A claw hammer is a type of hammer that features a flat striking face on one end and a claw on the other. It is one of the most commonly used hammers, particularly in carpentry and DIY projects. The flat face is used for driving nails into wood, while the claw is used for removing nails, making it a versatile tool for both assembling and disassembling wooden structures.
The claw hammer has evolved from traditional hammers. Over time, it has become a staple in the carpenter's toolkit. Its design combines the functionality of driving nails with the convenience of removing them, making it a more versatile and practical tool compared to simple hammers. The materials and manufacturing techniques have also improved, resulting in stronger, more durable claw hammers that are widely available today.
The main purpose of a claw hammer is twofold. First, it is used for driving nails into various wooden surfaces, such as when building wooden frames, installing cabinets, or constructing furniture. Second, the claw end allows for the extraction of nails, which is useful for disassembling structures, repairing wooden items, or replacing damaged nails. This dual functionality makes it essential for both construction and repair work involving wood.
The claw hammer operates by utilizing the user's arm swing to deliver force through the flat face for driving nails. When driving a nail, the user swings the hammer, and the impact of the flat face on the nail head drives the nail into the wood. For nail removal, the claw is positioned under the nail head, and by leveraging the hammer's handle against a surface, the user can pry the nail out. The claw provides leverage, and the user's force on the handle amplifies the pulling force, allowing the nail to be extracted from the wood.