Forging a Claw Hammer

[@HornadyMatt]

Nice on Glen. I do carpentry work and smithing. I now have a base to merge both of them together. Thanks for the work.

[@gstongs]

Matthew, It's natural progression to go from woodworking to blacksmithing and vice versa. Wood and steel are a good mix. Thanks.

[@msblades5382]

Glen, any carpenter or craftsmen would be proud to have such a grand tool in there toolbox. Great job and be safe. ! Martin M&S Blades

[@gstongs]

Martin, Making this hammer has taught me some things I need to do differently on the next one. Live and learn... Thanks.

[@craigljardine]

That muscle flex and the expression you made were hilarious. That is a great looking hammer, good job

[@gstongs]

Craig, Sometimes I just to break up the monotony and not take myself too seriously. Thanks.

[@Brandon-so9fp]

Don't understand why this channel isn't more popular.

[@gstongs]

Brandon, I was thinking the exact same thing! But you must've given me some good luck as this video is doing better than most of my posts. Thanks. Glen

[@JF-fx2qv]

Exactly. I like the hand-made look. That is the hammer among other cookie-cutter made hammers someone would reach for.

[@gstongs]

Joseph, I really like the way this hammers feels in my hand. But for the next one, I need to make some improvements to how I go about making it / the overall design... Thanks.

[@davidrichards5594]

Great project, I especially liked the techniques for getting the hole back in line. ....Dave

[@gstongs]

David, I'm glad you liked this - happy to share. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@BrassLock]

Handmade claw hammers certainly are a rarity in my experience. Never seen that before and was really interesting, especially how you selectively heated one side to move the opening to the centre.

[@gstongs]

Dav, I've been thinking about making a small claw hammer for a while. Glad I did and I'll make more - need to improve my technique... Thanks.

[@gaz0463]

It’s that hand made look that I much prefer over any mass produced product and you were using your self adjusting tongues. The pair you made for me are awesome. I use them almost everyday when I make knives and heat treat them but I use them for many other things and because they self adjust I very rarely need to use anything else. Also they grip whatever they’re holding really securely and never slip. Your little claw hammer looks pretty awesome too. I guess I just love that handmade quality. If you ever decide to sell them you have a buyer right here. Great job. Take care Glen

[@marcobx65]

Very nice job , I think you is one good person..you love job

[@gstongs]

I really appreciate your support, via purchasing and your comments. I like my rivet-less, adjustable tongs but they certainly are the type of tong that will work well for some and not for others. So I'm really glad they suit you. This hammer has the hand made look for sure but I need to make some improvements. Thanks for everything. Glen

[@gstongs]

I'm glad you like this video. Thanks for watching..

[@PedalSteel-by2hx]

Thanks for the video Glen. Always appreciate the neatness of your blacksmithing technique and you positive attitude. God bless you sir.

[@gstongs]

Shawn, Thanks for watching and your nice comment. I'll do my best with future video projects. I wish you the same. Glen

[@robertsimmons3556]

I thought I've watched all your videos. Missed this one, I like your work Sir!

[@divrguy757]

I really like it. Its very functional and you made it!

[@georgecalcei8068]

Another great video and a great finished hammer. I use many of Glens tongs, hammers and other tools and have found non of better quality or functionality. His items are unique and his attention to quality sets him apart from the rest. Keep up the great work!

[@gstongs]

George, I really appreciate you taking the time to recommend the tools I make. It's not always easy being involved in this and so comments like your help. Thanks. Glen

[@CaptainTwitchy]

Very cool, Glenn. Blacksmithing is so badass...to be able to make your own tools.

[@gstongs]

I will continue to do stuff like this and make the necessary improvements. I appreciate your support. Glen

[@bobperkins7847]

Glen, I enjoy all of your videos nd I own several of your products. I bought a dog face hammer and one of your other tools. THANK YOU ALOT. Please do not stop your videos!!!!! Bad Bob Forge

[@gstongs]

Bad Bob, Thanks you for your purchase. I hope the tools are still working for you. I'll do my best with these videos. It really can be difficult for me to film myself and edit (not my strengths). But at the end of the day, comments like yours make me want to forge on. Thanks. Glen

[@tanfo8]

Claw hammers are a pain to make. Your first attempt at one is rather good. I like the look of it

[@gstongs]

Yes, I agree. I put off trying to make one for a while. I'm happy enough with this and will make the proper improvements next time around. Thanks for your support.

