How To Swing A Hammer (And How Not)

Hammering is hard so make it at effective as possible...sometimes that means using your whole body. The Hammer I invented: • The Hammer I Invented
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[@killerkirill1]

Clocked Scott going to put the hammer back into his belt at 04:30 out of sheer habit

[@neonjoe529]

Haha - came down here to say this. Muscle memory is a wonderful thing :)

[@sblack48]

He probably has no idea he did it 🤣

[@donriffle1634]

Saw it

[@ChaseThePinballWizard]

dude this is me

[@KINGJOSEPHO6]

“Where your bags at”

[@evanhughes3027]

That log splitting ballet you executed was not just impressive, but visually captivating. I kindly request that you make a short of just that, go viral and introduce the entire world to your tutorials and life philosophy. Thanks

[@derekbryant6137]

Some of these tips that you share remind me of my great-grandfather he was born in 1907 and passed away in 99 I was 17 when he went away but for that 17 years he showed me a lot of the things you talk about he was a construction worker on the WPA and then he worked for a construction company called Sievers and Williams and one of the most beautiful things he ever helped build is still standing today on Wittenberg University property Springfield Ohio is a cathedral called Weaver Chapel I learned a lot from him and I continue to learn more from you

[@trawlertravels6376]

After you nailed that stake to the board. I saw you try to put the hammer in your loop. Muscle memory...been there.....lol

[@rishi-m]

Noticed that as well!

[@vz6715]

I do that at the house, reach for my tape or pencil’s

[@MrSpanky331]

“Use every resource God gave you” Simple phrase but spoke to me. As a younger man starting his own thing in construction and who has followed you for a number of years now, I interpreted this as not just your body but your mind and spiritual gifts. Keep up the good work !

[@todmills]

I can only dream of driving a nail as easily and smoothly as Larry Haun. He always made it look so easy.

[@user-uh3hf9pg1g]

tuba four, tuba six....

[@harrydaniels66]

The goat!

[@peters6850]

One thing I'd add is if you're hammering a nail. Don't hit the head of the nail but try to hit the tip of nail with the head in the way. That way you drive it into the wood and don't have to hit it 4 times to do it

[@Scheibenschutz]

At about the 4 minute mark you use the hammer as a counterweight to keep the board stable while driving in the nail. I know this technique from nailing fences to fence posts. That should have been mentioned in the video because it is a very good way of using the hammer, that many people (I assume) are not aware of and it's incredibly helpful for such tasks. Regardless of that, I have become quite fond of this channel, even though american construction is very different from european construction, there are valuable lessons to be learned here. Thank you very much for your work.

[@woodydel]

I have never believed repetitive motion gets you carpel tunnel. All the years of using my hammer caused NOTHING even close to carpel tunnel. Your advice matches what I've taught young beginners for years. Greatly appreciated video.

[@Alpha-ro8sc]

Nice. All hat, no cattle! Here is another one. An empty wagon rattles the most.

[@ethanheyne]

"An empty barrel makes the most noise."

[@DanielFowler88]

Everyone talks about Larry Haun, but you're of the same caliber. Thank you for continuing to share your wealth of knowledge 👍

[@kairovattika]

These videos are such an inspiration. It's remarkable to see the intricacies of the human experience conveyed so poetically about a topic that, on its face, might seem basic or mundane. Truly, there is no such thing as small work; only small minds incapable of grasping their true depth.

[@J-WHO312]

Brought back funny memories, when i was in the classroom as an apprentice carpenter. One of our tests was nailing in a frame 4 top, 4 bottom, and 4 both sides. Fortunately i had experience watching and helping my grandfather build stuff. But man alive some would send the hammer flying across the room, nails ricocheting of the wood, spaghetti arms flaying, chocking way to high on handle. What a great way to be entertained! 😂🤣

[@nolanthompson2701]

I’m glad to have watched Scott teach before doing trail work on my father’s homestead this morning. Everything is a hammer! I’ll keep all these principles of movement in mind whether I’m swinging a pick, axe, or maul.

[@kimchianthony]

i now have 2 strikes envy. It take me more like 20hits to drive in a 3" nail while denting the board with misses in between. Yours and other craftmen's hand eye coordination are just awesome!

[@stevenslater2669]

I was pretty good with a hammer until I needed bifocals. That was many years ago and I still can’t hit a nail like I did before bifocals (then trifocals & now progressive lenses).

[@kimchianthony]

@@stevenslater2669 😂 such is the blessing & curse of aging

[@disqusrubbish5467]

It comes with practice. In the meantime you're scaring the nails enough that they'll cooperate...

