Sledge Hammer Specifications

• Sledge hammers are not precision instruments, and therefore their specifications are somewhat flexible. Any long handled hammer with a heavy and very durable head on it can serve as a sledge hammer. Sledge hammers are commonly used for breaking up concrete blocks, driving in stakes, and splitting wood with a wedge.

Head

• A sledge hammer head can weigh anywhere between eight and 16 pounds. They are made of forged or cast steel, with the forged heads being more durable and stronger. Most sledge hammer heads are blunt at both ends. A modification of a sledge hammer, called a maul, is blunt on one end and pointed on the other, so you can use it as either a sledge hammer or a wood splitter.

Handle

• Sledge hammer handles can be made of wood, fiberglass or metal. The handle is attached to the head by inserting it through a hole in the center of the head, then driving a wedge into the end of the handle to press the sides of the handle against the inside of the hole. Users of traditional sledge hammers with wooden handles sometimes soak them in water overnight to swell the wood and make the handle tighter. Care should be taken when using a sledge hammer with a wedge; if you over swing the hammer and hit the wedge with the handle, you can easily break it. Due to the extreme stress that a sledge hammer handle is subjected to, it can't be effectively fixed once you've broken it. You need to replace it with a new handle.

Safety Equipment

• When you use a sledge hammer you should always wear steel-toed boots to avoid crushing your toes in the event that you miss your target and hit your foot. Work gloves and eye protection are also advisable.

Smaller Sledges

• Some sledge hammers are made with smaller heads and shorter handles. These sledge hammers are typically used for lighter jobs such as knocking mortar off of bricks and blocks, wielding a cold chisel, or driving grade stakes or other small objects into the ground. It's best to use the smallest hammer that will accomplish the job, because the smaller the hammer is the longer you can use it without becoming exhausted.