Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Jun 01, 2005 07:19pm | #1

   I used to be on a shell crew. For years, I hand nailed with a standard Estwing. Eventually, I got "framers elbow" and had to stop pounding, if I wanted to use my right arm anymore. I switched my hammer to a Ridgid shock absorbing hammer. This was a funny looking hammer but it really worked to reduce the damage to my arm. The hole in the cheek of this hammer was a pain so I bought a Stanley Anti-Vibe. These are tuning fork construction.

   I don't hand pound many nails, anymore. I'm sure the tendonitus would return if I went back to hand framing again, regardless of the hammer. If I had started with a shock reducing hammer, the injury may not have happened or may have been less severe. I don't know if the Stanley would have been as good or better than any other ergo hammer. If you pound nails by hand all day for many years, I would recommend using a shock absorbing hammer. Your arm will be better off if you drive a little less enthusiastically, too.

   Repetitive motion injuries can be devastating to the worker and the employer. Taking steps to minimize their occurrence is wise. If I compare my hammers by hitting an anvil, there is a noticeable difference. The steel head, wood handled hammer bounces off as though all the energy stays in the head. The laser cut Ridgid is like hitting with a sack of sand. There is no bounce, all the energy is absorbed in the head. The Stanley and the Estwing both act similar, bouncing off with about half the recoil of the wood handle. Part of the energy is transferred down the handle of the steel models. With the standard Estwing, I know, that energy goes into the users arm. Whether the Stanley AntiVibe handle absorbs the impact before reaching your arm is hard to tell. Might make an interesting magazine article.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
1. 
   tuna | Jun 01, 2005 08:13pm | #2

   thanks alot. will consider your advice .

2. 
   4Lorn1 | Jun 03, 2005 05:16am | #3

   No expert. I seldom use a hammer for much. A few staples and a nail or two.

   I have heard from a few carpenters that the anti-vibe hammer is good. I have also heard, from a couple of old timers who still use a hammer for nearly everything, that a wood handle wrapped with a grip wrap made of Sorbathane, sold primarily for tennis rackets, makes a big difference.

   Another thing to consider is the anti-vibration gloves. If you can find the ones with the half-fingers they might be best.