How To Restore & Re-Finish Damaged Body Hammers!!!

[@kirbyloulewis3826]

I was an instructor at UTI in their collision program and i showed all my students the exact same process you did. The only difference in my demo was i took new cheap hammers that were poorly made and reshaped them . Taking a crudely finished $10 hammer and turning it into a better finished hammer that cost $100. Love how you are teaching a lost art in metal work and finishing. Keep up the great work brother!

[@thadrepairsitall1278]

I teach at the Houston campus. Doing basic electrical. It's good to run across a fellow UTI guy.

[@MakeItKustom]

Awesome man thank you for your feedback it’s reassuring! Cheers

[@malsoonsakit4786]

If you mean Universal Technical Institute, owned by Mr. Bob Sweet, I had 19 Saudi Aramco students enrolled in Pheonix, Ar. campus and I was their Training Advisor for two years. Those students started to graduate around the time Mr. Sweet was opening the Houston UTI campus. I also remember Mr. Brown, Head of the Mechanical Dpt.

[@kirbyloulewis3826]

Yes.....those are Houston guys! I know both of them. That's where I did my cross training at. I was an instructor and education manager out of Sacramento. Bruce Gameroth was the one who rolled out the collision program for UTI. I loved that job. Great school and a great program. I sure miss it.

[@alterexistence483]

I’m right there with you Carl, I’m obsessed with old tools. I was just blessed with a collection of body tools from a guy with stage 4 cancer. After talking for a while he brought out his personal stash and offered them to me. I’m so grateful to have them and they’re in a great home now. Perfect episode to keep them for another 50 years

[@ricklaporte9930]

It is amazing what a little elbow grease can do to rusty stuff. Most people just roll on by at a swap because it isn't new. Old stuff rocks, thanks for turning me on to Bello's Custom, his shop tour @ 4:07 that English wheel that he has is a work of art. Keep up the good work, shout out to your wife you guys make a great team. Keep up the good work and videos. Hint can't wait for how I made my bead roller. You're always fun and honest about your skills, hard to find in these times.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Let me put it simple new stuff out of China is junk I buy 90% of my tools at pawn shop swap meets there are few good companys left like woodward fab

[@MakeItKustom]

Wow man what an honour that was! Very cool to know the man behind the hammer

[@bryanrayburn4495]

I started pounding sheet metal in 1974 and was taught by an old lead guy. He taught me the value the finish and care of my hammers. I’m still at 63 protective of my hammers. Great work and content.

[@OmarRamirez-xz7eo]

Great now I wanna polish my hammers! Thanks for video

[@MakeItKustom]

Right on man! Thanks so much! Take care of your tools and your tools take care of you

[@E30lane]

My uncle used to do body work on Rolls-Royce and Bentleys back in the 80's. He had a set of body hammers from the 1940's and was so adamant on keeping them perfectly polished. I can so much appreciate this video!

[@HammerSeven-k2u]

Have been following you for around a year now. Really appreciate you taking the time to pass along your knowledge and expertise. Restoring old Harley’s and building vintage choppers is my hobby and passion. A couple of years back I really got tired of buying tanks, fenders, sissy bars, handlebars and etc from the market. Guys like you inspired me to start making my own handmade components. It took patience, time and a few filled dumpsters but it was totally worth the effort. It has been a blessing and a life changing experience. Was needing to dress up my hammers and I knew you would have some instruction to gain some knowledge from. Thanks Karl! Keep the content coming my friend. Would love to catch one of your workshops this year. Dwayne Conroe, Texas

[@timsanders6674]

I admire how how youre not afraid to try things. The old school craftsmanship has become a lost art.

[@fredgillick3071]

Absolutely and want to give away one of his hammers. That's like one of his arms.

[@ModelARider]

He gets results at whatever he attempts. That is the sign of a true craftsman. I bet he made a lot of attempts before he became as great as he is. To me that is the key to any success in life. I know because I've screwed up a lot of things over the years. But I've also got some great results too.

[@blockadeboyz]

Over the last few weeks… this has become my new favourite go to for time well wasted. Your love for old tools/ hammers rings true for most tradesman… cheers.

