Proper Use:
Hammers and other striking tools are perhaps the most widely used and most often abused of all hand tools. They are made in various types, sizes and configurations for specific purposes. They should be selected for their intended use and used only for those purposes for which they are designed. Always use a hammer of suitable size and weight for the job.
Striking any hard surface may cause the striking face or the surface being struck to chip, possibly resulting in eye or other serious injury. Users and bystanders should always wear safety goggles.
When striking other tools (such as a chisel, punch, wedge, etc.), the striking face of the proper hammer should have a diameter at least 3/8” larger than the face of the struck tool. A hammer blow should always be struck squarely with the hammer striking face parallel with the surface being struck. Avoid indirect or glancing blows and over and under strikes.
The striking face of sledge hammers may mushroom. To prevent this hazard, maintain original chamfer by filing, grinding or by returning the hammer to Ampco Safety Tools to be redressed.
For safety reasons, it is important to inspect hammers prior to use. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle. The top of the head of the hammer should be inspected for cracks. Over strikes may damage the handle but can also create cracks where the hammer head is attached to the handle, which may lead to head loss.
Mis-Use and/or Abuse:
Never use a sledge to strike a hammer, sledge or maul. Never use a sledge with a loose or damaged handle. Sledge hammers are not tamping tools. Using a sledge as a tamping tools can damage sledge hammer and cause the head to become loose.
Source: Hand Tools Institute, Hand Tool Use and Selection Chart and AMPCO Safety Tools