While not his first invention, the hammer – and in particular the hammer head – has helped man expand his universe like no other invention until the advent of the personal computer. Through the centuries the hammer head has kept up with the times, evolving from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, and through the Industrial Revolution (the Steel Age) to encompass materials such as stainless steels, tool steels, and nonferrous alloys. But without heat treating, today’s hammer head would be no more useful as a tool than the ones whose heads were made of stone. 

The Blacksmith

While not his first invention, the hammer – and in particular the hammer head – has helped man expand his universe like no other invention until the advent of the personal computer. Through the centuries the hammer head has kept up with the times, evolving from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, and through the Industrial Revolution (the Steel Age) to encompass materials such as stainless steels, tool steels, and nonferrous alloys. But without heat treating, today’s hammer head would be no more useful as a tool than the ones whose heads were made of stone. 

The Forger

Many steel hammer heads rely on a hot forging process in combination with precisely controlled tempering to produce a durable, high-performing product. The most important part of the manufacture process is controlling the degree of hardness of the head. Most U.S. made hammer heads are made from either high carbon or high alloy tool steels. Brass, bronze and copper faced hammers are also popular. Less expensive hammers can be produced from cast steel, but, in general are not as durable.

Heat Treating is Key

Hammer hardness is the most essential factor in determining hammer life, for while the hammer head must be extremely hard and resistant to wear, the shank must be more ductile in order to absorb shock. For example, in the manufacture of crusher hammers, selective induction hardening is used to create a gradually varying hardness between the shank and the tip while avoiding abrupt hardness changes. In cross section, the hardness extends for the full depth instead of merely at the surface. Hammer hardness in this case is normally measured by Brinell testing. If it’s too hard it becomes brittle and chips easily. Also, the eye of the hammer needs to be strong rather than hard, and as such the eye is normally softer. Nonferrous hammer heads are solution treated, quenched and age hardened. Stress relief and annealing are also done depending on the end use application. 

Diversity

If you thought there were only a couple of styles of hammer heads, think again. One major U.S. hammer manufacturer produces more than 250 types, sizes and materials for every conceivable trade and task.

The most popular hammer for general work is the claw hammer, available in weights from 16 to 24 ounces (455-680 grams). The claw is normally curved, and incorporates a ‘V’ cut-out to draw nails from timber. The next most popular hammer for general use is the ball-peen hammer, used to round or shape metal and for closing rivets. Ball-peen hammers are available up to 2 pounds (907 grams) with 8 to 12 ounces (227-340 grams) being the most common for general use. The club hammer or baby sledge weighs 2.5 pounds (1,134 grams), has a double faced head, and is useful for light demolition work, driving steel chisels and masonry nails. For heavier jobs, such as driving in stakes or to break up concrete, a sledge hammer with a weight of 7 to 14 pounds (3,175-6,350 grams) is often needed.

The hammers of tomorrow may involve more sophisticated materials, but heat treatment – and forging – will always be a vital part of man’s next best friend.