[@williamlanphar630]

I love the fact that you appreciate the value of older methods of accomplishing the goals you are after. These videos of yours capture this insight and pass it along to those of us who do not want these lessons to die in obscurity.

[@chopperhehehe]

I second this comment 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🙂🤞✌

[@johnmorris5834]

Love it Im 68 yrs old thought i was the only one that would do things like this i never have used a polishing wheel but have went as far as the 1000 you are a very talanted young man that works very hard at what you oviously love to do. Men like you are far a few these days love watching you work and learning from one hell of a good teacher. Thank you John Morris aka onehotrodfool

[@jimh3362]

I agree with you about vintage tools, not just hammers. They are usually VERY well made, not easily damaged and there is some magical about an old steel tool with honest wear. Love your informative videos. Please continue!! thanks.

[@mcudish]

Your channel is amazing, very informative. Can't believe I had to watch that father son duo duke it out all those years just to get a portion of the information I can get from just one of your episodes. Thank you for posting. Your fan from Denver, CO.

[@romo2598]

Love your videos and the shade tree approach to your work. Builders usually just show off their tool collection but you keep it simple

[@tylermcdaniel4895]

I too have an antique tool obsession. Whenever I get around to it I’m going to start restoring my 100+ old hand tools I’ve acquired. I think it’s cool to give something a second life.

[@leslieaustin151]

I remember the metalwork teacher at school (63 yrs ago!) polishing planishing hammers before we used them for decorative copper-work. They looked like those body hammers. A lovely job. Great video. Thanks. Les in UK

[@davidyamamoto8186]

Thanks for keeping it real and real simple for those of us who are real simple (noobs). You are teaching me the importance of patience, even though I am considerably older. I learn something from every one of your videos, unlike a lot of others who I've unsubscribed from. Thanks!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thank you so much David! I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel. Thanks for watching

[@recon44095]

I love vintage tools the hammers I have are 70 plus years old and were my dad's and work as good as new ones. I also have his wood spoons for lead work.

[@joseywales3789]

@William McCreary, here in the UK, the wooden "spoons" that you describe are called paddles and they're used with tallow. The tallow is heated with the torch and the paddle is wiped across the tallow. It stops the lead from sticking to the paddle as you're moving the lead around. The problem is that the tallow is made up of grease and fat and is therefore flammable so as you are doing the ballet of heating the lead to a consistency of soft butter and trying to move in to where you want it and it not sticking to the paddle, the paddle catches fire! Paddles are a somewhat "consumable" product!

[@hingstonia]

If I was 45 years younger I would want to be your apprentice. You can tell a true craftsman by how they share their knowledge.

[@lynnrussell4285]

Really glad someone is putting content out there like this. Good job, Carl.

[@barneypierce6811]

Carl, Thanks for your video's . I've been building Hotrods for 50 + years , & I learn something new from each of your well done video's. Again Thanks.

[@markagnew8338]

It is great to watch the old traditional metalwork skills. Keep the videos coming.

[@jonathangehman4005]

The first real metal working tool I ever got my hands on was an old, bent, and rusty body hammer I dug out from under a bench at the I H tractor shop I was working at. 1 1/4" round on one side and 1" square on the other. Used it for a few years before I realized I could straiten the bent square side and polish the faces up. I've been using it for about 25 years and of all the squintillion tools I have now that's one of my faves.

[@kurtludwig4783]

Karl you’re outstanding I’d love to be chosen for a body hammer from you. But the knowledge you give me is so overwhelming I’m just lucky to have found your posts

[@КонстантинПырков]

hello, I say again that you have a lot to learn, I also love hammers, I love bringing them back to life, making new handles .. Thank you for the tool maintenance!

[@stephenb.6562]

Beautiful work. This inspires me to polish up a few older tools in my toolbox. I also love older and vintage tools. They don't seem to make them like they used to.

[@jeffreysmith2460]

33 yrs ago my mom bought me a JC Whitney hammer and dolly set. Led me into the collision industry, dropped out of HS to pursue my passion and career. Love it just as much today as the first day.

