What weight hammer do I need?

300-500 g for assembly and nailing, 800-1500 g for steelwork, 3-5 kg sledgehammers for demolition. Heavier heads mean fewer blows but less control.

What is a soft-faced mallet for?

Striking without marking the surface — seating parts in assembly, trim work and delicate jobs. It is not for heavy blows on steel.

What if the handle works loose?

Stop using it. A wedge can be reset on a wooden handle, but if the head still moves the handle must be replaced — a loose head can fly off in use.

Can I strike a chisel with any hammer?

Use a hammer intended for striking chisels. Hitting hardened surfaces can throw fragments, so eye protection is essential.

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Hammers & Sledgehammers

Head weight and handle material decide what a hammer is for: a heavier head does the work in fewer blows but costs control. The range here covers engineer's and claw hammers, sledgehammers and plastic or rubber faced mallets.

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Weight and handle

300-500 g suits assembly and nailing; 800-1500 g suits steelwork; 3-5 kg sledgehammers suit demolition and driving stakes. As weight rises the blow count falls, and so does control.

A wooden handle absorbs shock and tires the hand least; fibreglass resists damp and breakage better; steel is the most durable but transmits the most vibration.

Job	Recommended weight
Assembly, nailing	300-500 g
Steelwork	800-1500 g
Demolition, driving stakes	3-5 kg (sledge)

Safety

Check the head is tight on the handle before every use; a loose head can fly off. Striking hardened steel surfaces can throw fragments, so eye protection is not optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight hammer do I need?
300-500 g for assembly and nailing, 800-1500 g for steelwork, 3-5 kg sledgehammers for demolition. Heavier heads mean fewer blows but less control.
Wooden or fibreglass handle?
Wood absorbs shock best and tires the hand least; fibreglass resists damp and breakage better. Steel lasts longest but transmits the most vibration.
What is a soft-faced mallet for?
Striking without marking the surface — seating parts in assembly, trim work and delicate jobs. It is not for heavy blows on steel.
What if the handle works loose?
Stop using it. A wedge can be reset on a wooden handle, but if the head still moves the handle must be replaced — a loose head can fly off in use.
Can I strike a chisel with any hammer?
Use a hammer intended for striking chisels. Hitting hardened surfaces can throw fragments, so eye protection is essential.