Behind the Strike: A Guide to Hammer Head Materials

Each type of hammer head material, whether it's tough steel, gentle rubber, or the timeless elegance of brass and copper, has its own unique properties that determine its suitability for specific tasks. The choice of hammer head material is far from superficial, as it can determine the success of the users projects, the safety of their work, and the integrity of their materials. In this blog, we'll journey through the durability of steel, the gentleness of rubber, and the niche charm of brass and copper. Each material offers a unique set of characteristics, making it crucial to understand which one is best suited for your range and customers.

EN8 and EN9 Steel - "The Go to Choice"

When it comes to choosing hammers for various applications, steel is the most common material of choice, known for its durability, strength, and versatility. Among the plethora of steel types available, EN8 and EN9 steel have long held their reign in the world of hammers. But why are these two steel grades preferred over others like CRV steel or C-60 steel?

1. Superior Strength: EN8 and EN9 steels offer impressive tensile and yield strength, making them ideal for striking applications where force is required. They can withstand significant impact without deforming. C60 and CRV steel generally offers lower strength and toughness. This can result in hammers that are more prone to deformation when exposed to high-impact tasks.
2. Durability: Known for their remarkable wear resistance. Hammers made from EN8/9 steel can withstand repeated use without losing their structural integrity. This longevity is essential for tools used in demanding situations. CRV and C60 may not have the same level of wear resistance as EN8/9 steel hammers. This can lead to a shorter tool lifespan.
3. Shock Absorption: EN8/9 steel possess excellent shock-absorbing properties. This feature is crucial when a hammer is used to deliver controlled blows without excessive rebound, helping prevent hand fatigue. CRV and C60 steel hammers may lack the same level of shock absorption, leading to discomfort during prolonged work.
4. Versatility: Hammers made from EN8/9 are versatile and can be used for a huge range of applications, where different types of blows are required. CRV and C60 may be more suitable for limited tasks and less adaptable to various applications where different types of blows are required.
5. Ease of Maintenance: They resist corrosion, reducing the need for frequent upkeep, which is crucial in industries where tools are frequently exposed to moisture or harsh environments. In industries like metalworking, automotive, and construction, hammers made from these steel grades can maintain their cutting or shaping edges for longer periods. CRV & C60 are more susceptible to corrosion compared to EN8/9 steel hammers.

EN8/9 steel hammers have earned their reputation for a reason. Their superior strength, durability, and versatility make them indispensable tools in various industries. The unmatched performance and longevity of EN8 and EN9 steel make them the preferred choice for professionals who rely on their hammers day in and day out, which is important to keep in mind as a buyer.

There are yet many industries that do not prefer to use steel hammers and instead opt for other materials such as brass, copper and rubber. That, however, has more to do with the nature of the task.

The Use of Brass and Copper Hammers

Brass and Copper hammers are selected for their non-marring properties, controlled strikes, reduced heat transfer, durability, and corrosion resistance, making them valuable tools in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, where precision, safety, and material preservation are of utmost importance.

In the oil and gas industry, where safety and precision are paramount, brass and copper hammers may also be used for maintenance tasks. These materials provide controlled, non-sparking impacts, making them suitable for applications where flammable or explosive atmospheres may be present. Their corrosion resistance and durability also make them reliable tools in the challenging conditions often found in the mining and oil and gas sector.

The Use of Soft Face Hammers

While traditional steel hammers have their place, there are situations where you need a softer touch. This is where soft face hammers come into play; Rubber Mallets, Double Soft Face Hammers with Rubber/Nylon Tips, and Deadblow Hammers. Each of these tools has its unique design and purpose, making them valuable additions to unique work environments.

Rubber Mallets

Rubber mallets are essential tools that find widespread use in various industries and applications, known for their ability to deliver controlled, non-damaging impacts. These hammers have a head made of rubber, which provides a softer striking surface compared to steel hammers. The soft rubber head doesn't leave dents, marks, or scratches on surfaces, making them ideal for applications where the appearance or integrity of the material must be preserved.

• Woodworking: Craftsmen use rubber mallets to assemble wooden parts without leaving dents or marks.
• Pipe Installation: Rubber mallets help in connecting pipes and fittings without causing harm to them, ensuring watertight seals.
• Metalworking: In metalwork, rubber mallets are used for shaping and bending metal without causing harm or leaving scratches.
• Automotive Maintenance: Rubber mallets come in handy for dislodging components or making adjustments to parts without damaging them.
• Flooring Installation: Rubber mallets are employed to gently tap floorboards into place without marring the surface.

Double Soft Face Hammers with Rubber Tips

Double soft face hammers with rubber tips are versatile tools used for more demanding applications that require controlled yet forceful impacts without causing damage to the workpiece. This hammer features two striking faces, both made of rubber, or, one made of rubber and the other made of nylon. The rubber face is used when a softer touch and non-marring strikes are required, while the nylon face is for more substantial or rigid materials.

• Woodworking and Joinery: Ideal for tasks requiring both gentle persuasion and more substantial force, such as fitting joinery components together.
• Assembly and Furniture Construction: In furniture assembly, the rubber and nylon tips allow for precise yet sturdy joining of parts without leaving marks.
• Metal Fabrication: Double soft face hammers are used to shape metal and align components in metal fabrication without marring the surface.
• Mechanical Repairs: In automotive and machinery maintenance, these hammers are perfect for tasks that require controlled but forceful impacts.

Deadblow Hammers

Deadblow hammers are renowned for their ability to deliver powerful blows while eliminating rebound. It is distinctive due to its unique construction, typically featuring a hollow head filled with loose metal shot, sand, or other materials that absorb and distribute the force of the blow. The internal damping material in a deadblow hammer eliminates rebound, ensuring that the force is directed entirely toward the workpiece.

• Automotive Work: Used for tasks like removing stubborn parts, aligning components, and dent removal in automotive repairs.
• Construction and Framing: In construction, deadblow hammers are employed to set beams and secure structures while minimizing damage.
• Metalworking and Machining: Deadblow hammers help shape and finish metal components with precision and force.
• Foundry Work: In foundries, these hammers are used to mold and shape hot metal, providing controlled, non-bouncing impacts.

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In the realm of hammer head materials, the choices are as diverse as the tasks they tackle. Steel, the workhorse of the construction site, delivers power and resilience, while rubber provides a gentle touch, ensuring surfaces remain unscathed. Brass and copper, with their timeless allure, add a touch of craftsmanship and sense of safety to every strike.