
Final Words
Well, it looks like we are at the end of our little tour through the parts of a hammer. We hope this article provided you with some valuable information about hammers and their parts.
