I’m having a cottage rebuilt, and the contractor is doing a very nice job. I’d like to get him a present…do you think a titanium hammer would be appreciated or not, if yes, your favorites and weight?
thanks, ss
I’m having a cottage rebuilt, and the contractor is doing a very nice job. I’d like to get him a present…do you think a titanium hammer would be appreciated or not, if yes, your favorites and weight?
thanks, ss
There are a number of ways to achieve a level foundation and mudsill.
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Replies
What type of hammer is he using now? A hammer is a great idea but it's kind of like buying a ring for your sweetheart. Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it will get rave reviews.
If he is a wooden handled hammer swinger he will probably appreciate a Douglas more than a Titanium. http://www.douglastool.com/ The 20 ounce framer or the 18 ounce finish are your best bet if you have to guess on the weight.
Pro-Dek is the appointed hammer expert around here. If he doesn't respond to this thread you might see if you can find another thread he has responded to and send him a personal e-mail through his profile. He can help you with info on the titaniums as well as anyone.
Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
Get him a Stilletto!
Here's a link to there site featuring the 14 oz. straight handle framing hammer;
http://store.stilettotools.com/Detail.bok?no=22
I'm really sold on these! I had the worst framers elbow ever and quit the trade for about 8 months. I got one and have been doing heavy framing with no problems. I can sink a 16d just the same as with my Dalluge 24oz with a lot more comfort. I've been abusing it lately and it's super strong, dropped it 2 stories to concrete on the claws and I figure that's it but it's still fine.
Carpenters-me included- are suspicious about things like Ti hammers. It would be a perfect gift because he wouldn't have to consider it he'd use it and most likely be sold, especially if he's having any elbow discomfort.
Great idea for a gift IMO!
Warren
I'm no carpenter but I have noticed that tradesmen tend to be picky about their tools. They tend to be very personal and individualized choice based as much on history, I have noticed that barring something completely unsuitable people tend to automatically rate highly whatever they first used or what was recommended by the first teacher they respected, and imagined benefits as on any real advantage a particular model.
Sure any tool presented will be accepted, possibly even used, but your chances, barring an outright exclamation of his preferences, of getting something he will be overjoyed with are slim to none.
On the other hand while anyone could go out and buy a tool you are in a unique position to offer something else. I once saw a customer present a remodeling contractor with a folder containing a small presentation. It had well lit and illustrative photographs of the work done. A description of the job and the numerous small touches that that enhanced the quality and appearance of the project and a letter of recommendation professionally typed up and signed on high quality paper. A note was included that they would be glad to be used in the future as a reference for phone calls and an offer to show off his work was included.
The whole thing, seeing as that the customers wife was an executive secretary, probably didn't take long or cost very, compared to the overall cost of the job, much. The contractor, being relatively new to the field, had only a few jobs under his belt, few references and certainly little time or expertise in preparing such presentations.
From what I heard this small packet became the cornerstone of his presentation and helped him land many lucrative projects.
I think the gesture alone is what your carpenter will appreciate most. Many times homeowners can make you leave a job feeling like they don't really appreciate or respect what it is you've done to/for their home. A gift like that (whether it gets used or not) lets your carpenter leave feeling appreciated and valued. That in and of itself is the real gift.
FWIW, I'd think that was a phenomenal gift! I'd work for ya anyday! :)
I second the Stiletto hammer.
Be prepared to spend $200.
an 18 oz would be nice.
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