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

very nice ! Love that handcrafted look!

[@gstongs]

This hammer, if nothing else, certainly has the hand crafted look. Thanks.

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

:) A Two-for-one tool ! The performance is outstanding! It not only pounds a nail but will remove the nail also! What will they think of next? (just kidding).....smiles......I have pounded nails with a lot less attractive items in my past for sure It makes you wonder.....who was the person that first had the "aha" moment to put claws on the end of a hammer? (a fly on the wall)

[@madworkxtrouble2274]

Hey ho GST. We are still learning. Helping each other out with knowledge will make a better world. Grandpa said „ we stop learning ,the time when all of our fingers are equal in length. My forged stuff is mostly tiny. My last hammer had the weight of mabe 30 grams. I made some of ur stuff aswell. Ur videos are always such nice. Great job made by ur hands. Would be cool to see u making a hammervid with the

[@gstongs]

Your'e right - we should never stop learning. And we can all learn from each other. Thanks. Glen

[@yorkshirejoinery2869]

Great project, enjoyed watching this one, as always! Keep up the good work!

[@gstongs]

You got it. Thanks for continuing to watch. Glen

[@bfac8039]

As always...a rockstar! Perfect Glenn. I have tons of hammers. None are as nice as this! Except the one I bought from you a few years ago...thank you again! Like screwdrivers...one can never have enough hammers!

[@gstongs]

You're being too kind but I'll take it. And I will definitely have another go at this and try to improve on some aspects... Thanks for sure. Glen

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Amazing job Glen!

[@gstongs]

Phillip, Glad you like it. Thanks. Glen

[@WanderingLostMC]

Looks good. Better than I could do. I will make one comment on how I would consider doing it differently. Instead of cutting the claw from the top, I'd cut it from the bottom. So that the bevels would be going in the other direction. That way they could be used to hook into nails that are close to the surface of the wood.

[@gstongs]

What you say is exactly correct. I had this in my mind but got so caught up in the claws that I overlooked this. Live and learn... I will have another go and make improvements to my technique and design. Thanks for your constructive comment. Glen

[@killerkane1957]

I have watched for a long time and never felt the urge to “help”. Try this: make eye first, draw out claw section, split only from handle side. This way you form the nailhead grabbing taper in the claw at same time as you split. Start with a “dull” almost fullerlike tool then work down two or three sizes till a true cutter and finished split. If done in this manner no cutting or tapering is needed. I typically fuller both ends of the hammer after forming the eye. One end drawn out the other the hammer head. You made a nice hammer but you overworked yourself. Plus the claws are a bit short and spindly. Give it another try! Godspeed.

[@gstongs]

I appreciate all of your good advice. You're spot on about having the claw bevels on the underside. I also really like your suggestion about starting the cut with a dull, fuller-like tool... I'm pleased enough with what I've done on this first try but now see where I need to make improvements on my technique and overall design. Thanks for watching and sharing. Glen

[@bearsharkp3901]

Bro. Humidity is the root of all evil.

[@gstongs]

Rich, You ain't kidding. I have all sorts of skin issues related to this humidity. But in other ways, the humidity is not bad. For example, my muscles and joints are always warmed up. Thanks.

[@dougfranklin6338]

Love it. Great job as always.

[@gstongs]

Doug, I'm pleased with this but on the next one, I need to make some changes/improvements. Thanks. Glen

[@Cdlzzl]

Very cool Thanks for the vids. I definately want to do this as a project. I need to make a drift

[@gstongs]

I put off doing this type of hammer for a long while. But now that I've tried one, I will make more and hopefully improve my design and technique. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@jackdawg4579]

came out pretty good!

