Title: Choosing and Using a Hammer - Red Box Tools

The saying goes, the right tool for the right job. Having the right tool to get a job done right should mean to anyone about to tackle a tool based project, to have and use the right tool for it's intended purpose.

In other words, a skilled tradesman, carpenter, plumber, electrician, tile layer, drywall taper, or brick layer should not use a screwdriver as a chisel, or a power drill as a hammer. Drills for drilling, hammers for hammering, screw drivers for..., well you get the idea.

So, do you need a hammer to drive a nail? Then use the RedBoxTools' 16 oz. Claw Hammer Fiberglass Handle to hammer away at nails. This hammer has a sold fiberglass handle and the head is made of drop forged, heat treated steel with a fully polished head which is firmly held in place with epoxy and steel wedges.

Why fiberglass and not a wood or steel shafted handle? Well for one, the fiberglass should last longer than the wood handle as wood handles can eventually dry out and break. And secondly, the fiberglass handle has better shock-absorbing qualities. This feature will benefit the user with less stress and fatigue on the hand and wrist which are the part of the body that will bear the full force of each hammer blow. Less fatigue means you can work longer and more efficiently at your job. As always, whether you are on the job site or working on your old house, with any project of any size, time and efficiency are critical.

Basic Tips for hammering a nail.

Depeding on what type of wood you are hammering into, it can't hurt to drill a pilot hole in the material you are going to be driving the nail into. For hard woods, this can help prevent splitting off the wood.

To begin hammering, grip the hammer firmly in the middle of the handle, trying not to hold the hammer too tightly.

Hold the nail between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand and place the nail where it is to be driven.

Keep your wrist straight, using your whole forearm, bending at your elbow, to drop the hammer on to the nail head. There should be no need to over power your strikes. Use the weight of the hammer, with smooth, firm blows, to drive the nail.

Do your best to use the center of the hammer face to strike the nail avoiding sideways or glancing blows. Otherwise your hammer could slide of the nail on to the surrounding material and leave marks on the surface or actually break the material.

Tip: If the nail is small, you may want to use a piece of thin cardboard to hold the nail in place while hammering (make sure to pull the cardboard away before completing the drive). If the nail is bigger, hold the nail on the shaft between the thumb and fingers. Begin driving the nail by tapping lightly. Using the center of the hammer face, drive the nail in with firm, smooth blows. And do not forget to use a pilot hole to keep the materials from splitting.

A Note About Safety Equipment
Of course, anytime your are striking objects while you work, RedBox Tools Inc. strongly advises that you always wear your protective gear. Eye protection should be mandatory as there is always a chance that bits of material could come flying and hit you in the eye. Work gloves are a good idea as well and if you are doing a lot of hammering, ear plugs would be good to wear.

We hope this is helpful information for you. If you have any questions, please feel to contact us at RedBoxTools.com and we will be happy to answer your questions.

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