(1) Claw Hammer. The best claw hammers are made from the best steel, which is carefully forged, hardened, and tempered. Hammers differ in the shape of the claw-curved or straight-and in the shape of the face-flat or rounded. The style of the neck, the weight, and the general finish of claw hammers differ according to the intended use. Figure 2-31 shows straight and curved claw hammers. The average weight of claw hammers is 5 to 20 ounces. Good quality or high-grade hammers have hickory handles and are made from well-seasoned, straight-grained stock. Other hammers of good quality have steel handles with shock-absorbing rubber grips.

(2) Mallets. Mallets are, in reality, wooden hammers. Although not considered a driving tool, they are used the same way as hammers. You will use mallets primarily for driving chisels and wedges. Depending on their use, mallets can vary in size from a few ounces to a few pounds. Many woodworkers make their own mallets to suit their personal touch. Figure 2-32 shows three types of mallets.

(1) Driving Nails. When you use driving nails with a claw hammer, guide the nail with one hand and grasp the hammer with the other down near the end of the handle. Avoid holding the hammer near the neck. Use a wrist motion, tapping the nail lightly to start it, then use a few sharp blows to finish driving the nail. After the nail has been driven, it can be set below the surface with a nail set. This prevents hammer marks or cat paws from marring the surface of the wood. Nail sets are made in several sizes. Figure 2-33 shows one type of nail set.

(2) Removing Nails. Use the claw of the hammer to remove nails. To properly pull a nail, place a block under the claw for leverage. If the nail is large, use a nail puller or a wrecking bar (Figure 2-34).