Hammers called flatters

[oldgoaly]

This is a name that the Blacksmith's use for their hammers of this style, name fits the hammer well. This post is to provide info on flatters, if you think you don't need them fine, no problem. If you have some and would like to share how you use them join in!
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=34&pictureid=1748
They are normal body hammer length, weigh less than their Blacksmith's cousins.
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=34&pictureid=1749
The faces are a cross between a square faced hammer and a slapper, and the way I used them is to flatten stuff out on the wooden sheet metal bench.
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=34&pictureid=1750
The slight curvature of the face and radius edges limits the amount nicks made by the hammer. The way I've come to use them is all arm action from the elbow down, probably not the way you were taught swing a hammer...
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=34&pictureid=1752

I've also used these to smooth a ding/dent near a body detail or flange. So if you should come across some at a fair price, they can be handy, they won't fix everything and definitely won't replace every other tool in your shop. Take care! tt

[Bill Gibson]

tt. Blacksmith's Flatters and body hammer flatters are two different animals.
Body flatters are actually slightly rounded like any other body hammer. and it is a striking tool. There is no area on the back to strike.
Blacksmith's flatters are struck tools and not designed to be used as a hammer. Most of them are perfectly flat except for the edges which are "softened" so they don't mar the metal. As struck tools they have a softened back that is designed to be hit with a hammer transferring the force to the metal. The handle is used strictly for positioning the tool and not to be used to swing it as you would a hammer.

In short, Blacksmith's flatters are not hammers.
Body working flatters are hammers.

I'm sure you already knew that because we have talked before. I just wanted to clarify your post for others, who may not be familiar which is who I think you were posting for.....

If I come to EMMR I will bring some blacksmithing tools and demonstrate if you want.

[Bill Gibson]

Hey tt.
Here's another thing I just noticed about your picture. The wood rule that you have there is a Sheet Metal workers rule.
So here's a question for everybody......How many of you know the difference between a Sheet Metal workers rule and a Carpenters rule?

And yes rule is correct.... A ruler would be a King or a Queen.

[tusk]

Humm... would it be that a sheet metal rule has circumfrence on one side and inches on the other?
Doug

[greenbaja]

carpenters rule has red number at each 16" ...and a brickies rule looks completely different ...it marks off courses of brick ....also the rule he has is an inside read ..as opposed to outside read ( which most brickie rules are ) ....there is no replacement for a good 6' inside read stick rule !!!! its my tool of choice ...but for some reason they are kinda tough to find ..most places only carry the outside reads and look at u like u have 9 heads when u try to explain the difference .....the also make inside read , left AND right rules !!! but they are really tough to find ....
a little trivia ...they also make right and left hand pencils ...right hand ones say ticonderoga th ecorrect way in the right hand as u write ...but will be upside down in ur left hand ... left hand pencils read true in ur left hand !!! and thats one to grow on ..LOL

[Rasper]

I bought one of those hammers five years ago at a yard sale for fifty cents. I have wondered what it is, although I use it all the time. Mine is a small one. I use it a lot for first stage planishing.

R

[Bill Gibson]

Green Baha, You got it. Sheet metal guys use inside read rules and carpenters use outside read rules. And most carpenter rules have 16" centers marked off. I wasn't going to bring up Brickies, but since you did they have the brick courses marked off for courses with different width mortar joints. It's really interesting to listen to masons talk to one another. It's like another language.
Tusk, Steel circumference rules read like you are talking about, only they do it on the same side. However a loggers tape measure reads exactly like you are talking about, but for a different reason. It's sort of in reverse. Since trees aren't exactly round, they measure the circumference of the tree in order to calculate it's average diameter. That way they can calculate the number of "board feet" in a tree.
While we are talking about circumference rules, The reason a Sheet Metal worker's Circumference Rule is 1 1/4 inch wide is because that's the amount needed to make a hand brake formed Pittsburgh Lock.
Wow, Talk about thread drift...Maybe we should make a Measuring devices thread.
I never knew about the left and right hand pencils, but I used to have a left handed crescent wrench. When you held it in your left hand and pushed the worm gear forward with your thumb, it tightened. Normal right handed ones tighten in your right hand when you push forward with your right thumb.

[CARS]

I'm not sure I will ever remember all of this, nor did I ever think I needed to know it. But dang, it is interesting. I can sleep good knowing I learned something today!

TT, I would just use those as hammers as they fit my needs. I don't know the name of half my tools. I just use them for what works and try to remember what not to use them for when they don't work (usually there is some damage :rolleyes: ).

[greenbaja]

its funny that this threat should come up ...a friend of mine just bought a house and in the basement was a bunch of tools ....she said i could go through it and take what i wanted ...i got a bunch of stuff ...and among it was a few of these type hammers....i was wondering what they were for ...now i know =) ....

