Sledge hammer in details
Among all the variety of the modern market, three main types of this percussion instrument can be distinguished, which correspond to GOST 11402-75 or GOST 11401-75
- Sledge-hammer blunt, weight from 2 to 16 kilograms.
- An adroit transverse sledge weighing from 3 to 8 kilograms.
- Sharp-length longitudinal sledgehammer from 3 to 8 kilograms.
Strong steel is used in the manufacture of the striker, namely grades 40, 45, 50 and U7.These are unalloyed types of steel, intended for the manufacture of tools. A distinctive feature of the hammer from such steel is the process of its manufacture. The boa is not made by casting, but is forged with the help of a blacksmith hammer. This makes it possible to achieve high strength of the metal.
The place for fixing the handle is made in the form of two cone-shaped holes, the diameter of which tapers towards the center of the sledgehammer. At the cross section, this resembles an hourglass. This method of making a hole allows you to ensure reliable attachment of the hammer to the handle.
To make a handle or handle, the tree is most often used. This allows you to mitigate the impact of kickbacks. Less often the handle is made of metal, plastic or hard rubber alloy. The biggest load at impact is at the place of attachment of the handle, so metal or plastic is difficult to cope with such a load.
Today, hammers are often manufactured using high-tech plastic or fiberglass, which is based on polyester resins. To soften the recoil force, the grips of such materials are covered with rubber.
Varieties of
sledgehammer The choice is made based on what kind of work to be performed with this tool. This instrument differs not only in its weight, but also in its shape. There are several forms:
- cross barrel;
- sharp-pointed longitudinal sledgehammer;
- hammer-hammer;
- toothed sledgehammer.
A cross hammer, a hammer-hammer and a sharp-pointed sledgehammer with external features resemble an ordinary hammer, but somewhat heavier than its younger brother. An adroit sledge hammer and a sledge hammer with a cross fist will weigh 3-8 kg. The hammer-hammer weighs 1-2 kg. The sledge-hammer - is the most weighty and powerful representative among all the listed. The weight of the striker is 5-16 kg.
Working with the
sledgehammer Working with such a tool requires not only skills, but extreme caution. Before starting work it is necessary to check the reliability of fastening the striker with the handle. It is bad fixing can cause damage and injuries.
The basic rules for working with a sledgehammer:
- In order to strike a small force, it is necessary to place the hand on the handle closer to the striker. If you want to strike hard, then the sledge hammer is taken over the edge of the handle or closer to the middle.
- The hammer must be applied sharply and powerfully with maximum acceleration.
- Use working gloves to work with the tool, even if the handle is made of wood. The recoil force is great and you can damage the skin of your hands.
To the note. You can not put the instrument above your head! It is necessary to take the sledgehammer a little to the side, above the shoulder.
Repair of a broken handle
The handle of a sledgehammer often breaks. But to replace it is not as difficult as it may seem. This applies only to wooden handles, the process of replacing rubber and metal is more complicated.
Step 1. Release the sledgehammer from the wrench fragments.
Step 2. Insert the new handle into the hole, which can be pre-lubricated with soap.
Step 3. Using the pakli fill the holes from the bottom of the striker. Dissolve the epoxy resin( strictly according to the instructions) and fill the hole in the striker with the handle with the mixture. Fill should be top, but watch out so that there is no excess resin.
Step 4. For better fixing at the top of the handle, you can drive metal wedges.
To the note. For complete drying and reliable coupling, the sledgehammer must be allowed to dry for at least three days.
Three important points when selecting a handle:
- The handle must be of circular cross-section, which is slightly larger at one end. The edge of the handle, which will be fixed with the striker, should be 1.5 times thicker than the free edge.
- Handle length - from 80 centimeters.
- Material. Wooden handles for sledge hammers are made from hardwoods with a moisture content of at least 12%.Maple, birch, hornbeam, dogwood, beech, mountain ash. Coniferous rocks are not suitable for such products, as they are stratified and quickly broken at high loads.
- The surface of the hammer handle should be smooth, without burrs or protruding chips. As a rule, always thoroughly cleaned with sandpaper.