[@gstongs]

Jack, I am happy enough with this hammer. I need to make some changes for future claw hammers though - mainly beveling the claw from the bottom not top. But it works good enough for me. Thanks. Glen

[@msblades5382]

I have on one occasion tried to make a claw style hammer but when I quenched one of the claws broke off right were the ended at the body of the hammer. I think this was from having a hard edge rather than a rounded or smoth translation from the claws to the body.. Better luck next time lol.. Or as they say back to the drawing board lol.. Great stuff Glen.. Martin

[@gstongs]

Martin, That's happened to the best of us. I was worried about the same thing and so quench this very slowly, as you can see. And you're right, sharp edges are potential cracking spots. Thanks.

[@cm8sunset797]

That’s awesome, thanks for you videos

[@gstongs]

You're very welcome. Glad you like this. Thanks. Glen

[@richardbryant7972]

Very nicely done, I like it

[@gstongs]

Richard, Overall, I'm happy with this. I'll make some changes on the next one though... Thanks. Glen

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Good hammer mate, I like it.

[@gstongs]

Thanks Len. I appreciate you continuing to watch.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

No probs mate.

[@tysonmitchell4283]

Great work sir!!! Looks awesome!!! 👍🤙🍻

[@gstongs]

Tyson, This hammer works well enough for me. Could stand some improving but as an old friend used to say, good enough for this job... Thanks.

[@francobarone7437]

First time I see your channel Glen, nice job.

[@gstongs]

Franco, I'm glad you found my channel. Thanks for watching and I hope you stick around for more.Glen

[@kevins1114]

Your hammer looks a lot like some 250+ year old items I've seen. Excellent work!

[@gstongs]

Kevin, If nothing else, this hammer certainly has that "old" handcrafted look to it. I need to improve my technique as well as the design but I hope to maintain that by-gone era artifact look. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glen

[@t.giddey4080]

Way Cool Man , I Can Dig It !!

[@gstongs]

Glad you dig it. Thanks.

[@steersman-zv2ng]

Experience is that thing you need until just after you get it.

[@gstongs]

I have just enough skill to make this a functional hammer on the first go but need to have more goes at this to improve on my design. I guess that's sort of saying I know just enough to be dangerous! Thanks for watching.

[@xDrDeath78x]

Turned out nice mate

[@gstongs]

I'm pleased with the hammer but will have another go at this and see if I can improve on some aspects... Thanks.

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Give the man a break! FIRST ATTEMPT! Working things out yourself requires trial and ERROR! I refer to such prototypes as '3d sketches' and that is how one learns, clarifies and improves a starting concept. Some of these aborted sketches are my favourite objects in my workshop. I learn something every time I look at them. As always, thanks for the inspiration, sir!

[@gstongs]

Hendrik, I appreciate your support and agree with you completely. I learn best by trying as it's sometimes hard for me to visualize the project (in my mind or on paper) without seeing the actual piece go through the process. Anyway, I did make some simple errors with this hammer but will try this again... Thanks. Glen

[@johnspargo5876]

HI Glen I would be proud if I had made that. best wishes from John Spargo in Cape Town

[@gstongs]

John, After making this, I can see a few areas that need improving. But I'm still satisfied... Thanks. Glen

[@tedc7891]

Thank you my friend. Good job. Really enjoy your videos.

[@gstongs]

I'm very glad you like this. Thanks for watching and for your support. Glen

[@wingnutbert9685]

Awesome! I can see advantages with sitting low as you can drop your tools and they are right there to pick up. Do you sit out of preference or is it a necessity due to working where you do or injury or... ?

[@gstongs]

I started sitting because my work space is so limited here in Taiwan. It made more sense to me to move my tooling around me given the small space. I'm not sure I'll ever go back to standing... Thanks. Glen

[@bpinto9245]

that hammer is so awesome

[@gstongs]

Brandon, Thanks for watching. Glad you like it. Glen

[@yopyopu3258]

it's looking preaty nice :)

[@gstongs]

Kido, I'm pleased with this. I see where I could've improved on the design and will make the necessary changes next time. Thanks.

[@paulorchard7960]

Primitive, but not bad for a first attempt, more work needed on the claw to make it usable for bullet head nails that are the most widely used!

[@ХабаХаба-е3ш]

Отличная работа мастер!

[@gstongs]

I'm happy that you like this. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glen

[@EricVanstrong]

Dose any one know if it's possible to make s curve hammer into a straight claw .and how the basic process works thank you

[@akivameola2558]

I love this channel man keep it up!!

