A tack hammer's small head allows you to start and drive very small nails without hitting
your fingers or thumb. The tool is commonly used for cabinetwork, molding, trim, and
upholstery.
If the head on a wooden handle becomes loose, try driving additional wedges into the top.
If this doesn't work, or if the handle shrinks, cracks, or breaks, replace the handle.
Purchasing
A tack hammer has a wooden handle from 10 to 11 inches long and a head weighing 5 to 8
ounces. Some models have a slotted, magnetic face that holds nails for starting them, and
a plain face to drive them flush. Others have a small nail-removing claw instead of the
magnetic face. Choose a tack hammer with a forged head. Avoid heads of cast steel; these
break more easily and can send dangerous metal chips flying your way during use. Select a
tool that feels right for your hand and swing.
Substitutes
An alternative to the tack hammer is a cross-peen hammer. The head of this hammer has two
striking faces: one is flat; the other, the peen, is rounded and tapered. The tapered peen
lets you hold a small nail in place to start it without hitting your fingers. Head weights
range from 3-1/2 to 12 ounces. Handles range from 10-1/2 to 15 inches long.
Caution
- Never use a hammer with a chipped head.
- Replace broken handles.
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