How To Swing A Hammer Without Breaking Your Body

[@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

[@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

[@DanielFowler88]

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

[@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

[@qqnqqpart]

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 !

[@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”

[@todmills]

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

[@KurtMiller-g6m]

tuba four, tuba six....

[@harrydaniels66]

The goat!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Queso1526]

This man is a unit and a mentor.

[@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!

[@chrisbell1068]

I wish the physics of Larry Haun swinging a hammer was studied before he passed. Talk about getting every bit of your being driven into a nail, that man had it down to a sweet science.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@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.

[@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😉

[@johnwallis96]

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

[@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!

[@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! 😂🤣

[@mvblitzyo]

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

[@PalauCreationsbyQCP]

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

[@thefirstmissinglink]

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

[@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.

[@bobireland1256]

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

[@zviper]

Thanks Dad, I appreciate the knowledge.

[@toddavis8603]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@blackzxr6900]

You are allways a pleasure to watch ❤

[@oldiron1269]

Physics for the win!

[@bdon58K]

Yessss, Marooch!

[@hugoalarcon7541]

Best ad ever!

[@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.

[@JunkAccount-ig8st]

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

[@jrk1666]

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

[@nannesoar]

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

[@anthonydavis2865]

You are a testament to a Godly man. Walking in the steps of Jesus. Thank you for you thoughtful insight and sharing your vast wisdom.

[@lroque101]

I really enjoy your videos, please keep going. Cheers

[@brianpriest3638]

Scott walked right through that pile of firewood!

[@atolawanglangit]

an impressive demo

[@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

[@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."

[@gerdberg4188]

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

[@robertseguin4875]

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

[@martyreaves4955]

Lessons in physics. Gotta love this guy!!

[@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).

[@plainwlkr8]

Dude has god tier advice

[@TUKByV1]

Good morning!

[@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"

[@truthreigns7]

Thank you

[@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.

[@tonyolshansky9288]

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

[@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 👍

[@neme4sat]

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

[@tristanconnolly5675]

Nice.

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content and great videos!

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@Medevil9908]

4:30 You can see the years of habit when he stands up. I noticed he was unconsciously attempting to put the hammer back into his hammer loop but then remembered he wasn't wearing his belt.

[@literallymyusername8291]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@larrycoates3450]

Great video!!!

[@chrish3720]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@j.d.1488]

I hope this helps my dart throw.

[@An_Urban_monk]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tips4truckers252]

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

[@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.

[@christianmillhollon4481]

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

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Lets pour some concrete

[@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

[@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

[@John-nx6ue]

5:02 amen

[@mikehorton3664]

it's all set up, if you go about the job as smoothly as you did, the work will go faster and less strain on the body, good explanation on how to work smarter. God bless,Matthew6:33,proverbs3:5

[@ctakiute]

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

[@codygreenwood1014]

Do a tour of your tool box

[@ajparr5585]

Usually a summation of forces

[@pcdm43145]

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

[@zachcarney3910]

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

[@georgedavall9449]

This Gentleman, and I stress Gentleman, never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge, talents, and abilities. GOD surely blessed Him. Excellent Video, and presentation. Uncanny ability to break things down to the bare essentials. I had to chuckle @ 04:32 when You were trying to find the hammer loop that wasn’t there. 😊 We are creatures of habit aren’t we all? This should help all of us evaluate how we work with and use, not just a hammer, but tools in general, in order to work smarter and safer. Keep up the great work! 👍🇺🇸 🔨😊

[@gerdberg4188]

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

[@Graveltrucking]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesengland7461]

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

[@dudleyowens]

Brought to you by David DePape.

[@mikemraz8569]

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