[@brett_cadillac6590]

My father in law who was a body man for 40+ years passed down his hammers and dollies to me. This video will help in the saving process of those guys. Great videos man. Big fan from Ontario.

[@igobyscooter]

Love your love for tools, making them, restoring them, etc. I'm also so fascinated w/ your knowledge of how metal works, it's one of the reasons I fell in love w/ your channel. Keep it up 👍

[@jasonhoffman9895]

I only recently found your channel but it has quickly become my favorite, your enthusiasm with everything you do is truly inspiring, thank you for the content, the education and the inspiration.

[@autoobsession9084]

this is how I've always polished stuff, start coarse and go finer and finer until you can then buff it all out on the wheel. Only difference I could tell is when I go to the hand sanding stage as I go up a grit I'll sand across the previous stage at 90 degrees. Always found this helps you to see when the previous stages scratches are all gone.

[@MakeItKustom]

Great job thanks for sharing!

[@leonardszymanski5341]

Thanks so much you have educated me on many techniques. I am still learning at 75 years old .THANK YOU

[@MagnaMachineWorks]

This is definitely the best video I have seen on this subject. I have not seen a lot of info on this anywhere. The person that gets this hammer will be extremely fortunate, good luck to everyone!

[@michaelgreenman6443]

I have only started watching this channel a few days ago and have watched every video so far. So many good ideas with making your own tools. Just knowing someone else out there hasn’t needed to buy the best equipment but makes it suit your needs 👌🏻 gives me hope that I can build up my series 1 Rx7 for my son and not have to break the bank. Keep on making videos and I’ll keep on watching.

[@joseywales3789]

I remember reading an article about Bill Hines in the late 80's or early 90's and he said that in the early 1940's the guy who taught him bodywork (moving metal) explained that the body hammer needs to be harder than the sheet metal that you are forming and taught him to polish and heat treat the face of his hammers so that they wouldn't get dings in them. Bill went on to explain that in the 1950's he was speaking to a chrome plater who said that Chrome didn't scratch as easily as steel and offered to plate Bill's hammers! Bill said that he had polished all of his body hammers and dollies and had them chrome plated. He didn't know if the chrome made much of a difference but, he said that nobody "borrowed" his hammers and dolly without him knowing about it! Legend!

[@GunnySerg]

I hear you're a wanted man.

[@toddfrench7432]

Since I started watching, it seems that I’m steady using a hammer and dolly at least once a week. Seems like every time I get a cabinet or toolbox from Canadian Tire, I have at least one damaged panel. My new camper also had a buggered up door rail that was easily fixed.

[@69castellano]

I love your ethic of not using a body hammer for anything other than a body hammer. I've worked with so many "body men" that used body hammers to say, drive nails, hit chisels, ect. My body hammers have not been used in a while, but I'm getting back to that soon with my new to me shop! they are rusty and need cleaned and polished. I enjoy your videos and I've learned from you that I will deffinetly use in the future!

[@denniswalker4351]

You are tugging at my heart with old tools and making them look better.

[@rovingfox2077]

Thank you "Metal Sensi" You content is the bomb. RovingFox

[@fredgillick3071]

Hey Karl, I don't know about giving any of my tools away. My tools were my life and my son will get mine when I'm gone. Your hammers are your right and left hands. I'd love to win one but not unless you sign it. To me it would be like a signed football or what ever signed card. Thanks for the video on showing how to care for your tools. Be careful and safe brother.

[@littlebang556akarob]

Great idea Scott - I'd be in on that...

[@ModelARider]

Sign it definitely. A true keepsake for life.

[@slecroix]

I too love old tools. They have more “soul” than new tools. Don’t get me wrong, I love new tools like my wife loves new shoes … but there’s so much to be said for older “stuff” that has a history behind it.

[@Handscheu]

Sie sprechen mir aus dem Herzen

[@wesleyschowalter8244]

You have been a huge inspiration for me and have actually given me the confidence to start building my first rat rod.