[@gstongs]

Akiva, I'm really glad to know that. Thanks for watching and I'll do my best with future videos. Good luck in your work. Glen

[@msblades5382]

Glen , I have a question. In your opinion would a1050 series steel be a good selection for a hammer and other tooling? Thanks in advance. Martin M&S Blades.

[@gstongs]

Martin, I think that really depends on what kind of hammer you're making. 1050 is very good for blacksmithing hammers, in my opinion. But I think higher carbon steel might be better for most carpenter hammers. As far as other tooling, it really depends on what the tool will be used for. Thanks.

[@EccentricExcrement]

Nice!

[@gstongs]

Jaryd, I appreciate you watching.

[@madworkxtrouble2274]

Sorry wrong button. See u making a hammervid with that idea to put a glowing drive in the eye of the hammer to get it tempered. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@gstongs]

Yes, that's a great idea. Someone else also mentioned this so I'll have to give it a try. Thanks.

[@oneshotme]

Thumbs up and enjoyed Next time make the claws bigger well thicker as well

[@gstongs]

Russell, For sure I need to beef up the claws. I got so caught up in making them for the first time that I put the claw bevels on the wrong side and overworked them, thinning them out too much. I'll do better next time around. Thanks. Glen

[@dilipmaharana9497]

I have workshop .& I wil build all the things . Good job carry-on

[@gstongs]

Dilip, Good luck in your work and thanks for watching. Glen

[@dennisobrien3618]

I'm thinking a single cut from the bottom (with a hot cut chisel) would be the way to go...but I haven't made a claw hammer, so it's just a hypothesis for now.

[@teddharris]

I grew up using a carpenter's hammer. The correct way is to cut from the bottom. The chisel is angled at the end of the cut, making a sharp V, allowing all sizes of nails to be pulled; The top of the head is smooth. The sharpening of the claws is done from the bottom.

[@gstongs]

Dennis, I think cutting in a V is best but your'e right, I should have done it from the bottom. As it sands, it works fine but would have been better with bevels on the underside. Thanks. Glen

[@gstongs]

Tedd, Your'e right. I got this part wrong. The hammer works well enough for me but on my next one, I'll be sure to bevel the cuts from the bottom. Thanks for watching and sharing. Glen

[@robertofumero2403]

Lavoro magistrale, complimenti !!!!!!!

[@gstongs]

Roberto, Thanks for kind comment. A close childhood friend of mine is also named Roberto (from Salerno...) Glen

[@العربيابوالعربي-ب9د]

Thanks 🔥🔥

[@gstongs]

Glad you're still watching my channel. Thanks.

[@colehecker8418]

Great work

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Glen

[@AmirKhan-vp8fb]

i like your work

[@gstongs]

Amir, Glad you like it. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@madworkxtrouble2274]

Hey ho GST. Nice one again. Did you heard about hardening the whole Hammer and later u put the glowing drive in the hole to soften the middle part. ? Nice result nice vid. Greetings.

[@gstongs]

That's an excellent idea. I've seen and tried somewhat similar ways where residual heat is left in the piece to temper the piece. But the idea of inserting a hot drift in the eye is brilliant. I may do this in a video. Thanks for the good idea.

[@matiasrafaelleiva3152]

muy bueno! quiero un martillo asi!!!

[@gstongs]

Matias, Glad you like it. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@wyoblacksmithtools3097]

Glen, The second wheel you showed looked like a buffing wheel, but what kind of wheel were you first using to dress up the hammer? Thanks for posting! Jerry

[@gstongs]

Jerry, That first wheel is a very worn sandpaper flap wheel - 80 grit. Thanks as usual. Glen

[@thebabylon2933]

ur work allways amazing i wach ur vidos from iraq

[@gstongs]

I'm very glad you like my videos. Thanks for watching and good luck in all. Glen

[@ricardoespiritosantodasilv1869]

🇧🇷👏👏👍👍👍👍 Parabéns!!!

[@gstongs]

Ricardo, Thanks for your support - applause and clapping... Glen

[@hollywoodpark6484]

Oh, wonderful!

