Features and working of a sledgehammer

A sledgehammer has a long or a short handle and a heavy, oblong head. It's used for breaking up concrete and for driving heavy spikes, stakes, or chisels into stone, brick, or earth. Its power comes from the weight of its solid steel head. Lightweight sledgehammers are used with a special kind of chisel to cut bricks or to clean out the mortar between bricks; larger sledgehammers are used primarily for demolition.

The key to the effectiveness of a sledgehammer is its ability to distribute force evenly over a wide area; where as other types of hammers concentrate the entire force generated onto smaller areas. The handle can measure more than a meter in length and weigh between 2 to 12 pounds. Working a sledgehammer involves the use of both hands combined with a swinging motion that involves the entire torso. The combination of a long swinging range and a very heavy head increases the momentum of the tool, resulting in a high impact blow. Sledgehammers are typically used in construction work for demolishing of drywalls or masonry walls. They are also used to displace heavy objects and are commonly used for driving fences into the ground.  The hammer heads are made of high carbon heat-treated steel that is hard and durable. The heat treatment given to the piece of metal increases its lifespan by preventing it from chipping or cracking that could occur due to repeated blows against other solid objects. Specialty hammers have heads made of copper, brass, babbet metal, and other materials. The handle to which the head is attached is made from wood, steel or a composite material. Handles made of wood usually feature straight-grained ash or hickory. These two types of wood have excellent cross-sectional strength, good durability, and can to some extent also absorb the impact of repeated blows. Handles made of steel offer greater strength and durability, but are rather ineffective while absorbing the impact of the blow. Handles made of composite materials such as fiberglass or graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy, offer a perfect blend of stiffness, light weight, and durability. These handles have a specialized contoured grip made of synthetic rubber or some type of elastomer.  Dead blow hammers feature a head with a small steel shot; this maximizes the impact of the blow, with little or absolutely no rebound.

What to look for in a sledgehammer

A sledgehammer is a high-impact tool and therefore an ergonomically designed handle is a must. The handle should have a comfortable grip and also absorb the impact of the hammer. As these are heavy-duty tools, durability is a key factor determining the quality of a sledgehammer. Heads made from anti-corrosive materials are recommended as they increase the overall lifespan of the tool. Hammer heads that are heat-treated do not crack or chip during continuous usage. Heavier the sledgehammer, the less is the work required from the user. However, the hammer should not be so heavy as to be unwieldy.

Also, if the handle is made of wood, it needs to be shielded from dampness or excessive dryness, as dampness causes wood swelling and dryness causes shrinking. The dimensions of the hammer are usually judiciously designed to minimize strain on the back or shoulders of the user. Generally, the length of the handle varies between around 10 to 36 inches with the head weight ranging from approximately 2 to 20 pounds. Forged head hammers are preferred as cast steel tends to break when subjected to too much pressure, resulting in dangerous metal shards being flung outwards.

Some prominent manufacturers of sledge hammers include Besey, Mechanics, Wilton, and Grip.