These are the most commonly used Pounding and Hammering Tools with tips on using them safely and effectively.
by Jim Schmid
These are the most commonly used Pounding and Hammering Tools with tips on using them safely and effectively.
A sledgehammer with a 6- to 8-pound head and a 3 foot-long handle is most useful for trail work. It can be used to crush rock into gravel (stone sledge) for trail repair, and for driving stakes or rebar (driving sledge) to secure waterbars and turnpikes. Because of differences in tempering, the stone and driving sledges are not interchangeable. Before swinging, you should make sure others are clear and you have a firm stance with feet spread to shoulder width and firmly planted. Even more than other striking tools, the sledge holds the potential for serious injury because of its greater, more awkward weight. Use only short controlled swings, never using all your might.
Safety tip: Sledgehammers can cause stone chips to fly. Protect yourself by wearing a hardhat, eye protection, long pants, and boots.
A single-jack (3- to 4-pound head with short handle) hammer can be used with a star drill to punch holes in rock. The single-jack can also be used to drive bridge spikes and for other jobs that are too demanding for a regular claw-hammer, but do not require the heavy-duty blows of a sledge.
Safety tip: Wear a hardhat and eye protection at all times.
Star drills are usually about a foot long and weigh a pound. They are used with single-jack hammers to punch holes in rock or open a seam or crack.
Safety tip: Wear a hardhat, gloves, and eye protection when using a star drill.
Published January 01, 2004
During his career Jim Schmid served as South Carolina’s first State Trails Coordinator as well as working for the US Forest Service as a Trails Manager in AZ, ID, and FL and also had the pleasure of managing the Florida National Scenic Trail. Jim is a collector at heart. Check out his collection of trail quotes, terms, acronyms, sayings and more at jimstrailresources.wordpress.com. In addition to updating his website and writing book reviews for American Trails Jim enjoys traveling around the country riding rail-trails and mtn bike trails.
Contact: [email protected]
We asked you to give us your recommendations for durable pants that can withstand trail work. These are the results.
Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course
The Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course is a 16- to 32-hour course for basic to intermediate chain saw and crosscut saw users. The course is designed to provide the technical knowledge and skills that employees or volunteers will need to use these tools safely.
This Trail Maintenance Manual was developed as a field guideline and procedure manual for Park staff responsible for the maintenance, construction, and operation of the Santa Clara County Parks trails’ system.
Choosing the Right Tools for Trail Work
A wide variety of tools are available to layout, construct, and maintain trails. Local and individual preferences often dictate the kinds of tools which are chosen for various tasks.