[@NAGORIIRONWORKS]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5ulmYOOgdWqiqM

[@bret354]

here in the states the claw is sharpened to the outside. opposite of yours. not sure if i'm saying it right but the claw is together to the outside of the curve or hammer. nice otherwise

[@gstongs]

Yes, you're perfectly right. The orientation slipped my mind when I was working on the claws and the claw bevels should be on the underside, not topside. It works fine as is and Im reasonably pleased but I will make the necessary improvements as I get more experience with making claw hammers. Thanks for watching and for your suggestion. Glen

[@ravindersingh-tp4eg]

Good job ......buddy.....👍

[@gstongs]

Ravinder, Glad you like this. Thanks for watching and good luck in your work. Glen

[@behnodm1124]

thank you

[@NAGORIIRONWORKS]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5ulmYOOgdWqiqM

[@sharonshaly7020]

good job

[@gstongs]

Sharon, Thanks for your support. Glen

[@tronvoianpho3560]

hay lắm, chúc vui vẻ

[@gstongs]

I'm glad you like this. Thanks for watching. Glen

[@sakhaymavark3329]

Ученика надо или наставника . Одному трудно.

[@davidphillips6571]

Is that hammer for sale?

[@stanervin7581]

My guess is that everything is for sale, depending on the depth of the pocket doing the buying! 💰 🤔

[@gstongs]

David, I will keep this hammer. I may eventually offer woodworking hammers like this but I need to improve my technique and design first. But overall, I'm really pleased with this. Thanks for asking. Glen

[@gstongs]

Stan, Normally, you're exactly right - almost everything is for sale. But I have to perfect this design before thinking about selling. Thanks.

[@ЕржанАбдурайимов]

👍

[@gstongs]

Hi and thanks for watching. Glen

[@izvicx586]

Do you even have a concept to building the integrity of the element you're dealing with? Iron, steel, aluminum etc... 🤔🤷🤦

[@jenniyoung7070]

🔨👍🏽

[@gstongs]

Jenni, Thanks for your support. Glen

[@hasancakmak8968]

Bu daha güzel bro.

[@gstongs]

I appreciate you watching. I may try this again and make some improvements. Thanks. Glen

[@saba6106]

🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@JohnDoe-kp3sw]

I skip to the end

[@markspc1]

It looks like a hammer that never grew up to be a hammer; try to make another one !

[@gstongs]

I will consider making this hammer's bigger brother next time around. Thanks for watching.

[@balzun1]

Посмотри как он должны выглядеть и суть просечьки чудак

[@gstongs]

I know this hammer needs improving. I may do this again and make the necessary changes. Thanks.

[@iuravermeer196]

ты слушай внимательно перед тем как что то пердеть !!! он сказал это его первый такой молоток!!!

[@박호석-t2k]

내 그냥. 칼 만드는거. 글자 적었습니다. 난 영어 모르오. 그냥. 배우고싶어서.

[@gstongs]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Good luck in your work. Glen

[@ngocrongdiy1004]

Thà làm cái khuôn rồi đổ sắt nung vào cho nhanh. Chứ tnày thì cái nghề này có mà ăn sít à

[@gstongs]

ong, Thanks for watching.

[@akazntt6699]

Làm cho vui

[@ngocrongdiy1004]

@@akazntt6699 hải phòng city việt nam vô địch.

[@gstongs]

Akaz, Thanks. Glen

[@gstongs]

ong, Being a champion is wonderful. Glen

[@박호석-t2k]

한글 읽을줄 아시요?

[@gstongs]

No, I can't read Korean but I can use Google translate. Thanks for watching.

[@박호석-t2k]

@@gstongs 무슨. 말인지?

[@박호석-t2k]

그냥 배우고. 싶어 한거 뿐이요

[@박호석-t2k]

빠루. 망치를 절케 만드는 거였군

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@izvicx586]

No offense to you but I cannot like this.

[@hanifehoseyni438]

Made fak

[@izvicx586]

Pitiful excuse for a blacksmith. I'm incredibly disappointed.

[@عبدالكريمالدوسري-ك6ث]

👎👎👎

[@gstongs]

I feel like Caesar is judging me with all the thumbs down. As the Gladiator said, "Are you not entertained?!"

[@gstongs]

I'm not too concerned about the negative comments, etc. And thanks for your support. Glen