When you walk through a construction site or even a workshop, you can find a lot of different types of hammers. It’s not uncommon for the do-it-yourselfer to try to use one hammer for all roles, but the trades workers in commercial carpentry will have different hammers for different roles. Here are a few you may see.
Claw Hammer
This is the type of hammer that most of us immediately think of and is probably the most common type you will see. It has a flat head for hammering nails and a curved claw for pulling nails out. You can find claw hammers of varying weights and the hammer face can be smooth or waffled. The handle is usually either wood, metal or fiberglass.
Framing Hammer
The framing hammer looks very similar to the standard claw hammer, but you will notice a difference when you pick it up. This type is heavier, sometimes twice the weight of a claw hammer. The claw is also either flat or slightly curved compared to its cousin. It is the professional choice for things like frames, trusses or decks where bigger nails are being used and the extra weight works out to be fewer swings.
Electrician Hammer
This type also looks a lot like a claw hammer, but the handle is the indicator. It is insulated fiberglass with a rubber handle. As the name implies, it is designed for working around electricity. One feature that is different on the electrician hammer is the longer striking face, making it easier to use in tight spaces.
Drywall Hammer
It’s not uncommon to see these specialty hammers at a construction site. This hammer has a flat striking face on one side of the head. Rather than a claw, the other side has a flat, hatchet-like blade. This is used to make cuts in drywall, such as cutting out an opening for an electrical outlet. While they are widely used, the drywall hammer is not one that is frequently used in commercial carpentry.
Dead Blow Hammer
This specialty hammer looks very different from the other hammers we’ve discussed. These are more of a mallet with a solid rubber or plastic head. Some versions have a semi-hollow head filled with sand or powdered lead. They have applications ranging from automotive work to installing granite or marble countertops. The carpentry applications are when we need to force wood together, such as a joint, but don’t want to mar the wood. You won’t see this a lot, but when you see a dead blow hammer, you’ll probably notice it.
Trim Hammer
The last type we will talk about is the trim hammer. This is similar to the claw hammer but usually shorter, lighter, and with a straight claw. This is used for smaller nails and tighter places, like installing trim or floorboard. The lighter weight and smooth face also help keep it from damaging the appearance of the wood.
Regardless of the type needed, you can be assured that our workers will arrive on time and properly equipped. We work safe and smart. Waldron Carpentry does wood rough carpentry, exterior trim, and siding, wood framing, custom roof trusses, and finish carpentry. If you are a general contractor and you need a commercial carpentry contractor you can rely on, we would love to hear about your project. Contact us at our website or call us at (239) 707-1770. We look forward to building a relationship with you.