The humble hammer is something most of us take for granted, yet it is an essential component in any toolbox. As technology has evolved, the hammer is beginning a journey of transformation, so that the hammer of the future will be unrecognisable to those we use today.
Hammer essentials
A hammer is a tool used to strike an object. According to MadeHow.com the use of simple tools by our ancestors dates back to 2,400,000 BC, when shaped stones were used to strike wood, bone or other stones to break them apart or shape them. Hammers may well have come a long way since those early days, but they still serve a similar purpose.
Even if you are not a professional DIYer, according to home improvement website doityourself.com at some point in any project, you will be attaching, dismantling or assembling, and depending on what you’re doing, there’s an appropriate hammer for the job.
A hammer’s limitations
Most of the hammers that we use today have limitations. Not only will you need to use a different type of hammer for a different type of job, but they will need replacing over time. A hammer takes a lot of bashing, so the handle can be prone to splitting. Some types of wooden handled hammers have been proven to need replacing after just 435 strikes.
The hammer of the future
Tomorrow’s new wave of hammers are sturdier and more reliable than their predecessors. They are made using very strong materials that reduce the likelihood of the handle coming apart or the head getting dislodged. They are also made to last much longer. The indestructible handle copper head sledge hammer available from Redashe ltd, for example, has been tested to last for more than 36,000 strikes.
Safety
Hammers of the future will also offer more safety features, so that accidents are less likely to happen, and the hammer is much more comfortable to hold and use. Many types of new hammers come with ergonomic rubber grip handles to absorb shock and vibration, while reducing fatigue.
Ease of use and simplicity
What makes tomorrow’s hammers stand out from those used today is that they are much more multifunctional. Instead of requiring several hammers or tools for different jobs, they are able to complete a number of functions. This reduces the need for having several types of hammers in your toolbox, whereas one robust, good-quality hammer will be the go-to tool for a wide range of tasks.
Some hammers combine drilling and hammering functions, even offering electric capability, which can help to make light work of traditionally difficult tasks. Eliminating the need for manual hammering makes the job easier, quicker and more convenient, but it can also ensure precision and safety in completing a task. Someone who may not have had the physical strength or confidence to use a traditional hammer may find the hammers of the future more user friendly and simpler to get to grips with.