Dead-blow hammers are hammers with a unique design which is intended to concentrate the force of a strike while reducing the rebound effect which people experience with regular hammers. Many hardware stores carry dead-blow hammers, along with replacement parts such as new heads and handles which can be used to repair an existing hammer. These hammers come in a range of sizes designed for various applications, and many manufacturers make sets which ensure that people have a range of hammers available for different tasks.
The key feature of a dead-blow hammer is that the head of the hammer is hollow, and filled with a material such as sand or shot. This free-flowing material concentrates the intensity of the hammer strike and also absorbs the blow so that the hammer is less likely to bounce back after use. Polyurethane is a popular material for making dead-blow hammers, and these hammers often come in bright orange or plain black so that they stand out from other types of hammers which may be present in someone's toolbox or workshop.
There are a number of advantages to using a dead-blow hammer. One of the leading causes of injury in the workplace is repetitive strain, and hammering can take a toll on a construction worker or anyone who works with hammers on a regular basis. The kickback experienced with each blow of the hammer contributes to fatigue and repetitive strain. Eliminating this problem by using a dead-blow hammer will keep someone comfortable at work, reduce the risk of injury, and slow the rate at which someone becomes fatigued.
Some dead-blow hammers have a small alloy tip because hardness is designed. In this case, the alloy is integrated into the casing of the hammer head. When hardness is not needed, the user can choose to use the other end of the hammer. Other features on dead-blow hammers can include easy grip handles, which are ergonomically designed to make the hammer easier and more comfortable to hold.
One problem with a dead-blow hammer is that if the head cracks or comes off, the contents will spill. This can be messy in some cases, and potentially very irritating in others, as when the hammer is being used in a sensitive environment. Many manufacturers guarantee their products and use extremely durable casings, sometimes in a double layer, to avoid this problem. If a hammer does fail, the manufacturer may replace it or pay for any necessary repairs if the hammer was used in a way which the manufacturer deems reasonable and normal.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.