What Is The Ball For On A Ball Peen Hammer? Specific Uses

What Is The Ball For On A Ball Peen Hammer?

A ball peen hammer for you is an incredibly versatile hand tool in the metalworking category. However, what exactly is the end ball for?

 In this Ball Peen Hammer buying guide, we will give you a full rundown of what these things do and how to get the most out of your ball peen hammer so that next time you are working with one or shopping for a grinder set, like good blacksmiths surely need.

A Brief History of the Ball Peen Hammer

Before we get into all of the details, let me give you a quick history of ball peen hammers. These hammers grew out of the old straight peen hammers that blacksmiths had used and were developed by French smithies in the 18th century.

It is designed with a ball-shaped peen, helping the hammer strike much more evenly and roundly instead of in sharp focused strikes like that of a straight one. This made the ball peen hammer perfect for modeling and polishing metal.

The Main Uses of a Ball Peen Hammer

So what do blacksmiths use these hammers for in the shop or at the forge? Here are some of the primary uses:

• Shaping metal – The rounded peen allows for gently contouring metal into curves and domed shapes. Each strike stretches the metal incrementally.
• Smoothing rivets – After setting a rivet in place, the ball peen can flatten and blend the rivet head smoothly into the surface of the metal.
• Peening – By lightly tapping the surface, the hammer creates a work-hardened layer and smooths out imperfections. This improves overall strength.
• Making decorative textures – The rounded tip can make cross-hatched patterns or dimples for decorative effects.
• Setting chisels – Placing the chisel at an angle and firmly striking the back forces the beveled edge into the handle.
• Riveting – The peen creates the rounded button head shape and melds the rivet into place. Frequent, lighter taps work best.

Key Features of the Ball Peen Hammer

What gives the ball peen hammer its versatility? Here are some of the essential features:

• The ball-shaped peen – Typically 1/2 to 5/8 inch in diameter, though sometimes smaller on lightweight hammers. The round shape spreads force evenly.
• The flat face – The large flat pan on the other end provides a solid, flat striking surface for chisels, punches, and setting rivets.
• The handle is usually made of hickory or ash wood. Some have steel handles for durability. The handle length affects leverage and control.
• The head material is most commonly forged steel. Some have brass or urethane heads to avoid sparking or marring.
• The head weight – Typically ranges from 2 to 32 ounces. Heavier hammers provide more striking force.

Pro Tips for Using a Ball Peen Hammer

With the right techniques, you can get the most out of your ball peen hammer:

• Let the hammer do the work – Don’t swing too hard. Use its weight and gravity to deliver the blow.
• Strike the metal squarely – Glancing blows lose force and tend to leave marks.
• Grip near the end – Choke up for more control on lighter work, slide down for leverage on heavy strikes.
• Keep your wrist aligned – Avoid bending the wrist which can cause injury over time.
• Use smooth, rhythmic strikes – Develop a smooth hammering motion and sequence for the best results.
• Protect your hammer – Store it properly to avoid nicks and damage which reduce effectiveness.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a ball peen and a cross peen hammer?

The cross-peen hammer has a wedge-shaped peen at right angles to the hammer’s face. It provides directional force for tasks like driving chisels.

When would I choose a ball peen hammer vs. a claw hammer?

The ball peen is meant for metalworking. A claw hammer has a split claw for pulling nails and is used primarily for woodworking.

How is a ball peen hammer different from a sledgehammer?

Sledgehammers deliver maximum striking force. Ball peen hammers allow more control and precision for detail work. Sledgehammers have longer handles and weigh 4-12 pounds.

What materials can I use a ball peen hammer on?

Ball peen hammers work on most thin to medium gauge metals including steel, iron, aluminum, brass, copper, and tin. Not recommended for hard metals like tool steel.

How heavy of a hammer do I need?

Choose weight based on your strength, the force needed, and how much control is required. Heavier hammers require two two-handed grip. 2 to 16 oz is common for precision work.

Key Takeaways

• But its smooth, rounded shape is ideal for shaping or smoothing metal like you would with a chisel or file—and the same goes for peening.
• Compared to a sledgehammer, it is much more precise in its controlled strikes.
• It combines the ball end and flat pan into one versatile tool that has two options for surfaces useful in a large number of applications.
• It is incredibly important to have the right grip and technique for optimal results.
• Select the hammer weight appropriate for your metalworking application.

The ball on a ball peen hammer provides an optimal means of shaping and smoothing metal with accuracy. Learning this hammer technique is indeed one of the most essential tools in a blacksmith, metalworker or even for any hobby person.