Hammers and their types
A metalworking hammer is used for marking, cutting, flattening, bending and riveting. A hammer has two parts: the face (the flat striking end) and the peen (the wedge-shaped end with a rounded tip). The peen is used to rivet, straighten and stretch metal. The face must be flat and smooth: a hammer with a domed or crushed face dents the metal and spoils its flatness. For some metal items a wooden mallet is better: its face is large and flat, so sheet metal can be beaten without marring the surface. Mallets are made of hard, tough woods such as elm, plane tree and mulberry. A hammer handle must be fixed firmly, otherwise the head can fly off and injure someone.
Hammer parade: the teacher shows several hammers and mallets on a table. Pupils draw one, mark the face and peen, and write “which job?” for each. Hammers are lifted only with the teacher’s permission and with care; never point them at anyone.