Had to choose between a 2 pound cross peen or a 4 pound rounding hammer for a big scroll job

I was working on a big gate scroll order for a place in Boulder, and my usual hammer felt too light. I grabbed the 4 pounder thinking more power would be faster, but after about twenty hits my elbow was screaming. Switched to the 2 pound cross peen and finished the job without feeling like my arm was going to fall off. Anyone else ever pick the wrong tool for a big job and pay for it?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_thomas15d ago

My old shop teacher always said the hammer should do the work, not your arm. I tried a 3 pound drilling hammer on some thick stock once and my shoulder was sore for three days. Switched back to my 1.5 pounder and the control was just better for the detail work. Sometimes the lighter tool is just the right speed even if it takes a few more hits.

xena_brown5015d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, that shop teacher knew what was up. I learned the same thing trying to break a rotor free with a 4 pound mini-sledge. Felt like my elbow was gonna pop out. A lighter hammer with a good swing gets it done without wrecking you.

sagep194d ago

My dad's old 2 pound engineer's hammer is my go-to for stuck parts. I used a heavier one on a frozen caliper bracket and just rattled my teeth for ten minutes. Switched back to the two pounder, focused on a solid hit right on the bolt head, and it popped on the third swing. The shock just travels better when the tool isn't fighting you.