Hammer Quality

The hammers Blacksmith Source Tool Company sell meet the demanding standards today's professionals expect. Learn more here about high quality forge hammers.

The labelling DIN Standards

Labelling is important. DIN stands for "Deutsches Institut für Normung", meaning "German institute for standardisation". The Device Safety Act requires manufacturers to permanently label and describes the labelling of hammers specifically. A DIN number without the permanent mounted manufacturer’s logo on the hammer head (imprinted logos on the handle is insufficient!) do not comply with law!. Such hammers are often poor in manufacturing quality and unreliable and or unsafe.

 

The handle

Further examination for quality requires a look at the handle.
Is the handle firm or wobbly?
Has it been wedged properly?
Are there any tears or insertions visible?
Is the handle made out of a qualified wood?

Timber handles for impact tools - Technical specifications: Eye dimensions of hammers and forging tools. DIN 68340 provides wood which is according and qualified are ash, hickory and acacia. The wood should be long fibred to avoid breaks in case of an off target blow. The fitting of the handle must be checked carefully that handles are fitted properly bonded and secure.

The chamfer

Quality hammers have a clean chamfer of approx. 45º. This chamfer prevents chunking on the striking face and nose. Sudden discharge of metal particles can shoot out and unfortunately often lead to severe injuries! See that the chamfer is accurate on striking face and polished peen.

The hardness values

The hammers must be hardened and tempered accurately with high quality performance steel C45. The hardness values on face and peen must be between 50 and 58 HRC and the depth of hardening must be 3mm. The hardness in this area must not exceed 30 HRC to avoid breaks.

The check list

  • Manufacturer name is well-defined
  • Has the manufacturer’s logo been imprinted or lasered on the hammer head? Temporary labeling such as stickers can indicate inferior products.
  • DIN Labelling present? (must be in combination with the manufacturer’s logo)
  • Is the handle firm?
  • Is the handle free from defects and flaws?
  • Is the handle properly fitted the hammer head? No gaps.
  • Is the chamfer on the face accurate? The peen?

 Picard hammers meet the highest standards and are made in Germany.