A sledge-hammer is as heavy long-handled
hammer used or driving pins, stakes, wedges. Their design includes a
double-sided head. This tool is typically used for tasks that require more
brute force that's why it needs to be heavy. They commonly weigh at 8-16 pounds
but they can be as much as 20 pounds. The handle of the hammer is usually made
of wood or fiberglass and they are noticeably longer than that of a typical
hammer. The head is typically made of heavy metal.
The sledge-hammer is not designed for light
duty tasks. It is designed to displace a large amount of force over a condensed
area. This was made possible by the heavy head and the long handle. It takes
some strength for a person to fully wield the sledgehammer, but this action
results for larger impacts.
For a number of years now, sledge hammers
have been used in the construction industry. This tool has been used to drive
railroad spikes when railroads were being built. This is due to the fact that
sledge hammers can withstand reinforced steel. Jobs that require fracturing
concrete is a cinch with the use a this tool. You can also split large rocks
and pieces of wood with this tool
Blacksmiths often use sledge hammers to
shape pieces of metal works. In the year of 1980, the British SAS counter
terrorist also used these hammers to gain access to rooms during the siege of
Iranian embassy
Smaller sledge-hammers are also available
for medium tasks. Since the use of this tool can be dangerous, it is encouraged
that safety precautions should be implemented. Eye-protection such as goggles
should be used to avoid splinters from damaging our eyes. Check the hammer for
defects and breaks. Do not use if there are bystanders. Make sure to hold the
tool with both hands. It is better to deliver short blows to the target area
and then gradually increase the force and length of your strokes.