TM 1-1500-204-23-9
Table 4-1. Soft-Faced Hammer Face Substances
Medium
Extra
Type
Soft
Medium
Tough
hard
Hard
hard
Soft rubber
S
Wood
S
M
N
Rubber
M
Hard wood
T
Lead
T
N
Plastic
T
H
Rawhide
M
T
N
H
XH
Micarta
H
XH
Fiber
H
XH
Copper
XH
b.
Safety. The following precautions must be
kept in mind when using hammers:
Do not use a hammer handle for bumping parts in an
assembly. Never use it as a pry bar. Such abuses will
cause the handle to split, which can result in bad cuts or
pinches to the hand. When a handle splits or cracks, do
not try to repair it by binding with string or wire. Replace
it.
· Ensure that the head fits tightly on the handle. If it is
loose, it can fly off during use and cause serious injury
to personnel.
· Do not strike a hardened steel surface with a steel
hammer. Small pieces of steel may break off and injure
someone in the eye or damage the work.
· When using metal hammers, always wear eye
protection to prevent metal particles from entering the
eyes.
c.
Use When using a hammer or mallet,
ensure that the material will not be damaged by the tool.
The hammer should be gripped near the end of the
handle and should strike the surface evenly.
d.
Care. Hammers and mallets are maintained
by general maintenance methods and by replacement of
parts. The following paragraphs describe these
procedures.
(1)
General maintenance. Hammers
are inspected and maintained as follows:
(a) Check for cracks in the handle.
Replace the handle if cracked.
(b)
Check
for
a
loose
head.
Replace missing or temporary wedges to be sure the
head is tight. If the head is not tight, replace the handle.
(c)
Periodically rub a small amount
of linseed oil, Federal Specification TT-L-190, into the
wood handle to prevent the wood from drying out and
shrinking.
(d)
Replace hammer if the face is
worn or chipped.
(e)
Lightly lubricate metal parts
when storing the hammer for a lengthy period of time.
(f)
Wipe
oil
and
grease
from
rubber mallets to prevent damage to rubber.
(2)
Care
of
inserted-face
hammers.
Broken or chipped faces may be replaced as follows:
(a)
Remove
damaged
face
by
turning in a counterclockwise direction.
WARNING
Use a pair of pliers or a rag on broken
faces to prevent injury to the hands.
(b)
Wipe out the face seat in the
hammer head with a clean rag.
4-3