[@thefirstmissinglink]

As a form setter and concrete finisher I had bruised shins until I learned the nuances of a sledgehammer.

[@michealdchastain3637]

Scott, it was kind of amusing to see you 'look' for you hammer loop with the framers hammer, after you set the nail in the concrete board😉

[@jamesengland7461]

This is an EXCELLENT video! A little bit of description with a whole lot of visual; this really makes the points clear. I was very impressed watching you hammer on the anvil; I've never seen such a full- body technique. Keep up the good work!

[@daiblaze1396]

You nailed it! Very inspiring way to make us realise that our body is a great tool. We just have to learn how to use it or remember how to. "Be water my friend".

[@bryanancy]

I worked in the fire service for many years and my Captain was a carpenter on his days off. Boy was it fun to watch him sink nails just like you Scott. Fun to see it done so well again. Thanks.

[@warrenwerks]

I’ve always preferred a 16oz hammer for framing. Lot of guys like the 22oz ones but as long as you can keep up I think using what’s more comfortable for you is better for every outcome

[@neme4sat]

Larry Hahn RIP was pretty darn impressive. 16 penny nails with one strike

[@48southfront]

Follow through. If I am driving a stake or splitting wood, I swing as if the mass of the hammer will finish in the dirt. Same with a nail. Same with a golf ball.

[@PalauCreationsbyQCP]

Greetings from Palau! Will be my last productive video before 😴 Thank you EC! 🙏 😊

[@bobireland1256]

Ah, the Sage of Roseburg woos us with wisdom once again! Pray maintain speed and course!

[@jonjohnson3027]

Not a hammer, but a knife (not machete) used for shearing Christmas trees: you'll move your wrist and elbow very little, but most of the motion and power is in the shoulder. Where the different technique really shows is that you must power through the whole stroke and stop hard at the bottom, rather than letting the inertia of the knife do the work (because the knife has very little mass to provide inertia).

[@johnwallis96]

Simple but true , human mechanics . and knowledge key feature. Great video

[@JesseWright68]

If you really want to learn how to hammer, just watch a couple of Larry Huan videos. 😅😅😅😅

[@domlaw1035]

There’s a couple videos where he talks about Haun

[@FreekHoekstra]

Now thisbis a treat of a video, Short, sweet, crammed to the brim with useful situational info. Reminds me of the start of this channel, with some of the awesome tips and tricks videos. Love all the content you guys make, but these are the cherries on top!

[@hugoalarcon7541]

Best ad ever!

[@stefa4013]

Man I ain't good at building this but your tips are always welcome and helpful. Cheers man for all the time and effort you put into explaining basic stuff for lads like me. :)

[@JunkAccount-ig8st]

Even after being fired, he doesn't divulge info. He is a class act. They didn't deserve him.

[@klmbuilders5385]

You'd never imagine you'd have to show people how to use a hammer but considering the state of today's "workforce" it's necessary! With us older carpenters retiring or worse, the future of proper homebuilding is in peril. It has become our duty to teach willing participants the fine art of carpentry. "Honor The Craft"

[@zviper]

Thanks Dad, I appreciate the knowledge.

[@oldiron1269]

Physics for the win!

[@EdwardBIl]

Spot on as usual. If I could add a metaphor. You may have seen gear assemblies where a gear is run by a larder array of gears. Each one larger than the previous. There's a guy who makes Lego technic models that can put out 100's of pounds of torque, for example. I think of it like that. The wrist should be doing almost maximum motion, no mater the situation. the elbow is a bigger gear, it moves maybe 50% of its range, the shoulder maybe 25%. And so on down to your ankles if you can get the chain that far.

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content and great videos!

[@andriidubinin955]

Blacksmith kind of hammering is the most complete form of hammering! 💪👍❤

[@TheDickPuller]

There was a Blacksmith’s Shop across the Road from our house when we were kids. It’s a bit unreal to think about it now, it was back in the 60’s & it was fascinating to watch him work. Horses tied up outside & all sorts of Railings being made inside. The smells, the noise, it was wonderful!! Scotland,like everywhere, has drastically changed. Not for the better I fear! Fortunately, I have my Trade, my tools & my skills👍👍 Thanks Scott.

[@tonyolshansky9288]

"The position dictates the process" -something I'll never forget

[@rareroots]

I'm 66 and framing with a hammer is hard on the ears, I use foam hearing protectors

[@Apillicus]

My friend, I'm 31 and it's too loud for me lol I use ear protection every time I do blacksmithing or using metal on metal.

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video.

