A HISTORY OF HAMMERS PART 2
Hammer handle design
Hammer handles may appear bland in comparison with hammer heads, but this is far from true. Indeed, handles are often critical to the effectiveness of a hammer.
This effectiveness primarily relates to two design elements: shape and material. In terms of shape, length is often a critical starting point as it mediates the balance between power and control.
A good example of the impact of length can be seen in the ubiquitous ‘claw hammer’, which commonly comes in three basic sizes: a small/child size, with a handle under 20cm, which provides limited leverage/power but is relatively easy to control (see image at the top of page). By contrast, a ‘normal’ claw hammer has a handle of 20–30cm and can be used effectively on a wide range of nails, drive chisels, or other tasks. A framing hammer has a significantly longer handle and is designed to drive large nails, at the cost of not providing the control needed to drive small nails or indeed chisels easily. Framing hammers also have a straighter claw and, typically, a textured face.
A good fit
There are three further critical features of handle shape, relating to fit, specialisation, and feedback/vibration. We have all held tools whose handles may be rubber/non-slip but which are not comfortable. By contrast, the best hand tools sit so comfortably in the hand that the tool becomes an extension of the arm.
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