How to Use an Electrician Hammer
Electrician hammers may look like common carpentry hammers, but they have distinct differences that allow them to be used for electrical applications. Generally more expensive that a carpentry hammer, the style and uses for the electrician hammer allow an advantage for installing electrical boxes and securing wire to wood-framed members. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Notice first off that the handle that connects the metal head of the hammer to the rubber coated hand held grip is made of a high-density, electrically insulated fiberglass. This insulated handle is constructed for when the hammer is carried by the electrician in his tool pouch. The fiberglass handle will not conduct electrical power from an accidental short against a live wire.
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Observe the long "nose" of the hammer's striking face. This allows the hammer to be used for nailing electrical boxes into tight wall recesses that other hammers may not reach. Certain light fixtures and boxes will have nails already held in place, and the long nose of the hammer allows the devices to be driven efficiently by a few well-placed blows of the hammerhead.
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Use the straight back claw of the hammer for pulling misplaced boxes from wall cavities. The extra-long claw in combination with the straight back design allows the metal surface to be placed flat against a plastic or metal box. It can then be pulled from the wood frame it is nailed into for mounting.
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Swing the hammer in short powerful strokes for driving wire staples in tight locations. The head of the electrician hammer is slightly heavier than a normal carpentry hammer. This ensures that the short stroke of the hammer face is efficient for securing wire staples in tight locations.
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Mark the fiberglass handle with a pencil for making temporary measuring marks on certain applications. These marks are easily seen against the light color of the reinforced fiberglass.
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Tips & Warnings
The hammer should never be used to adjust current-carrying wires. Electrician hammers should never be used for heavy prying because the insulated fiberglass handle can become damaged.
