Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Everyone knows what the claw hammer looks like, but not all are aware that differences in the tool’s shape, weight, and head determine the one to pick for any specific project. Carpenters occasionally turn to other tools for driving nails or pounding stubborn joints together; the roofer’s hatchet and the mallet are two examples.
Hammer faces may be either flat or slightly convex. The convex, or bell-faced, type allows you to drive a nail flush without marring the wood’s surface. Mesh-type faces are available for rough framing work—the mesh pattern keeps the face from glancing off large nail heads, and can help guide the nails. Don’t use this face for finish work, since the pattern will imprint the surface.
Head weights range from 7 to 28 ounces. Pick a weight that’s comfortable but not too light: Your arm may actually tire sooner swinging a light hammer for heavy work than it would wielding a heavier hammer.
Nearly all home projects call for some type of fastening—so you’ll need a variety of fastening tools for improvements and repairs. Be sure to have a claw hammer, a variety of screwdrivers—including screw tips that fit into a drill—a pair of pliers, and an adjustable wrench at the very minimum. A nailset is helpful for recessing nails from view when woodworking.
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