1. Weight of the hammer
Less weight mean less wear on the body. By keeping the total weight of the hammer to a minimum the risk of strain injuries can be reduced. Because a light hammer can be swung faster than a heavy one, it puts less strain on the body without compromising work efficiency. To protect your body, it is therefore a good idea to use a light-weighted hammer as often as possible.
2. Size of the shaft
The risk of occupational injuries is particularly great if you hold the tool firmly, work for long periods and adopt unsuitable stances. An ergonomically sound handle is one that has been designed so that the size, shape, grip-pattern and material all give the right amount of friction and allows a relaxed grip. By choosing the right size of hammer and handle, the user reduces strain on the muscles and tendons.
3. “The feeling”
Many craftsmen talk about “the feeling” connected to holding a hammer. Besides different weights and sizes, we have shafts in a variety of materials affecting the total experience of the hammer. Hickory, steel and fibreglass are the most common materials. What material to choose is closely connected to personal preferences. Some craftsmen prefer the wooden shafts and other are more comfortable with a rubberised grip. No matter what material you prefer, it’s important to get the best possible grip to be able to work in a safe and ergonomic way.
Good luck in choosing the perfect hammer. We’ll leave it to you to hit the nail…
To find out which model best suits you and your work, please consult our hammer guide.