How to Use Hammers & Dollies
Hammers and dollies are tools used in sheet metal work, typically related to auto restoration projects. A dolly is a specialized tool that comes in a variety of shapes and an assortment of sizes. Essentially, it is a lump of metal that works out dents in metal, like an iron. Shapes of the dolly range from a pebble to bar of soap, hook or spatula. Hammers work with the dolly to change the shape of the metal. They also come in different shapes and weights. Thus, depending on your project, you'll need to select the correct hammer and dolly to complete the task.
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Instructions
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Choose a suitable hammer for work on your task by considering if you will be stretching or shrinking the metal. If you are repairing a dent, you may want to flatten out the metal, so a hammer that stretches metal is more suitable. Alternatively, for smaller tasks choose a lighter hammer to avoid denting the metal surface.
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Select an appropriate dolly for the task. The weight and shape of the dolly affects how it changes the metal. Use a lighter dolly for thinner metals. "T" shaped dollies are also available. These create flanges and edges on a piece of metal.
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Place the dolly against the surface of the metal that you want to reform. Use the hammer to hit the dolly. This spreads out the power or force from the hammer, across the surface of the metal. A metalwork technique explained by Tachrev.com is the "Slapping Spoon." This technique involves a flat dolly placed against a surface, while a short bumping hammer strikes consistent, firm strokes against it.
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Flatten out small dimples on metalwork by using a short pick hammer. First, hold a rounded dolly behind the back of the metal area you want to hammer. While supporting the metal from behind, use the short pick hammer to strike directly the dimple on the metal. It's important to use softer strokes so that the metal is not damaged additionally by harder strokes. Plus, you will have more control when aiming at the dimple.
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Straighten out a sheet of metal by using a large toe dolly and an offset bumping and cross ping hammer. This particular hammer has a rounded head which facilitates more effective flattening of the metal surface. To achieve this, place the metal between the dolly and the hammer. While hammering onto the metal surface, move the dolly like an iron along the metal surface. This spreads out the force of the hammer, and thus flattens the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful when striking a surface with a hammer so that you avoid striking your hand and causing injury.
References
- Photo Credit corvette headlight at dusk image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
