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 Even
if your day job requires you driving a keyboard instead
of nails, weekends can create an atmosphere of accomplishments
and physical activity. Those endless, around-the-home
carpentry jobs and house repairs can make for great
exercise and fresh air, but how to avoid the inevitable
aches and pains of Monday morning after a weekend of
nail pounding?
Tips
A hammer is actually scientifically designed to do
most of the work for you, if you know how to use it
right. The heavy metal head with the help of gravity,
is the force behind driving a nail. As the operator,
your job is to guide the hammer to the object so that
it can perform the task at hand. To attain the most
leverage and force, hold the handle near the end and
swing using your whole arm not just your elbow and
wrist. Loosen up and use smooth relaxed repetitions.
You may never be as quick as the professionals but
once you get into the form you'll start to feel like
one.
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Splitting and Strength
When pounding into hardwood or near the end of a
board, dull the tip of the nail. This will greatly
reduce the risk of splitting the board. Drill a pilot
hole slightly smaller than the nail for added protection.
If your project requires multiple nails try to put
them in a jagged line. Doing this avoids stressing
the wood in one grain line and compromising strength.
For the best possible fastener use a nail that is
1" longer than the pieces you are fastening. Once
completely through, clinch the excess nail to the back
of the board by hammering it parallel and flush with
the board. Although this is not attractive, to anyone
who has tried to remove a nail that has been clinched,
the realization of strength in this process is without
argument.
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Removal
When mistakes happen and nail removal becomes necessary
save your strength and your material by using a block
of wood under the head of your clawed hammer. This
not only protects your work from indentation, buy
also adds leverage to your own strength. Just because
it looks hard doesn't mean there isn't an easier way.
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