Hammer hands

["Simon Brown" <moonsong@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Good one, George - mystery solved! Time to hit the piss and relax!

I have a couple of hammers in the workshop that I can never properly fit a
handle to, I think the eye must be a bit dodgy with too big a flare at the
top. I have been replacing worn hammer handles with cut-down pick handles (I
have a few in stock, and can't afford hammer handles). I should add to the
list (as well as the head angle!) the shape and texture of the hammer
handle.

Shaping from a pick handle gives 3 hammer handles with plenty of timber for
a comfortable hand grip to be moulded. I prefer a swelling at the middle of
the shaft, a hollow below that, and a slightly flared end. I do the shaping
with a bandsaw and a surform.

As the hammer is used, it becomes polished, so I scrape the surface rough
with a hacksaw held on a shallow angle. When the surface is rough, the
hammer is easier to hold because of the increased friction. I find that a
new hammer with a lacquered handle will make my hand blistered and tired
because I have to hold the handle harder to stop it spinning with each blow.

Any more for the list?

Simon