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Hammer Basics

by Judy Larson
Hammers. We all have them in our studios. Each hammer type may be used in different ways for different things by each of us, but one thing we all agree on - they are essential to our work.

My father was a weekend woodworker and passed on many of his skills to me. When I was a little girl, I loved "helping" him build things in the garage. The skills learned from him have been used my entire life. What is surprising is how much of what he taught me transfers into jewelry making. Here are a couple of his tips on hammer use.
Instructions
Surface height is important
Yes, that's such an important point for both comfort and control! Hammering from the wrist can lead to strain or injury over time, plus it reduces power and accuracy.

Keeping your workpiece just below elbow height so you can use your whole arm especially the elbow as the fulcrum really helps create a smooth, controlled motion. The straight line from elbow through wrist to hammer head not only protects your wrist but also maximizes the force you can apply with less fatigue.

Do you use any specific type of hammer for jewelry work? Some people prefer lighter hammers for delicate pieces and heavier ones for shaping metal.
Arm position is important
Absolutely! That "no chicken dance" rule is key keeping your elbow tucked in and the upper arm parallel to your torso really stabilizes the movement and prevents those tiny but damaging repetitive strains to the shoulder.

Positioning the workpiece slightly in front of your arm (instead of right in the middle) is a subtle but smart adjustment. It helps maintain that alignment and keeps your arm from reaching or drifting outward, which can lead to shoulder fatigue or injury over time.

It's all about making your body work with the tools, not against them. Your tips remind me how important ergonomics are even in small craft work!

Have you found any particular workspace setup that helps maintain this posture naturally?
Handle grip is important
So true a relaxed grip is where it's at! That white-knuckle death grip not only tires out your muscles but also makes your strikes less precise because your hand is tense and less responsive.

Holding the hammer closer to the end of the handle acts like a longer lever, giving you more power and better control, so you can work efficiently without wearing yourself out. It's like using your body mechanics to your advantage instead of brute force.

I love how even little adjustments like grip position can make a huge difference in comfort and craftsmanship. Do you have a favorite type or brand of hammer that feels just right for this?
Judy Larson's Hammer Basics - Handle grip is important, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, jeweler's hammer
Exactly! Pointing the index finger along the handle might feel like you have precision, but it actually transfers vibrations straight up the arm, leading to fatigue and discomfort faster.

Placing the thumb beside the handle instead creates a better grip that absorbs those shock waves, giving you both more control and power in your strikes without wearing you out. It's all about letting the body work smarter, not harder.

Have you tried this thumb placement? How did it feel compared to the usual way?
Judy Larson's Hammer Basics - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, Placing the thumb beside the handle instead creates a better grip
That's a great point! Those thumb rests or indents are meant to help guide finger placement, but if you rest your thumb on top instead of wrapping your hand fully around the handle, you lose grip security.

Especially when striking with force, not gripping firmly can let the hammer slip, which is both dangerous and frustrating. A full grip not only protects your hand but also gives you way more control and precision plus, it helps absorb those shock vibrations.

Do you have a favorite hammer or type that feels just right for your stamping and striking work?
Judy Larson's Hammer Basics - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, not gripping firmly can let the hammer slip
Exactly finding that sweet spot with your thumb position can really change how the hammer feels in your hand! Wrapping your fingers around the end of the handle gives you more leverage and control, and shifting the thumb slightly can reduce fatigue and improve precision.

I like how you suggest trying all three thumb placements that's such a smart way to personalize your grip and avoid tension during long sessions.

Which position do you usually end up preferring? Or does it depend on the hammer or project?
Judy Larson's Hammer Basics - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, end of the handle gives you more leverage and control
Judy Larson's Hammer Basics - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, jeweler's hammer

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