DIY Network

• Curved claw for removing nails.
  
• Flat, round head for driving in nails.
  
• All-purpose hammer.
  

Framer's Hammer

• Slightly curved claw for pulling nails.
  
• Larger and heavier than most hammers, it's a good choice when tackling bigger projects.

Tack Hammer

• Beginners hammer.
  
• Lightweight.
  
• May have a magnetic end to hold a tack or nail in place.
  

• Use a piece of leather between the hammer and tack when hammering decorative tacks (figure A).

• Always use a stud finder to avoid unnecessary holes in your wall (figure B).

• To start a nail, slide your hand up to the top part of the handle (figure C), as you would choke up on a bat. Once the nail is started, slide your hand back to the standard position (figure D).

• When removing a nail from a surface, use a piece of wood on top of the surface to give you more leverage and protect your surface.

• Before starting a project using any type of hammer, wear safety glasses!

• Let the weight of the hammer be your guide.

• Use the correct style. A 12-ounce to 16-ounce claw hammer will suffice for most jobs around the house.