How to Use a Hammer Safely

Claw hammer
Claw hammer


Hammers are basic tools but hammers are also notorious for causing thumb and finger injuries. It is estimated that some 50,000 Americans seek treatment every year as a result of a hammer injury. Here are some tips for using a hammer properly so that both you and the project you’re working on are kept safe from harm.

Steps   [edit]

Choosing the Hammer

  1. Choose a good hammer. Good tools are easier to work with and are less prone to damage, such as a split handle or the head coming loose from the handle. If you intend to own the hammer for a long time, obtain a good one at the outset. A good hammer should be well-made, have excellent head-to-handle weight distribution and be made of high quality steel.
  2. Select the right hammer for the right job. There are different types of hammers for different projects, including:

    • A claw hammer. This is suitable for pounding in nails; the claw part is suitable for pulling nails out. This hammer is more commonly used for woodworking and has a “T” shape, with the head on one side and a “claw” on the other side. It is the hammer most likely to be in the house. See image above.
    • A ball peen hammer (hardened). This is suitable for driving a chisel or a punch. This is more commonly used for metalworking and has no claw. It has a rounded metallic head.
    • Stonework mallet; pavers are quite fragile and need gentle pounding into place
      Stonework mallet; pavers are quite fragile and need gentle pounding into place
      A mallet. This is also often referred to as a rubber hammer. It is a fairly common type of hammer. It is suitable for delicate work as it has a softer head than most hammers.
    • An upholstery hammer. This is suitable for upholstery projects; one end is usually magnetic to help with tacks used in furniture.
    • A lightweight hammer is suitable for children who are learning.
  3. Do your research to confirm what is the best for your project. There are some links provided below to help get you started but often the best thing to do is to ask a carpenter or somebody who knows tools very well. They may have some hammers for you to hold and try out.

Using the Hammer Correctly

  1. Check the hammer before use. You should look for firm attachment of the head to the handle and for any splinters, loose wrapping or other deformities to the handle. If the hammer has any defects or is wobbly, do not use it. Not only will it require more energy to use but it is an accident waiting to happen.
  2. Get a firm grip on the handle. This will ensure that you don’t lose your hold on the hammer and have it flying out of your hand.
  3. Hold the hammer’s handle at the end. Beginners are often more comfortable with holding the hammer handle midway. Whilst it is more energy efficient to grip the handle firmly at the end, the best position for you to learn with is the one that feels most comfortable and secure for you. With practice, you will become more proficient at holding the hammer towards the end, affording yourself more leverage.
  4. Hit your surface squarely with the hammer. Avoid banging a hammer sideways. Hit only with the head of the hammer and do not use the handle or the side of the hammer.

  5. Use your whole arm and elbow. As well as maintaining a good grip, it is important to rely on the strength of your whole arm and elbow and not just rely on your wrist and hand to pound the hammer with. Most importantly, keep a straight wrist and allow the weight of the hammer itself to do the pounding, not your arm.
  6. Hammer on a hard surface. Do not try to do hammering work on carpet or other soft surfaces, it requires more energy. Beginners, children or less proficient handypersons should hammer at waist height for the greatest ease. Only those hammering frequently are used to contorting their position and still successfully hammer in the nails.
  7. Check before you swing. Always keep the workspace clear of other objects and check that nobody is standing behind you or too near you when you use the hammer. You need plenty of space to swing the hammer without catching your arm or the hammer on another person or object.
  8. Practice. Good hammering technique comes from trial and error. You will develop your own technique over time that feels the most comfortable and works best for your projects.


Tips  [edit]

  • If you are working with material that can splinter easily and cause injury, it is a good idea to wear safety goggles when using the hammer. Ear protection should be worn for jobs requiring constant hammering or you may experience ringing ears afterwards.
  • Some hammers are ergonomically designed with rubber grips. If you have problems gripping a handle properly, this might be a suitable choice for you.
  • The type of hammer handle varies; there are wooden, fiberglass and steel varieties. Wooden and fiberglass are the best options for most people, as they are lightweight, pleasant to hold and are less jarring on the user's arm.


Warnings  [edit]

  • Never use your hammer to strike another large piece of steel, such as an axe or another hammer's head. Nails are fine because they are small but anything larger might cause splinters to shave off and these may fly about and injure you or somebody nearby.
  • The handle of a hammer should never be used to pound with. It is the weakest part of the hammer and it may split if wooden, or it may come loose from the head, causing the steel head to possibly fly quickly and hit someone hard.
  • The hammer is for hammering. Don’t be tempted to stretch its uses. It should not be used as a lever to wedge things apart, nor should it be used as something to rest things on while the glue/paint etc. dries. Any pressure may cause the joint between the handle and head to weaken. You won’t notice any subtle weakening caused by such pressure but over time, this treatment of the tool can lead to it breaking unexpectedly during use.
  • Take great care with old tools; discard if weak or cracked
    Take great care with old tools; discard if weak or cracked
    Do not self-repair a cracked hammer handle with tape or binding. Purchase a new handle immediately and ensure it is properly affixed to the head. If you cannot do this by yourself, have it done professionally or buy a new hammer.
  • Do not use a hammer that has chips or brittleness in its head. These are forms of weakness that may cause the head to split or splinter.
  • Always supervise the use of hammers with young children. Children should always wear safety glasses to protect their eyesight from flying nails or splinters.