Different Types of Hammer Used in Workshop

Published: 29 Sep 2025

A hammer is one of the oldest and most useful tools in the world. From simple household fixes to professional construction, hammers are everywhere. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each type has its own special job. If you are new to DIY or want to learn about tools, knowing the types of hammers and their uses will help you a lot.

What is Hammer?

A hammer is a hand tool used to hit or strike objects. It has a handle for grip and a heavy head made of metal, wood, or rubber. People use hammers to drive nails, break things, shape metal, or fit parts together. It is a must-have tool in every toolbox.

Parts of Hammer

Head

The head is the heavy top part of the hammer, usually made of steel. It is the main striking surface used for driving nails, breaking objects, or shaping materials.

2. Face

The face is the flat striking surface of the hammer’s head. Depending on the hammer type, it may be smooth for clean nail driving or textured to prevent slipping.

3. Neck

The neck is the part of the hammer that connects the face and peen/claw to the handle. It helps balance the hammer and transfers force during striking.

4. Peen

The peen is on the opposite side of the face in certain hammers (like ball-peen hammers). It is rounded or wedge-shaped and is used for shaping metal.

5. Handle

The handle is the long grip section, often made of wood, fiberglass, or steel. It provides leverage and comfort when swinging the hammer.

6. Grip

The grip is the lower portion of the handle, sometimes covered with rubber or textured material. It helps prevent slipping and ensures safe handling.

Different Types of Hammers and Their Uses

1. Sledgehammer

A sledgehammer is a large hammer with a heavy head and a long handle. It is designed to deliver strong blows with maximum force. Workers often use it when raw power is needed instead of precision.

Uses of Sledgehammer

Breaking concrete, stones, and bricks.
Driving stakes or posts into the ground.
Demolition work that needs heavy impact.

2. Claw Hammer

A claw hammer is the most common hammer found in homes and workshops. It has a flat striking face for nails and a curved claw for pulling them out. Its design makes it one of the most versatile hammers for everyday use.

Uses of Claw Hammer

Driving nails into wood.
Removing nails easily.
Light carpentry and household repairs.

3. Rubber Mallet (Rubber Hammer)

A rubber mallet, also known as a rubber hammer, has a soft rubber head instead of metal. It is designed for gentle strikes that don’t leave marks or damage surfaces. This makes it useful for working with delicate materials.

Uses of Rubber Mallet

Assembling furniture without scratches.
Fitting tiles or soft materials.
Tapping delicate surfaces without breaking them.

4. Cross Peen Hammer

A cross peen hammer has a wedge-shaped head running across the handle and a flat striking face. It is mostly used in metalwork and woodworking for precise tasks. The narrow peen helps start nails or shape materials without hitting fingers.

Uses of Cross Peen Hammer

Shaping and bending metal sheets.
Starting nails or tacks in woodworking.
Blacksmith work and forging.

5. Straight Peen Hammer

A straight peen hammer looks similar to a cross peen hammer, but its wedge runs in the same direction as the handle. This design makes it helpful for creating grooves or working metal in a straight line.

Uses of Straight Peen Hammer

Bending and shaping metal.
Creating grooves in sheet metal.
Used by metalworkers and engineers.

6. Club Hammer

A club hammer is a short-handled hammer with a heavy, double-faced head. It looks like a smaller version of a sledgehammer and is perfect for jobs that need strength but not much precision.

Uses of Club Hammer

Light demolition work.
Driving masonry nails and stakes.
Breaking small concrete blocks.

7. Tack Hammer

A tack hammer is a small, lightweight hammer used for delicate work. It usually has a thin face that allows you to drive tiny nails without damaging the material around them.

Uses of Tack Hammer

Fixing upholstery tacks.
Craft and decorative work.
Driving small nails without damage.

8. Wooden Hammer

A wooden hammer, often called a carpenter’s mallet, has a head made from hardwood. It is mostly used in woodworking and does not damage wooden joints or tools when struck.

Uses of Wooden Hammer

Fitting wooden joints.
Tapping chisels safely.
Working with delicate woodwork.

9. Lump Hammer

A lump hammer is a small but heavy hammer with a short handle. It is designed for simple demolition work and is often used in masonry jobs. Its compact size makes it easy to control.

Uses of Lump Hammer

Breaking bricks and masonry.
Driving masonry nails.
Light demolition work.

10. Dead Blow Hammer

A dead blow hammer has a hollow head filled with sand or lead pellets. This design reduces rebound and gives more control when striking surfaces. It is especially useful when you want force without damage.

Uses of Dead Blow Hammer

Reducing damage to surfaces.
Loosening stuck parts.
Automotive and assembly work.

11. Framing Hammer

A framing hammer is a larger and heavier version of a claw hammer. It is built for construction projects where large nails and strong strikes are required. Its long handle provides extra force.

Uses of Framing Hammer

Driving large nails quickly.
Building wooden frames.
Heavy-duty carpentry.

12. Chipping Hammer

A chipping hammer has a pointed end and a flat face, making it useful for welding jobs. It is designed to chip away unwanted material like slag.

Uses of Chipping Hammer

Removing slag from welds.
Cleaning metal surfaces.
Breaking off small pieces of metal.

13. Brick Hammer

A brick hammer has a chisel-like blade on one side and a flat striking face on the other. It is designed for cutting and shaping bricks and stones with precision.

Uses of Brick Hammer

Cutting and shaping bricks.
Breaking masonry.
Chiseling stone surfaces.

Conclusion

Hammers may look simple, but each type has a unique role. From the lightweight tack hammer to the powerful sledgehammer, every hammer is designed for a special purpose. Choosing the right hammer makes your work easier and safer. Whether you are a DIY beginner or a professional, a few basic hammers in your toolbox are enough for most tasks.

FAQs

Hammer meaning in Hindi

In Hindi, a hammer is called “हथौड़ा” (Hathoda).

What is a club hammer used for?

A club hammer is used for light demolition, breaking bricks, and driving masonry nails or stakes.

What is the biggest type of hammer?

The sledgehammer is the biggest type of hammer, known for its heavy head and long handle.

How many kinds of hammers are there?

There are more than 20 types of hammers, each designed for different tasks in construction, metalwork, and carpentry.