This Video Shows the Best Practices for Using Different Types of Hammers.
The hammer is such a common tool that most people probably don’t think too much about how to use it. However, this video from This Old House shows how small differences in your hammer can make a big difference in your work.
The video begins by explaining the difference between several types of hammers that are designed for specific tasks such as metal working and shingles. Later, general contractor Tim Silva demonstrates how to properly swing a regular 16oz hammer. Notably, Silva notes that it’s a good idea to use your entire arm with a wide swing so as not to strain your wrist.
He also demonstrates how to use straight, side and curved nails to remove nails. As mentioned in the video, curved claws provide significantly more leverage for nails that are already cutting very deeply into the wood. However, you can get more straight claw leverage by placing a small block of wood under the hammer while pulling.
How to choose and use a hammer “wiki useful YouTube via This Old House