[@kylevick6704]

Make it kustom videos are my go to whenever I actually have time to sit and watch a video. I have learned so much just from watching these videos. Only problem I have now is that I want more projects so I can try someone of the things that don’t apply to my current ones

[@805ROADKING]

Good stuff Bud!!☺

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Finally somebody takes the time and effort to explain the how's and why's so it makes sense to the younger generation that put little effort and time into ANYTHING! 🤘💙👊

[@Tom111060]

... You are not the only one who finds a happy feeling in salvaging "old" tools ... Restoring them usually rewards you for years to come ... Keep it up.

[@jimallen2977]

Thanks for passing on your knowledge! I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to learn more.

[@steelcogito]

Thank you so much for showing your work and perspective. I am a sculptor and professor, and I try and teach my students fabrication and metalwork to make sculptures. I will be directing my students to your videos. Absolutely great videos and information; you are a craftsman keeping the lost art of work alive with gratitude!

[@jimhagler2242]

Love vintage tools. I’m 77 and am working on my Jeep XJ. would love to be able to pass it on to my son, also appreciated a vintage tool. Love your site and thanks for sharing all your knowledge. Jim in Texas.

[@АМС-л3м]

Hello from Russia. I watch your videos, with great pleasure, just to get away from routine work and household chores. They really have a meditative and relaxing effect. Good luck! Keep up the good work.

[@brucepigeon3671]

Love your channel. You are young gifted old school craftsman. Love what you do. Great job. I started banging metal when I was 13 years old. Was doing basic custom work for extra money while I was in high school. Now at 79 I still have all of my tools. Maybe it's time to put a new face on some of the hammers. I have a dream project, 2 48 Ford F6's. A COE and a regular cab. I plan to make a 4 door out of the 2 and put them on a 93 1 ton dually frame with Turbo diesel. Finding the time at this age is harder than you think. I still run a small manufacturing company and am have little spare time. But the dream is still alive and I keep collecting parts to make it all come together once I find the time to take it on. Hopefully soon.

[@davidbenji1]

Loved the story of how you found these. Thanks for sharing the process of polishing these cool hammers!

[@billd.akaevylaz754]

I hear ya on the old tools. My father was more into wood than metal, altho he did work as a welder for a number of years. In any case, I have a lot of his old tools and some that he got from his father. I'm much happier working with those tools than most of the new tools that I've gotten myself over the years. Keep up the good work!

[@Mach1bud]

Man I can't get enough of your channel. It's nice to see someone around my age (at least looks around my age lol) that is highly skilled with their hands. Giving away the hammer is a cool idea. I like it.

[@peterbatty6179]

I too am with you Karl, we have car boot sails in the uk which I suppose is the same as your garage sails, we also have auto jumble sales which are huge. I do manage to pick up some bargains like you and yes the older stuff is better and has already had a life.I love recycling. old tools and machinery, like you the process of converting something that is need of some TLC gives me more satisfaction than buying new, i love shiny things and the way you finished your hammers reminds me of how i used to finish all my hand made tools 50 years ago, and i still do the same now, some people do not understand how to get a good finish and shine on metal, this video again superbly presented on how to easily achieve this. Thanks Karl. Regards Peter Sheffield (Steel City) England.

[@randydunning7584]

Nothing can replace an old tool. It may just be in my head but great old tools just feel different. It’s like some of the skill from the previous gets passed along!! Really enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing your talent!

[@mikeremmele6082]

I've polished firetruck accessories for 35 years. And yours look great and I do bodywork in my own shop. Great job. Hammer time. Lol

[@alextrumble9016]

Working on a shop now. I've been backyard metal working for 15 years can't wait to spend more time on my '67 beetle and '52 ford truck. Love all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@andyd2806]

Thanks Carl, another good clip. I had the good fortune of finding a really old body hammer in a junk shop whilst on holiday, he charged me £5 about $8 which made my whole holiday. My wife didn't really understand why i was so happy with it. Regards Andy

[@michelgeurts]

Nice to hear and feel your enthusiasm! The video gave me a lot of knowledge into how I'll restore my grandfather's tools! Awesome and thanks

[@kenhomeier8629]

Giving life back to old tools and letting its story continue is awesome. Nice work.

