How to Make a Soft Hammer for Children

Woodwork can be a fun and creative way of building a child's self-confidence

Getting a child started on simple woodworking tasks is a creative and fun way of improving his hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and motor or muscle skills. It is also a great stress reliever for the child. A simple soft hammer is a beginning carpentry "tool" that can be made and given to the child to test his woodworking dexterity skills. The child can help with the simple steps and create a tool that can be used to pound away while under adult supervision.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of softwood 30'' long, 2" diameter
• Piece of hardwood 4 cm sq and 6 cm high
• Drill
• Small hand planer or chisel
• Carpenter's glue

Instructions

Making the Soft Hammer

1. Drill a hole a little less than 2 inches in diameter in the block of hardwood where you want to fit the "soft" wooden handle. It should be smaller than the diameter of the handle so the handle can fit firmly and snugly into it.

2. Chisel the end of the longer length of wood with the hand planer or chisel so that the wood has a smooth head. Remove the slivers and ensure that the end has no sharp points.

3. Squeeze a small quantity of carpenter's glue into the drilled hole of the hammer head and insert the wooden handle into the hole. Make sure the fit is tight and firm. The hammer is ready!

Tips & Warnings

• Use good quality softwood such as pine for the handle and oak or other hardwood for the head.

• Make the soft hammer colorful by painting the head and the handle in different colors.

• If the hammer is for a very small child, glue a small square of foam around the handle for good grip.

• Never leave a child alone with carpentry tools, especially drills, chisels and hammers.

• Clear the work area as soon as work is finished to remove slivers of material that can pose a potential swallowing or cutting risk.

References

• New York Times: Carpentry for Children

Resources

• Ideas for Children