Head weight
The weight of the striker in this case means the weight of the entire head — the working part of the hammer, put on the handle. The overall weight of the tool is also affected by the handle (sometimes quite significantly), but the performance is almost entirely determined by the weight of the head. Therefore, it is this indicator that is usually indicated in the characteristics and it is he who is meant when talking about the weight of the hammer as a whole.
Each type of hammer (see "Type") has its own weight range: for example, carpentry hammers are available in the weight category from
100 g to 1 kg, metalwork — up to
2 kg, and the weight of sledgehammers starts at about
1 kg and often exceeds
10 kg. In special sources, you can find detailed recommendations on the choice of weight depending on the type and planned features of the application. Here we note that, all other things being equal, a larger weight has a positive effect on the impact force, a smaller one contributes to accuracy and accuracy.
Length
The total length of the hammer. This parameter is selected by the manufacturer based on the type (see above) and the “weight category” of the tool, however, models that are similar in characteristics may have different lengths. In such cases, it is worth taking into account that longer hammers are more "sweeping", they provide more impact force; shorter ones, in turn, are better suited for precision work, and also weigh less. Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal length for each specific case can be found in special sources.
Hammer face size
The size of the striker is actually the shock part of the head. For round strikers, the diameter is usually indicated, for square strikers, the length of the side of the square; there are also rectangular strikers (in particular, in mallets — see "Type") — for them the size is given in length and width.
The size of the striker is usually chosen in accordance with the type and weight of the tool, so most often this parameter is more of a reference than of practical significance. However, in some situations it is also worth paying attention to — for example, if we are talking about a straightening hammer or mallet used for the same purposes. In this application, a larger striker allows you to quickly deal with a large area, a smaller one provides better accuracy and accuracy.
Steel grade
The grade of steel from which the hammer head is made.
Most grades used in hammers are tool steels and have similar properties. So this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant. Manufacturers indicate it mainly for advertising purposes in order to focus on the quality of the tool, and the buyer should pay attention to the hardness of the steel (see below) rather than to its specific brand.
Steel hardness (HRC)
The hardness of the steel from which the hammer head is made.
Hardness is given in Rockwell units in HRC units; the higher the value, the harder the steel is. The minimum value found in modern hammers is about 35 HRC, the maximum is 58 HRC. At the same time, different types of hammers have their own requirements for hardness; some of them are even spelled out in GOSTs — for example, for metalwork hammers (see "Type"), a range from 50 to 58 HRC is allowed. Actually, in most other varieties, hardness is within these limits, the only exceptions are individual models of metalwork hammers and sledgehammers. In the first case, reduced hardness is usually a consequence of the technological features of production. In sledgehammers, relatively soft steel allows you to "put in place" certain parts without damaging them — dents and scratches remain on the sledgehammer itself, where they are not critical.
Anti-vibration
Availability in a hammer of system of dampening
of vibrations.
Such a system usually has the form of a characteristic insert at the head or closer to the middle of the handle. The insert is made of elastic material and absorbs vibrations transmitted to the part of the handle that the user is holding. This reduces fatigue, reduces the harmful effects of vibrations on bones and joints, and improves overall comfort. In general, if the hammer is used occasionally, this function can be dispensed with; however, for those who constantly work with the tool, anti-vibration can be a real lifesaver.
