#4: A Good Hammer

Even if you opt for an automatic nailer, you will eventually need a good hammer. Sometimes a nail doesn't go all the way through the wood and you need to hammer it in, and sometimes you need to pull a nail or board up. The all-purpose claw hammer has been around for decades and is in no danger of being replaced. In fact, there are arguments that Hammers themselves are the oldest tools used by humankind. There are different kinds for different circumstances, so let's examine a few of the most common.

1. The Claw Hammer. There are two basic types of claw hammers that the do-it-yourselfer should look at: the one-piece hammer, usually constructed of all metal, and the two-piece hammer, made of a metal head and a fiberglass or wood handle. They come in different sizes too, from framing hammers, which are large and made for driving large nails (16d usually). A smaller to medium size hammer is probably just right for the average user, as framing hammers are usually replaced by an automatic nailer.

The head on a claw hammer is important as well. Most framing hammers have a metal cross-stitch in the head that almost “grips” the nail as you drive it. They're great for bulk work like studs that will be covered up later, but if you're driving a nail and don't want to mark the wood, be sure to find a hammer with a smooth head.

2. The Rubber Mallet. With a softer head made of rubber, these tools are great for forming sheet metal, but for woodworking, they're great for fitting tight pieces of wood together without marking it too badly. They also work well for sheetrock work, when butting two pieces together tightly.

3. A Sledgehammer . Mostly used to break things up, these hammers are great for wherever destructive force is needed. Use sparingly, as sledgehammers can cause a great deal of damage in a short amount of time.