Last Updated on January 20, 2023
Hammers are one of the most common tools in the world. Though their design is simple, they are incredibly versatile and suitable for many different purposes. But not all hammers are created equal. Copper hammers have unique properties that make them ideal for specific tasks.
So what is a copper hammer used for? Copper is present at one end of the hammer’s head, while rawhide is present at the other. The tool is used for shaping metal without inflicting hammer marks, for example, on automobile bodywork.
Throughout this article, we will take a closer look at the properties of copper that make it ideal and some of the other common uses for this type of hammer.
What is a Copper Hammer?
A copper hammer is a hand tool used for various tasks, such as pounding nails or driving screws. It is made from a piece of solid copper that has been hardened and shaped into a cylindrical head with a flat striking surface.
The head is attached to a wooden handle, usually made from a hickory handle or another type of hardwood. Copper hammers are typically used by jewelers, watchmakers, and other technicians who work with delicate materials.
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What is a Copper Hammer Used for?
By using a copper hammer, one can apply force to objects without damaging them. It is typically made of 99% Copper, brass, or lead, making it softer than steel. This allows it to deform instead of the object it is hitting. Copper hammers are most commonly used in machinery.
Other uses of a copper hammer include:
Hitting Chisels:
Hitting chisels with copper hammers can be a great way to avoid damaging the chisel or workpiece. The softer metal of the copper hammer will not chip the chisel blade and will not mar the surface of the workpiece.
In addition, the copper hammer can help deliver a more precise blow, which can be helpful when working with delicate materials. Another use for copper hammers is as a mallet for shaping metal with chisels. The softer metal will not damage the metal being worked on and can help to create a smooth, even surface.
Striking Cold Chisels:
Cold chisels are used to cut or shape metal, wood, or stone and are an indispensable tool for any craftsman or builder. To use a cold chisel effectively, it must be struck with a hammer. The chisel head is placed against the material to be cut while one hand holds the handle and the other holds the hammer.
The force of the blow depends on the material being cut; softer materials require less energy than harder ones. When striking a chisel with a hammer, it is essential to use a copper hammer.
Copper is softer than steel and won’t damage the chisel head as easily as a steel hammer would. The copper will also absorb some of the shocks of the blow, which helps to prevent fatigue. Striking a cold chisel with a copper hammer is essential if you plan to do serious work with this versatile tool.
Jewelry Making:
When making jewelry, copper hammers are indispensable hand tools. It is used to flatten metals and create textures and patterns on metals. Copper is a softer metal, so it’s easy to work with and shape. The hammers are also used to set stones into place.
Jewelry makers use different sizes and shapes of hammers to create different looks. Therefore, copper hammers are a necessity for anyone who wants to make jewelry.
Non-Sparking Tool for Hazardous Environments:
The copper hammer has a long history of being used as a non-sparking tool due to its ability to prevent fires and explosions. This kind of hammer is made with a copper head, preventing sparks from flying when the tool is used.
Various industries have used this hammer where there is a risk of fire or explosion, such as:
- Oil & Gas industry: Conducting operations with anti-sparking tools is essential to prevent fires/explosions.
- Aviation: To prevent sparking near aviation fuel, spark-free tools are needed.
- Mining: Non-sparking tools are necessary to avoid igniting methane gas often present in mines.
- Chemical Industry: Spark-free tools are required to prevent fire or explosions near chemicals.
In Blacksmithing:
Copper hammers are primarily used for shaping hot metal in blacksmithing. The head of the hammer is made of a soft metal, which allows it to “give” when striking hot metal, helping to prevent the metal from cracking or shattering.
In addition, this copper hammer helps to dissipate heat, keeping the metal cool and preventing the formation of scale. The hammer’s handle is usually made of wood or leather cover, both of which are relatively good materials that won’t damage the metal.
To Shape Metal without Leaving Marks:
A copper hammer is an essential tool for any metalsmith. Its rounded head is perfect for shaping non-marking metals (such as vehicle bodywork), and the heavy weight of the tool makes it convenient to use.
The copper hammer can also be used to create texture on metal surfaces. By striking the metal with the side of the hammer, the metalsmith can create a variety of patterns and designs.
As well as creating rivets and other fasteners, these hammers are suitable for this task. By heating the tip of the hammer and then using it to forge a small piece of metal, the metalsmith can make a secure fastener that will hold firm against even the most strenuous conditions.
These are some common uses for a copper hammer, but this is not an exhaustive list. This versatile tool performs various tasks, both in the workshop and out.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the hammer for additional information:
Q: What Hammer Does a Carpenter Use?
Carpenters typically use claw hammers. They have a long, thin, curved claw on one end for pulling nails out of wood and a blunt head on the other end for driving nails into wood. Other types of hammers include ball-peen hammers, mallets, and sledgehammers.
Q: What is a Brass Hammer Used for?
A brass hammer is a tool that is useful for a variety of tasks, including pounding nails into wood, striking chisels, and even shaping metal. Brass is a soft metal, so brass hammers are not as likely to damage the surfaces they are used on as harder metals like steel.
Q: Why is it Called a Dead Blow Hammer?
A dead blow hammer gets its name because it doesn’t bounce off the object you’re hitting. The weight of the head material, combined with the use of a loose material inside the hammer head, causes it to slowly absorb the energy of each impact, making it ideal for delicate work where a standard hammer might cause damage.
Q: Which Hammer is Best for General Metalwork?
There are a few different types of hammers that can be used for general metalwork, and the best one to use is the blocking hammer. For light-duty projects, a claw hammer can suffice. For more heavy-duty jobs, though, you’ll need a sledgehammer or ball peen hammer.
Q: What are the Advantages of Using a Copper Hammer?
There are a few advantages to why you might want to utilize a copper hammer. It is softer than most metals, so it will not easily damage your tooling or workpiece. As well as copper being non-magnetic, you can use it to insulate something from magnetic fields if necessary.
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Conclusion
When it comes to performing various tasks, copper hammers are a handy tool to have. Despite its wide range of uses, it is beneficial for delicate tasks that require a soft touch.
Copper hammers are also antibacterial, making them an ideal material for use in kitchens where food safety is a primary concern. Consequently, a copper hammer is suitable for a variety of purposes.
Hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers can also use them to fabricate custom pieces or repair metal objects. If properly cared for, copper hammers will last for many years.
