Hammers and striking tools are essential for landscaping and gardening. They can break, shape, hit, and build up. These tools will be handy for the professional as well as anyone doing some garden building.
Different Types of Hammers and Striking Tools
Each tool has a unique application. The right one will make landscaping easier and quicker.
1. Rubber Mallets
Rubber mallets have heads made of soft rubber. They are great for hitting things lightly without causing (much) damage. Landscapers use them to tap pavers or stones into position. The rubber head helps to minimize shock and protect the material.
2. Claw Hammers
Claw hammers are primarily used to pound and extract nails. They have a flat head on one side and a curved claw on the other for pulling out nails. The smoothing planes are great for little woodworking jobs like fences or garden boxes.
3. Club Hammers (Lump Hammers)
The club hammers are short and heavy. They are heavier than standard hammers and are used to break small pieces of concrete or to strike chisels. They typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds.
4. Sledgehammers
Sledgehammers are heavy and large. They make it simple to break concrete, rocks, and tough roots. The longer handle provides extra leverage, but users should take care to avoid injury.
5. Brick Hammers
Brick hammers have two sides, one flat head and the other chisel end. They are employed to cut or mould bricks and stones. They come in handy when creating walls, edging or a path.
6. Tamping Tools
Tamping tools are used to pack topsoil, sand or gravel. They ensure that the ground is flat and firm before adding stones or pavers.
7. Chisels and Masonry Tools
Chisels are not hammers but overlap with them. Chisels assist in cracking concrete or bricks using a club hammer and can be used to chip the same materials to a smooth finish.
Common Uses in Landscaping
These implements are employed for a multitude of landscaping jobs. Each one has a specific job.
- Setting Pavers and Stones: A rubber mallet is used to pound in pavers without breaking them. Brick hammers and chisels help shape stones to size for the design.
- Building with Timber: Claw hammers are excellent for driving nails into wood and taking them out. Club hammers can also be utilized when heavier blows are required to repair wood elements.
- Working with Concrete and Bricks: Sledgehammers smash large pieces of concrete. Club hammers and chisels aid in shaping or cutting bricks and mortar in tight spaces.
- Compacting Soil and Gravel: Tamping tools are used to push dirt and gravel down to prepare a solid base for patios or walkways. Long handles spare the back from strain during large jobs.
- Removing and Breaking: For large roots or old concrete that needs to be broken, sledgehammers work well. Mini sledgehammers are best used for light demo.
Important Features to Look For
When selecting a hammer or any kind of striking tool, there are a few things to have a look at to see if it’s suitable for the job.
Head Material and Shape
The head of most hammers is made of steel for durability. Some are made of rubber or plastic to prevent breakage. Head shape also counts like flat for hitting, and chisel shapes for splitting.
Handle Material
Handles can be wood, fiberglass or steel.
- Wood gives a natural feel, but it can crack.
- Fiberglass is strong and resistant to shock.
- Steel is sturdier, but it can transmit more vibration to the hand.
Weight and Balance
How a hammer feels and works is determined by the weight of its head. Large hammers provide the most power, but can wear out the user quite quickly. It has more control over balanced tools.
Grip and Comfort
A strong grip is what keeps things from slipping. Rubber or cushioned grips dampen vibration and protect the hands during longer jobs.
Durability
Seek tools that withstand rust and wear. A few hammers come with special coatings or finishes that will protect the tool for years to come.
How These Tools Are Made
The manufacturing of a hammer impacts its quality and strength.
- Forged Steel Heads: Forged steel heads proved to be stronger and can last longer. The forging tightens the metal and strengthens it against repeated hits.
- Drop-Forged or Cast Steel: These processes make the head stronger. Drop-forged tools are especially tough and used by professionals.
- Secure Handle Attachment: The head must attach to the handle securely. Some rely on wedges or even glue, while others depend on steel or fiberglass for a solid mating.
- Protective Coatings: The head is rust-proof with paint or powder coating. Moisture sealed handles keep water out.
Easy to Use and Comfortable
Good tools also serve to combat tiredness and to protect the user.
Shock Absorption
A fiberglass or rubber handle absorbs shock. This saves the user's hands and wrists from strain.
Balanced Weight
When the hammer is balanced, it swings more easily. A balanced tool provides superior control and consumes less energy.
Handle Shape
Curved and tapered handles that hold well in the hand. Long handles give more power. Short ones are easier to wield in cramped spaces.
Taking Care of the Tools
Caring for tools prevents injury and extends their useful life by years.
- After turning on device, clear the dirt and moisture. Scrub away dried mud or rust with a brush.
- Rub a bit of oil on the head to prevent rust. For wood handles, applying linseed oil will protect from drying out.
- Inspect for any cracks and damage on the head and handle before use. Broken parts should be replaced immediately.
- Hang the tools up or keep them in a dry place. This prevents the rust and saves the tools from being harmed.
Final Thoughts
Hammers or striking tools are an essential part of any landscaping toolbox. Whether it’s the simple job of tapping pavers or even heavy tasks like breaking concrete, these tools make the work easier. Picking the right tool, working safely with it and maintaining it properly contribute to creating a professional touch to landscaping projects. A good hammer has a long shelf life and gets the job done with every swing.