Many plumbers, electricians and mechanical workers often find themselves crawling around in tight spaces and therefore prefer short hammers, because they're less likely to get hung up.
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Some remodelers like 16-in. handles because they can use them as a quick guide to locating (not layout) a stud behind drywall or sheathing if they know the location of an adjacent stud. There are also siding installers who spend a good portion of the day on ladders and don't like long hatchet-style handles or curved handles, because they tend to protrude forward just far enough to catch on the rungs when climbing down a ladder.
Most hammer handles are 14 to 18 inches long and are available in either a straight, curved or hatchet style. Hatchet-style hammer handles are a bit narrower than straight handles.
'I swing the 15 oz. Estwing Ultra, smooth face . I use it for demo, framing, trim, dirt digger,' says Josh Blake, a carpenter. 'Can't beat the classic Estwing grip and the side nail puller is super handy.'
Some folks just love the feel of wood, and most wood handle hammers don't have a grip material added to them. Cushy handle grips feel good but also tend to wear faster. Trim carpenters often choose grips with a rubber bottom so the handle doesn't leave a mark when they squat down or bump into finished surfaces.
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Most hammer heads weigh anywhere between 16 and 22 ounces. But that can be a little misleading because there's no industry standard on how to weigh a hammer head. Weighing a hammer head with wooden and fiberglass handles is straightforward: just take the head off the handle and weigh it. But there is more of a gray area when it comes to hammers that are made with integrated steel handles and strike guards.
There are several things to consider when it comes to the weight of a hammer:
How you use it: If you do a lot of hammering above your head or even straight on, then lighter is better. If you are always swinging down low, like a mason building forms, then heavy is okay.
How often you use it: If it's necessary that a hammer hangs from your pouch all day, but you use it infrequently, buy a lighter hammer. There's no point in carrying around a massive weight on your side if you barely ever use it.
Your strength: Remember high school physics? Here's a quick refresher: Force = Mass x Acceleration. This means a heavier hammer packs a larger wallop. BUT that's only if you can swing the beast. There's a point where a hammer becomes too heavy to swing fast, and a greater force would be achieved by swinging a lighter hammer, faster. What that point is will depend on the strength of the swinger.
Balance: Some folks love to swing a hammer with a super heavy head and a feather-light handle. Some prefer a hammer with a lower center of gravity like steel handled hammers have. Whenever possible, swing a hammer before buying one. Ask your friends, neighbors or the folks around you on a jobsite to try out their hammer before buying yours.
'The idea of balance means that weight is evenly distributed between top and bottom AND forward and backward,' says Vaughn. 'A well-balanced hammer will HELP swing itself. If you have an unbalanced hammer you might have less work hitting the nail but MORE work bringing it back up'unbalanced hammers cause muscles to ache after use!'
In heavy-duty construction, hydraulic hammers, or breakers, are indispensable tools. But acquiring these tools can be a complex and costly process. To save money, it can be tempting to get them at an auction. But weighing the potential costs and complications that could arise is essential.
At first, purchasing a hydraulic hammer at an auction may seem like a steal. The prices are lower than buying a new or refurbished one. But the actual cost of ownership is not limited to the upfront cost. The price tag at an auction does not factor in extra costs such as flow testing for optimal hydraulic flow and pressure, maintenance or the need for technical support.
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Even if you score a renowned brand, this doesn't automatically grant you access to the local dealer's support. The after-sales service can sometimes be nonexistent, leaving you alone to grapple with any arising issues.
Used or rebuilt hydraulic hammers purchased at an auction often come without a warranty. This lack of assurance can feel akin to playing Russian roulette. You may end up with a hammer that's ready to connect and hit, or you might get one that will only function with demanding extensive repairs.
An auctioned hydraulic breaker can also present a dilemma when it comes to replacement parts. The availability and cost of these parts can be a significant consideration. There is often a good reason a hydraulic hammer ends up at an auction. It might need large repairs or be from a brand that struggles to sell independently.
If the hammer needs rebuilding, finding a reputable place offering parts at a discount becomes essential. Otherwise, the cost of parts for the rebuild can escalate beyond your initial budget.
Having accessible and up-to-date technical documentation, including a parts list, is another overlooked factor. Knowing the cost of major replacement parts before purchasing any hammer is wise, whether you are buying from an auction or from a dealer.
A hydraulic hammer is not a one-size-fits-all tool. You might need to engage a fabricator for a custom bracket or a pin set to make it work with your carrier. Quick couplers that need special adapters are becoming common on carriers, but these are not standard on hammers.
The hammer size that aligns with your carrier also needs careful consideration. While you might have a general idea of the carrier size alignment when purchasing at an auction, other variables such as pin size, impact class and top bracket compatibility can affect the carrier range.
As mentioned before, what may look like a steal at first, can be an expensive purchase in the long run. Here are some indicative figures:
Remember, these are just estimates, and actual costs can vary. The key point is that while the initial auction price might seem like a bargain, the total cost of ownership could significantly exceed that initial price due to potential hidden costs and complications.
If you still decide to buy at an auction, proper inspection is essential to avoid potential issues and hidden problems. Here are some tips:
Remember, a thorough inspection can help you make a more informed decision and save you from future problems and unexpected costs.
No matter the route you take in buying your hammers and breakers, it is always a good idea to be well-informed and consider all costs associated with the purchase. Auctions may seem like a way to save money, but far too often, they cost you more in the long run.
About the author: Rodney Johnson is the CEO of RJB Hydraulic Hammers, a wholesale supplier of hydraulic hammers and replacement parts based in Largo, Florida.
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