I. Intro

    More than 2200 years ago, the "stone in hand" was the first time a "hammer" was ever used, until the modern person decided to stick the stone on a handle, thus creating the hammer. As technology advanced, so did the hammer, being cast in bronze and iron. Nowadays, hammers are made in steel and fiberglass, and designed not by a blacksmith, but using CAD/CAM.

The overall goal is to acquaint the students with the hammer. The students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Differentiate between a carpenter's hammer and a machinist's hammer.

2. Select the correct hammer for the intended job.

3. Identify the parts of a hammer.

4. Demonstrate the correct method of how to use a hammer.

5. Demonstrate care, maintenance and safety when using a hammer.

    Students will be shown the two types of hammers. The correct techniques on how to use the claw hammer will be shown. Students will see what happens if a nail set is not used. Students will be asked why hammers are not banged together or used on hardened steel surfaces and how to avoid "French hammer marks".

1. Hammer transparencies & overhead projector

2. White/chalk board

1. Claw hammer

2. Ball-peen hammer

3. Wood sample with nails

4. Nail set

5. Safety goggles

1. Be ready to work safely.

2. Introduce the two types of hammers ® carpenter's and machinists

3. Point out the parts of the hammer.

4. Explain how to use a hammer properly.

5. Tell how to properly care and maintain a hammer.

6. Mention the safety points when using a hammer

1. Inspect hammer to ensure it is in good condition.

2. Wear safety glasses.

3. Do not hit fingers.

4. Use the hammer only for its intended use.

1. Physics

2. History

3. Metallurgy

4. Science

    The hammer has to be, without a doubt, the most important hand tool in existence. Every single house and building has been built using hammers and nails. Without hammers, we couldn't finish our walls with drywall.

- claw         - wedge         - ball peen         - neck/throat

- eye           - nail set        - face                 - French hammer marks        - handle

1. Why do you not hit two hammers together or use a hammer on a hardened steel object?

2. What could you use to hide a nail without damaging the work piece?

3. Where would you hold the hammer for maximum force? Minimum force?

4. How could you avoid splitting hardwood when nailing?

5. What are the parts of a claw hammer?

    Hammers have been taken for granted as a tool of years. People always reach for their trusty hammer never really thinking what they'd do if there were no hammers. Unfortunately, most people never learn how to care for their hammers, know how to use them correctly or which hammer to use for which task. I hope that the hammer will one day receive the recognition it so justly deserves.