Ball-peen hammer facts for kids
A ball-peen hammer is a special kind of hammer used mostly for working with metal. You might also hear it called a machinist's hammer. It's easy to spot because one end of its head is shaped like a half-sphere (a ball), while the other end is flat.
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What Makes a Ball-Peen Hammer Special?
This hammer gets its name from its unique head. One side is flat, just like a regular hammer, but the other side is rounded like a ball. This rounded part is called a "peen." Other hammers might have a straight peen, a cross peen, or even a chisel-shaped peen. The ball-peen hammer stands out because of its round peen.
How is it Used?
Even though some old metalworking methods are not used as much today, the ball-peen hammer is still very helpful. It's great for hitting other tools like punches and chisels. The flat side is used for general hammering, while the rounded side is perfect for shaping metal or for tasks where you need to spread out the force of a blow.
Shaping Metal (Peening)
The rounded end of the hammer is used for a process called "peening." This means hitting metal to make it harder, stronger, or to change its shape. For example, you can use the ball end to create small dents that help to flatten out a piece of metal or to make rivets. It's also useful for rounding off the edges of metal parts.
Working with Tools
When you need to strike a punch to make a hole, or hit a chisel to cut or shape metal, the ball-peen hammer is a good choice. Its strong, durable head can handle repeated impacts without getting damaged. This makes it a favorite tool for people who work with metal every day.
Images for kids
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Example of a hard-faced ball-peen hammer
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A. Ball-peen hammer B. Straight-peen hammer C. Cross-peen hammer
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See also
In Spanish: Martillo de bola para niños