[kit]

I think this is really interesting as well, just wish I understood it!
What do you mean by inside or outside read?

[CARS]

I think this is really interesting as well, just wish I understood it!
What do you mean by inside or outside read?

I wonder if it is something like a carpenter's tape measure? You know how the little tip is slotted? When measuring for outside length, the tip is pulled and the tape is slightly longer. When you push the tape into a corner measuring inside dimensions the tape is slightly shorter.

The bad thing about me speculating, is that I forgot why a tape measure is designed to do that!! :eek: Anyone remember shop class???

[jlrussell4]

Hey Chris,

The tip moves it's thickness. If you push the tip against a piece and measure, you will get the same measurement that you get when you hook the end over a piece and pull. Pretty clever huh? :lol:

[greenbaja]

the difference between inside and outside read rules is pretty simple ... as u can see from the pics ...when his rule is unfolded it reads 1 2 3 4 etc while lying FLAT on the surface ...which means when the rule is closed the numbers on the OUTSIDE will be 72 71 70 ( for a 6' rule) ...hence its an inside read ...the numbers start on the inside so it will lay flat when ur measuring ...an outside read rule will have the numbers 1 2 3 4 on the OUTSIDE of the rule ...but now when u go to measure something flat , you cannot put the rule flat against it ...if u did the numbers that would lay flat when the rule is partially opend will be 72 71 70 etc ...i have NO idea what you would use an outside read rule for ..LOL ...but they are by far the more common of the two ...there is also , for those special rule hunters ..an inside , right AND left read rule LOL...as it opens the numbers are printed up side down on each side ..so depending on which way it unfolds u can read the numbers right side up ...if this is even MORE cumfusing ...lemme know ..i got one in my bag ..ill snap a few pics of them and show u the differences ....what to look for when ur buying one so i get one that will actually be usefully to workin with flat metals ...( how boring is my life that i know this much about stick rules LOL) but basically inside or outside is just where the startin numbers (1 2 3 4 5 ) are when the rule is closed

[Charley Davidson]

Ok, I'll ask the first "dumb" question :confused: Why do people prefer using a rule rather than a tape measure?

And to keep on topic the hammer info is educating and interesting

[greenbaja]

i have NO idea why i prefer it ...it just "feels" better ...a tape slows me down ..i keep setting it down and havin to look for it ( my shop has at least 10 for just that reason LOL) a stick rule fits right into my side pocket in my jeans ....always on my hip ...like a six gun =) ...

[Tony Sanchez]

---Bill, Have you ever seen a rule that has the standard 72 inches marked one side and 144 inches marked on the back side? I guess it is used to find mid points.
---Tony

[Tony Sanchez]

---In the plumbing business, my dad used an inside rule all the time. They are also good to lay out 45 degree angles.

[oldgoaly]

Charley, Why I like a stick rule over a tape, 1. I was taught that way, 2. the end on a tape is to be on the outside, so for ductwork it would pull the metal in you would end up too small or short. I do use a tape too, all my ceiling panels and drywall I've done. Inside rules are becoming obsolete, Lufkin had stopped making them, last ones I bought were at swapmeets.

Bill, you sure got this ot... on the EMMR bring what you want, just let me know so I can work at blending thing together(hey there is a emmr thread!)

Guys I was thinking of a how to make holes thread, jump in and show how you do it! start a new thread please!

[Bill Gibson]

Quote)---Bill, Have you ever seen a rule that has the standard 72 inches marked one side and 144 inches marked on the back side? I guess it is used to find mid points.(Quote)

Tony, that's a new one on me...Never seen one of those.

tt. you put the rule in the picture...:D
I will try not to do it again......:evil:

[oldgoaly]

Bill,
Just wundering what you would do if you saw the US/Metric rule or as it is known here as the a**backwards rule, if your wanting to measure in cm, the US side is end will be what you open up, if your looking fer inches dawg gone metric side opens. it just knows! :confused:

[kit]

Thanks for the explanation.

Now we know the rules...

[oldgoaly]

How do WE measure up?;)

[Bill Gibson]

Quote) Bill,
Just wundering what you would do if you saw the US/Metric rule or as it is known here as the a**backwards rule, if your wanting to measure in cm, the US side is end will be what you open up, if your looking fer inches dawg gone metric side opens. it just knows!..(Quote)

It's just like a Thermos...........:rolleyes:

[RedBeard66]

very cool! you could round some to a low crown and keep some flat. I Would use it as a struck tool, myself. it doesn't have a strike surface but a copper hammer doesn't mind that. I'll have to keep my eyes out!

[bigdog91ab]

any one know what this hammer is for i was thinking hvac

[Bill Gibson]

It's a boilermakers hammer.

http://www.hammersource.com/Blacksmith_Hammers4.htm