# What is a formwork hammer?
**A formwork hammer is a specialized striking tool designed specifically for assembling, adjusting, and dismantling concrete formwork on construction sites. It combines features that make it uniquely suited for working with formwork panels and nails, typically featuring a flat striking face on one side and a nail-pulling claw or a magnet on the other. The handle is usually longer than that of a standard carpenter’s hammer, providing extra reach and leverage.**
## Application
Formwork hammers are an essential tool for concrete workers and formwork carpenters. They are used throughout the formwork cycle — from erecting the mould before a pour to stripping it after the concrete has cured.
The key features that distinguish a formwork hammer from an ordinary hammer include:
– **Extended handle** — typically 30 to 60 cm long, allowing the worker to drive nails and position panels at arm’s length, which is especially useful when working on walls and columns.
– **Nail-pulling claw** — the curved claw on the reverse side of the head is designed to remove formwork nails quickly during stripping. Some models have a straight claw for extra prying power.
– **Nail slot or magnet** — many formwork hammers have a magnetic nail starter or a slot in the head that holds a nail in place, enabling one-handed nail setting. This is particularly helpful when working at height or in awkward positions.
– **Hardened steel head** — built to withstand constant use against steel nails and timber panels without deforming.
During formwork assembly, the hammer is used to drive duplex (double-headed) nails that hold panels together temporarily. These nails have a second head that remains above the wood surface, making them easy to pull out later. The formwork hammer’s claw is specifically shaped to grip these nails efficiently.
Proper use of a formwork hammer reduces assembly and stripping time significantly, improving productivity on site.
## Related terms
– Formwork
– Duplex nail
– Formwork release oil
– Shuttering
– Claw hammer
– Concrete
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