A claw hammer is a carpenter’s hammer with a split claw on the back of the head, used to lever nails out of timber. It is the standard tool for woodwork: drive with the face, pull with the claw.
There are two main forms:
| Form | Feature | Strong at |
|---|---|---|
| Curved claw | Strongly curved | Pulling nails, with plenty of leverage |
| Straight (rip) claw | Almost straight, pointed | Demolition: prising, splitting boards apart, driving into timber |
Sizes and construction
- Head weight — for general carpentry heads of roughly 450 to 700 grams (16 to 24 oz) are usual; lighter for fine work, heavier for structural timber
- Handle — timber (ash or hickory, pleasantly springy), fibreglass (light and low-maintenance) or forged steel with a rubber grip (strongest, transmits the most vibration)
- Face — smooth for finish work, milled (“waffle”) for structural work where a mark in the timber does not matter
Practical tips
- Put a block of wood under the claw when pulling a long nail: it increases the leverage, protects the surface and keeps the handle at a workable angle
- Grip the handle near the end — choking up near the head costs both force and control
- Deeply set nail heads are better dealt with using a nail puller or pincers than by forcing the claw
- Never strike hammer on hammer or on hardened tools — hardened steel can splinter; wear eye protection
- Check the head fixing — a loose head is dangerous, and timber handles can shrink in dry conditions
Related terms
- Hammer
- Bush hammer
- Roofing hammer
- Wire nail
- Nail
- Pincer pliers
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