[@dennismindock6276]

Your absolutely right. The feel of a vintage body hammer or dolly is amazing. Besides the quality seems much better

[@ateamoffroad1179]

That's so awesome,I'm the same way I have my grandfather's old body hammers and tools. It's just the wonder of how many cars these hammers have worked on. If only they could talk the stories they could tell. Great find. And now I can refinish them and continue on.

[@backyardbuilder1]

Good video and timely. I am getting ready to fix mine to use again. Old Craftsman set from 1976 I bought so dad could fix my 68 Firebird after I fell asleep driving . Love your videos . Just retired and converting my greenhouse into fabrication shop.

[@kennethcarver9687]

Dad was a heavy equipment mechanic and a jack of all trades and master of none,I have only one of his body hammers 🔨 left,now I am willing to polish it thanks to your video,I let you know how it turns out!

[@kevinhansen7754]

I went to Autobody school in Salmon Arm BC .I bought my first Blue Point hammer after graduating it was my go to hammer it always felt balanced and comfortable at some point it went missing. I never replaced it until recently. I was at a retired autobody techs garage sale ,he had the same hammer as soon as I picked it up it felt the same. I had to buy it 20 bucks later along with 80 dollars more body tools I left his place with a big smile. Needs a good polish from all the years of use but its one of my favorites .Thanks for the awesome videos keep them coming .

[@Codycreatesthings]

Love the fact you go the extra mile to make things perfect. Great video

[@beniamincolta709]

Wow I’ve never seen a polished hummer ! That’s a thing of beauty! Great job!

[@robaslin6973]

I’m just starting out in sheet metal forming ,I have been fabricating for 40 years (frames diffs &suspentions ) but sheet metal is so different I have watched all your videos very informative,love how you explain everything please keep it up lol can’t wait to see what is next

[@jameshart7091]

The building blocks of metal work !. Great video . Thanks.

[@oliverclothier5677]

Loving this channel , I’m restoring a classic myself it’s 33 years older than me and I’m 36 so you can do the math . Need to build the body but your show gives me some excitement that it’s possible . Can’t beat old tools ⚒️ keep making it kustom

[@yodasbff3395]

You would have been an exceptional shop teacher. It's too bad few teachers have your knowledge and the ability to explain things as well as you do. 👍👍👍

[@johnmcclain3887]

Not only "they not make them like they used to", but they also don't use the quality of metal they used to, old tools are quite often better steel than the newer tools. Really enjoying seeing another side of metal work, thanks!

[@ricpayton6229]

I'm self taught in metal shaping and I always learn something from your videos

[@howardpilot2370]

I hear you when it comes to old tools, been collecting everything from pipe wrenches, screw drivers and hammers. Most were my father-in-laws so they have character, others just need tlc. Good job Karl.

[@santerresongarage7486]

Old tools have souls, They are alive. They can talk, you just need to know how to listen to them. Keep up the good work! J.F.🇨🇦

[@elcortez9683]

Greetings from California. Love your commitment to quality work. I like to say, “shoot for perfect and human error gives you great, shoot for great and you get good enough!” Go for perfect every time!

[@bensalm5336]

I worked in a body shop years ago for a guy who was a body man for over 50 years. I would give anything to have some of his hammers today. Wish I knew where they went when he passed. Love your video Karl!!

[@keithconfer9800]

Yet another good video, thanks for keeping them coming. I know exactly what you are talking about the joy of using old tools and thinking about their history and past life. Something special that new tools just can't bring.

[@claytonleach8848]

I'm a Aircraft Structures Airframe Mechanic. I polished my bucking bars but didn't think about polishing the hammers. Thanks for the tip.

[@tedayer1823]

In 1971 when I started working in a body shop the first hammer I bought was a Proto cross peen hammer like that. I still use it today along with about a dozen others. Th handle has been replaced twice but I still like it a lot. Great video.

