The Basics of Choosing the Ball-Peen Hammers
Price
Remember that “cheap is expensive.” Hammers are economic tools. A hammer rarely exceeds $50 price. With this in mind, we are sure you have a budget and don’t want to spend it. Taking into account the above, if you do professional work, choose high-end models or recognized brands, even if they are more expensive.
Materials
Ball hammers, as a rule, are made of metal. The heads are usually made of forged steel. However, in some cases, this steel has a lot of heat treatments, which make it more lightweight and resistant. These heads are better since they facilitate the work and endure for longer without deforming.
The handles are usually made of wood. In the case of ball hammers, beechwood is used, since its fibers absorb shock and vibration. Glass fibers are also used, which make it resistant and lighter than wood. The handles are usually coated with non-slip rubber to improve grip.
Brand
You can choose to buy this type of hammer from a popular brand or one without a brand. Unfortunately, the quality and strength of the tool are often directly linked to the brand and also to the price. Our recommendation is that, as far as possible, choose a ball hammer of a reliable brand.
Recognized brands often offer high quality tools, tested by professionals. The brands use the finest quality materials, work with weights and sizes adjusted to the tasks.
Heads
The heads are the most important part of a ball hammer. It is the head that supports the blows and the one that does all the work. That’s why you need resistant materials. Look for heat-treated and forged steel hammers that ensure that it is not broken or deformed by continued use.
Weight
Weight is a vital factor when you tend to choose the best tool for you. Ball-peen hammers require good strength as well as arm movement can be annoying. In addition, if they weigh a lot, they can cause muscle damage to our shoulders and wrists. It is important to look at your weight, especially if we have any type of injury.
Usage
Depending on the use you intend to give the hammer, you must choose one type or another.
A carpenter’s hammer is not the same as a mace. If you plan to work with wood, ball hammers are not the best option. However, if you have a machine shop or want to straighten a sheet, these are the best hammers. Think very well about the use you are going to give it. Ball-peen hammers are widely used in different forging works, as the ball is actually used for straightening and shaping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are ball peen hammers used for?
Ball peen hammers are versatile tools used for various tasks. They are commonly used for striking punches and chisels, rounding off edges of metal pins and fasteners like rivets, and surface hardening through peening. The flat face of the hammer is used for striking punches and chisels, while the rounded face is useful for shaping metal.
2. What makes a ball peen hammer different?
A ball peen hammer is distinct from other hammers due to its unique design. It does not have a claw like a regular hammer. Instead, it features a flat striking surface on one face and a rounded face on the other. The steel ball peen head is hardened, making it less likely to chip. This makes the ball peen hammer ideal for driving punches and cold chisels, setting rivets, and shaping metal.
3. What not to do with a ball peen hammer?
While using a ball peen hammer, it's important to be cautious and avoid potential risks. One should be careful not to swing the hammer too far back and accidentally strike themselves in the eye with the claw. Additionally, debris from the hammer or the material being worked on could potentially cause injury to the face or eye. Safety precautions should always be followed when using any type of hammer.
4. Why do electricians use ball peen hammers?
Electricians use a variety of hammers depending on the task at hand. Ball peen hammers are commonly used by electricians for driving nails and punching holes into metal pieces. The versatility and durability of ball peen hammers make them suitable for a range of electrical work.
5. When would you use a ball peen hammer instead of a claw hammer?
Ball peen hammers are typically used for heavy-duty jobs that require more force than a standard claw hammer can provide. They are commonly used by mechanics and metalworkers to drive out pins or set rivets. The rounded ball end of a ball peen hammer is especially useful for shaping metal.
Editor's Notes
During our ball-peen hammer research, we found 24 ball-peen hammer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,657 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ball-peen hammers list. We found that most customers choose ball-peen hammers with an average price of $24.92.
The ball-peen hammers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ball-peen hammers, including Titan, Estwing, HORUSDY, Edward Tools. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.