Ball-Peen Hammer
A machinist hammer with a flat face and a rounded peen, used to shape and set metal.
What is it?
The ball-peen hammer has a flat striking face and a rounded peen on the opposite end. The peen is used to peen or shape metal, set rivets, and strike punches and chisels in metalworking.
What is it used for?
- Striking punches and cold chisels
- Shaping and peening metal
- Setting rivets
How to choose
Choose weight by job, from 8 oz for fine work to 32 oz for heavier metal forming. A securely oned head matters most.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a ball-peen hammer helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Face: the flat end for striking punches and chisels
- Peen: the rounded end for shaping and setting rivets
- Cheek: the side surface between face and peen, often stamped with weight
- Handle: the grip that carries the swing
Materials & construction
Ball-peen hammer heads are typically forged from hardened high-carbon steel and heat-treated to resist chipping and mushrooming on the striking face.
Safety & maintenance
- Dress mushroomed striking heads regularly with a file
- Never use the peen to strike another hardened tool
- Inspect the head for cracks; replace if damaged
- Wear safety glasses when striking
Also known as
machinist hammer, engineer hammer