A hammer is probably the most ancient tool that we still use. Although the shape and size may not look the same, its usefulness is undoubtedly tremendous.
Considerably, a hammer is one of the most popular tools on earth and can be made of so many different materials. While the steel hammer is seen the most, there is no way we can ignore the usefulness of a brass hammer.
In this blog, we are going to share when you should use a brass hammer and some attributes of it. So, let’s follow the article for detailed facts about this amazing tool.
What is Brass
Brass is a copper alloy that mainly has got copper in it, while zinc is the main alloying element here. The color of this alloy metal can vary. It can range from red to yellow.
However, this metal can have different properties depending on the amount of zinc or other added elements. The range of the percentage of zinc determines some distinctive features of brass.
If the percentage of zinc in the metal ranges from 32 to 39 percent, then the brass will have increased hot working ability but limited cold working. And if the amount is greater than 39% in the brass, then the metal will have higher strength but lower ductility.
People used to utilize brass for decorative purposes. As the metal has high density and workability, making the hammer head from the metal is also getting popular.
All You Need to Know About a Brass Hammer
Brass hammers come in different shapes and sizes. They are shaped depending on their uses. A brass hammer can range from a one-pound to a ten-pound sledgehammer.
Besides, the handles can be made of wood or fibreglass as well. Both types should feature a non-slip grip. Usually, a fibreglass one has a rubber over-mold grip, and a wooden one has a painted textured surface.
These features are extremely important for holding the hammer without fearing a slip-off. You will find plenty of options while looking for a brass hammer on the market. And you also have the opportunity to build a customized one if you want.
When to Use a Brass Hammer?
The use of the hammer is not limited. You can use this amazing tool for many purposes. Here, we are going to take a look at some of its uses. Let’s check them out.
1. Wood Sculpturing
Wood sculpting or wood carving is an intricate art form that needs special tools to achieve its best outcome. And to do this complex job, a brass chisel hammer can be a great assistant.
For wood carving, you need to understand how much pressure you should put through the wood grain, and soft metal like brass can do this job very well. This dense metal transfers the pressure evenly and shapes the wood perfectly. You can unquestionably rely on this brass hammer for your wood carving work.
2. Carpentry
Similar to wood carving, carpentry also requires some special tools to make the best woodwork. And a brass hammer can be a substantial tool for that as well. The soft yet heavy metal can pull off any heavy-duty woodwork with less trouble.
Wood grains are sensitive, and if you do not control the pressure while nailing into them, the piece of wood can get destroyed easily. That’s why a brass hammer wins against a steel hammer when it comes to this job.
3. Auto-Mechanic Jobs
Brass is a corrosion-resistant metal, so maintenance is simple and easy. You can use a brass hammer for auto-mechanic jobs as well. This hammer’s non-sparking feature is essential when working in a flammable environment.
If you hit something with a steel hammer, a small spark can create a huge fire or explosion. So, using a hammer can be risk-free in the automotive industry to reduce the risk of an accident. Besides, the non-marring property is another reason you should use a brass hammer while fixing any intricate part of a car.
This soft metal will not make any dents or ruin threads while fixing the parts. You can use a brass hammer for boot replacement, fixing wheel bearings, tying rods, and many more jobs. So, repair your car, truck, or SUV without causing any damage and in an unhazardous situation.
4. Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is a growing business that people are driving more towards it. Bending, cutting, or processing any metal objects is known as metal fabrication. In this sector, a brass hammer can save you from massive trouble. Let us explain how.
A steel hammer can leave a dent in the metal sheets or even can create a spark while smashing too hard. But a brass hammer works gently on the metal surface and prevents the metal from causing any dent on the surface.
Besides, this non-marring brass hammer doesn’t cause any damage to your material while doing its job. The shock-absorbent quality of this brass hammer is also impressive.
5. Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing is another sector where you can use a brass hammer. In this sector, you will require a hammer that can absorb shock very well and has a higher melting point.
Because the heat is extreme in blacksmithing, a brass hammer shows great performance as its melting point is above 900 degrees Celsius. The non-scarring property of brass makes it appropriate for any job where metal is involved.
The delicate yet strong force on the metal helps it get its perfect shape without causing any damage to the product. The craftsmanship brings justice to their products while using this brass-made tool.
Why Choose a Brass Hammer?
Brass is a soft metal and does not create any marks or damage to the surface. A steel hammer is way harder, so it can damage the surface while fixing anything with help of a hammer.
For example, if you want a hammer for a metal surface and don’t want to leave a scratch on the metal, then the brass hammer is a great one. Besides, brass is non-magnetic and doesn’t create a spark while smashing metal objects.
As a non-marring hammer, no other material can beat brass. Some might think as a softer metal brass wouldn’t do any justice to do its job, but the reality is different here. A brass hammer can do any metalwork without damaging anything.
FAQ
In carpentry, the size and weight of a hammer are critical. Usually, a carpenter prefers a hammer that is 18-inches in length and weighs around 16 ounces. To provide a perfect force in the wood, these factors are crucial.
In a contest between heavier and lighter hammers, the heavier hammer will win because of its better striking rate. The heavier hammer strikes the target better than the lighter one.
Besides, a heavier hammer has a longer life span than a lighter one. However, you should always maintain weight management between the head and the handle. Otherwise, the force and swinging motion will not work properly.
Brass has a non-corrosion property, and because of that, it stays in good shape for a long time. Usually, a hammer can last over 10 years. However, it will depend on the user as well. The greater attention you give your hammer, the longer it will last.
The best thing about brass is it doesn’t develop rust. But it might tarnish over time. So, to maintain the goodness of your brass hammer, you wouldn’t need to give too much effort.
Just clean the hammer head with a damp clean cloth. If you see any grim on the surface, just add some liquid soap as a cleaner and wash it with warm water.
As a copper alloy metal, brass can develop different colors depending on the ratio of the alloy metals. Generally, yellow brass is used in brass hammers. This copper-zinc alloy makes the best blend for making a great hammer.
Final Words
Without knowing the details, many people might have negative thoughts about a brass hammer. But once you know and understand when should a brass hammer be used, there is no way you can choose any other metal hammer for some specific uses.
Regardless of being a soft metal, brass has proven its worth through its usefulness. Try out the brass hammer, whether you’re doing wood carving or fixing your car, and get the best use out of it.
Learn more:
- Who Makes the Best Snap on Hammers?
- What is a Ball Peen Hammer Used for
- Hammering on Tight Spaces – What’s the experts’ suggestion!
- How To Identify Old Hammers – Suggestions of A Tool Junky!
- How Does A Dead Blow Hammer Work (A Comprehensive Discussion)
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