[@rogermontee8264]

Karl it always amazes me how you are so skilled at what you do and explain how to keep your tools in great shape so they work for you. Thanks for sharing.☺️☺️☺️👍👍👍👍

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

I love vintage tools too! The history, the skill, and the craftsmanship that went through the tools. I love it.

[@markmarshall2813]

I love your videos for two reasons. First because you are a great teacher and you take time to explain what and why along with the how you do things. I also love the encouragement to work with what you have. I'll never have state of the art equipment, but you show that great work can be done with basic tools. Thanks for dedicating time to share your knowledge!

[@shaunsheep8252]

Nice to see the care you take of your old tools. I have many old tools (some handed down from my grandad) and I always take care of them. The part where you smiled in the polish hammer head made me laugh, my wife looked at me like “what are you watching” Thank you

[@mmg6282]

Dude! You are way above my pay grade! Goes to show you a man who shows his metal work and a man who covers it up with body filler and primer surfacer. I bought a set of old hammers and dollies from a retired body man 30 yrs ago. There were some hammers you can’t get any more even back then but I never considered the need to make them look (and work) like that.

[@johne8783]

Glad I bought a Polishing wheel. I have several hammers that need a good clean-up and your video has answered many of my questions about cleaning up my hammers. Thanks Karl

[@MrJka1920]

Always incredible work. As a novice, I’m blown away by the outcome of your work. Great attention to detail

[@ThomasThayer-x1k]

Very good at explanations and describing what you are doing at the same time as showing the action. Thanks

[@jamiedowson6482]

Ive been restoring cars for many years now and I learn so many new cool tips from you. Really great videos dude. Thank you

[@randyjohnson3970]

Carl, I am 61 and always loved my chevys, still have my high school 55 two door hardtop, but you have inspired me to pull two 36 Ford pickups out of the ravine on my father in laws ranch that I thought were too far gone to be of use to anyone. I am well on my way to having a rat rod pickup! Thanks for your information and inspiration! Randy

[@applesdad1]

Just found your channel 2 weeks ago and have binge watch with the 3 year old ever since. Thanks for the amazing content.

[@kevinc3925]

And I thought I was the only one restoring old hammers. Good stuff. Love your videos!

[@mattstein6696]

I love finding vintage tools! I look at everything aswell and have been quite lucky.

[@carlocabarajas280]

Super nice work on the Body hammers thanks for sharing. Red paint certainly gives the Proto character.

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Very nice. I polish everything on my 53 Chevy 3100 drag truck with a 1000 HP I6 292 and a 6-71 blower. People ask me why and I tell them it's for micro aerodynamics. There is definitely a difference between shiny and flat and shiny. Thank you for your time.

[@fartzinacan]

You've given me a Christmas present idea. My dad has been a body man and independent shop owner for over 40 years. I have a few old body hammer heads I've picked up at estate auctions. They would make great candidates for gifts.

[@louisp3em]

Watching these videos makes me more excited to get my garage built so I can have somewhere todo what you do myself

[@perrylatham7007]

Found your channel a few weeks ago and been binge watching ever since. Great skills and presentation, very inspirational.

[@rodwatson8732]

Great work! I like that you left the old patina so they maintain their character.

[@johnnymelendez4836]

Great job on the hammers 🔨⚒and thanks for all the knowledge. We really admire your superb skills 👍and humble way of narrating👌. Cheers from NYC🗽🇺🇸

[@lilkiduno]

Started watching your videos yesterday, I started with your MIG Welding Basics. I decided I am finally going to pull the trigger on the "new" MIG I have had in the basement for like the last 5 years collecting dust. I really like your videos, I am watching you make things I know are too advanced for me, but I love the old craftsmanship that we have seemed to lose. I started leather working, not very good and only made a few projects and now I am planning on attempting to weld soon-ish. Not entirely sure my electrical plugs are up for the task, we will find out soon enough.

[@wadegalloway617]

karl, love your videos. the way you explain what you are doing really builds confidence in people just starting out. thank you for your videos and keep them coming

[@carchaeology8260]

Love vintage tools too, there's something special about owning a tool that has been working a long time, and wondering what they have built. Keep it up love the videos regards from Mexico