[@joshcowart2446]

I’m a plumber so I’m not an expert though being raised by a framer I think I’m better than most plumbers. I’ve always found choking up, even a little, ruins accuracy. I worked in a warehouse with an old man who refused to do anything other than his way. He was as so set in his ways that one time a boss got tired of it and said if you don’t do exactly as I say right now you’re fired. Anyway, we had to close up some crates with 16 d nails. He had a little hammer like people keep in a drawer for hanging pictures. I watched him choke up halfway and swing that thing like 30 times to drive one nail. It wore him out. I had a framing hammer and put one next to it to show him how much better it worked. I handed him the hammer and walked off. A few minutes later I came back and he set the framing hammer down and lucked up his little hammer. Of course this is the same guy who was trying and failing to drill a hole in wood. I looked and he had on old masonry bit. He would keep anything he could find so I guess wanting to use your own stuff rather than borrow is commendable.

[@andygray9285]

I was told to always use the full length of the handle.

[@joshcowart2446]

@@andygray9285 yep, if I choke up even a little it goes from looking like a pro to looking like a kid and bending over the nail

[@atolawanglangit]

an impressive demo

[@nannesoar]

This is a genius video to put out, EC!!

[@lroque101]

I really enjoy your videos, please keep going. Cheers

[@kyleree6757]

My Granddad always threatened to cut the handle off if he saw you choked up on it. Never believed it till he took one away and did it. Never choked up on the handle again

[@mvblitzyo]

another great education, love my form setter too.. PSSST im a tree guy but im also a DIY er too ..

[@blackzxr6900]

You are allways a pleasure to watch ❤

[@daleannharsh8295]

I used to love swinging a sledgehammer, or an axe.... two frozen shoulders later (and 71 years) I have to approach things a little differently.

[@brianpriest3638]

Scott walked right through that pile of firewood!

[@larrycoates3450]

Great video!!!

[@bobcougar77]

As usual, Scott is right about everything. I don't know if I can say this correctly but my addition is When you aim. Most all of the aiming is done by the time your 10% into you're swing. Then it's about trusting your mechanics at letting it fly. This is more of a tip for beginners but I see this a lot with Hammers, axes and sledges. Guys will try to aim the entire way through the strike. It greatly increases fatigue, reduces power and accuracy. Maybe most importantly, i think it stunts the learning curve. Set up properly, do all the stuff Scott said, then let it fly. Anyway, that's my theory.

[@jrk1666]

the thumb thing is true but is more natural to angle the hand such that the index is behind the handle.

[@bdon58K]

Yessss, Marooch!

[@truthreigns7]

Thank you

[@chrish3720]

You thought we didn't see you try and put that hammer in your hammer hanger on your belt. Did you.

[@gerdberg4188]

I love the wood splitting. That is one of my things , at 69 I can still split wood better than most people !

[@lorenwilson8128]

My senior manager told us a story from when he was a young man building a shed. His future father-in-law was watching him. He told his future father-in-law that he was going to finish the shed that day. The man shook his head and said, "Not with that hammer." he walked over to his house and brought back a framing hammer and showed the young man how to use it. He did finish the shed that day an eventually married the man's daughter.

[@tristanconnolly5675]

Nice.

[@toddavis8603]

Great advice Scott.Estwing 20 ounce is my go to Hammer----

[@oldwilf4561]

I have swung axes , picks , fencing mauls , sledgehammers and all types of smaller hammers but in the end something in your body will wear out as i now have impingements on both shoulders and trapped nerve in my leg .

[@cyclesingsleep]

Serendipitous! Today, I had to hold a 10# choked up, with the long handle under my arm pit, in order to drive a 5' long stake behind a form for an embankment, very near the plumb of the siding and partly under the house. My left hand kept the vibration out of the beefy stake and my right arm was nearly locked in an "L" to hit precisely and hard. ...worked great! ...and, not sure if I have ever held that sledge quite that way before.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Might has to show the new workers this video. I'm always seeing them choke up right at the hammer head and tell them I'm gonna sawzall the rest of that handle off if aren't gonna use it. Or the thing I say if you can't use a hammer right were gonna take it away from you. I've even zip tied sandpaper to the top of the handle near the head to drive home the idea. Thanks for being so informative 👍

[@TUKByV]

Good morning!

[@martyreaves4955]

Lessons in physics. Gotta love this guy!!

[@literallymyusername8291]

Don't forget that hearing protection when hammering on the anvil!

[@gerdberg4188]

You learn how swing a hammer or mallet driving 8 and ten foot ground rods !

[@robertseguin4875]

all hat and no cattle, I like that saying, it applies to so many, thanks.

[@MrWorldasmaya]

Used to swing a 28oz steel Estwing framing hammer for everything...my advice years later...don't do that. lol. Your joints will appreciate if you move to something lighter and maybe a wooden handle.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

My Father was a boatbuilder and a metalworker. He always told me “you’ve paid for the whole handle” whilst teaching me to hold a hammer. His bugbear was seeing bad hand placement, making striking harder work than it needs to be.

[@mrmyorky5634]

I've been using hammers all my working life and never used Formula's or fulcrum points. I've just one rule and that is to be in a comfortable position without any unnatural stress.

[@ctakiute]

Body consciousness. Only those who pay attention to body position and movements of arms, hands, and legs are self-awareness.

[@tips4truckers252]

I'll add more wrist and the end thanks. I was wondering what was wrong

[@plainwlkr8]

Dude has god tier advice

[@j.d.1488]

I hope this helps my dart throw.

[@_urbanmonk]

No kidding, I was thinking golf game watching this but it is all similar.

[@pcdm43145]

Much appreciated; now, I just gotta figure out how to actually hit the damn nail I'm aiming for, hahaha...

[@christianmillhollon4481]

If you can hit a nail in woth one hit you are good

[@WayneSmith-yf3fg]

Scott, that's why my thumb had no cartilage left and the wrist bones all over lap. Talk about muscle memory.....I saw you try to put that hammer in the belt loop when you didn't have one on.

[@psidvicious]

The controlled whip from the wrist separates the novices from the pros. It takes practice for sure. Don’t ‘death-grip’ the handle. That’s what will eventually blow out your elbow. At the moment of impact the handle should almost float freely in your hand. Again, takes practice.

[@Graveltrucking]

You got to be like Larry Haun that's the code

[@deep_k1ng]

Actually, I learned a lot from you. Thank you. It's great to see your videos. Wish there was more content you're in. Can you do another spec house?

[@gtbkts]

They've got a lot of content over on their website. I don't remember the name of the website, but there should be a link in the description to it, or somewhere on their channel page.

[@yak9147]

My take on it is ,the hand or hands with an axe needs to relax just before impact to let the weight of the tool fly true and be the most effective.

[@ericsprado4631]

Scot-Glad to see that you are well. We need talk about your KZbin addiction. I think there may be help for you out there. Hope to see you soon Eric Sprado

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Lets pour some concrete

[@zachcarney3910]

I didn't learn a damn thing. Woohoo doing it right!

[@codygreenwood1014]

Do a tour of your tool box

[@RichMillar-oo2nk]

54 years in the trade from "piece work tract framer" driving over 50lbs 16 d's a day to custom home builder then on to Building Official for the local jurisdiction. . You did not mention the MOST important nuance to gain leverage. Sliding the handle (hammer or sledge) through your hand to create even more leverage. The whole handle must be used for certain positions when nailing (save your body and ease of driving) especially when banging plates and studs at floor level. When nailing at eye level the hips and upper body rotation will allow more power to the swing.

[@ryanmartin2849]

❤❤❤❤

[@typedeaf]

The hell 6:03?? At 40, I would have killed back, arms, and probably chopped off my ankle. How did you do that??? Plus how did you get the initial halfing of the log? That blacksmithing bit looked so old school. I wish I had a place and purpose to do some of that.

[@mikemraz8569]

Another good video 👍 swinging that blacksmith hammer will cause your deodorant to fail 🫢

[@jamesengland7461]

Oh yeah- maybe you missed one? The technique for really swinging a big sledge, like with railroad spikes?

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

Hammering, perfect aim then when ever possible let the hammer do the work, not your arm.

[@EyeintheSky999]

You keep choking up on the handle and losing a lot of the force you could get. When doing fine hammering sure choke up but for power hits go to the palm swell and let the weight of the hammer help you.

[@terryrobinson1416]

So why don't u use all of the hammer handle? I know it's precision but it's better for more power.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Bend at the knees, reach your arm out...and pick up your nail gun... Haha. Yeah, I'm just tweaking you.

[@craigkeller]

Always saw my body as an extension of my tools. Hasn’t really worked out.

[@sumnerslandscaping5565]

When i was builidng my house in Africa all we used were hammers talk about a great way to slowly destroy your body

[@timhorton555]

If I were a log, I'd be terrified.

[@apelincoln1616]

The way you get good at swinging a hammer are learning a few basics and actually swinging a hammer. Hit where you look, dont look where you hit

[@comictrio]

I learned before I was 7 years old how NOT to use an Analogue Thumb Detector :)