Hammer, Claw

Quick Answer: A claw hammer is a woodworking hammer with a flat striking face on one side of the head and a split, curved claw on the other. The claw hammer drives nails and then, turned round, levers them back out.

Two Jobs in One Head

The face is for driving nails, and many faces are slightly domed so that the final blow sets the nail head flush without leaving a crescent-shaped dent in the timber. The claw has a V-shaped slot between its two prongs that slides under a nail head; rocking the handle back then uses the head as a pivot, so the nail comes out with far less effort than a straight pull.

Claws may be curved, which gives the smoothest rocking action for drawing nails, or straighter, which makes them more useful for prising boards apart. Head weight and handle material decide how the hammer feels in use; neither is in the product title, and both can be confirmed before ordering.

For nails that are bent over or too short for the claw to reach, a carpenter’s pincer grips and rolls them out, and fine panel pins are easier to start with a cross pein hammer.

Applications

• Nailing frames, boxes and display boards in school woodwork and technology rooms
• Removing old nails when reusing timber for models, stands and project work
• Fixing notice boards, charts and shelving in labs and classrooms
• Building simple wooden apparatus such as inclined planes and mounting boards

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Hold the handle near its end and let the weight of the head do the work.
• Wear safety glasses; nails can fly if struck at an angle.
• Never strike another hammer, a hardened punch or the steel cap of a tool with the face, as chips can break off.
• Check the head is tight on the handle before use and retire a hammer with a cracked handle.

Why Choose LabEquip

Woodwork and technology departments, maintenance staff and teachers who put up displays keep a claw hammer within reach. It is listed with the other hand tools under LabEquip’s general lab products; workshop sets can be ordered through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pull a nail without marking the wood?

Slide the claw under the nail head, then put a small block of scrap wood under the hammer head before levering. The block protects the surface and raises the pivot point, which also gives a straighter pull on long nails.

Why is the striking face slightly rounded?

A domed, or bell, face lets the last blow drive the nail flush without the edge of the face denting the timber. A flat face is more likely to leave hammer marks on the surface.

What is the difference between a curved claw and a straight claw?

A curved claw rocks smoothly and gives more leverage for drawing nails. A straight or rip claw is better for prising boards apart and demolition, but less efficient for pulling nails.

Can I use a claw hammer on a wood chisel?

It is better not to. Wooden or plastic chisel handles should be struck with a mallet, which spreads the blow and does not split the handle. A steel hammer face is for nails.

What should I do if the head becomes loose?

Stop using the hammer. On wooden handles a loose head can often be secured by driving in a new wedge, but a cracked handle should be replaced, because a head flying off is a serious hazard.

Which head weight should students use?

Lighter heads are easier to control for younger students and for small nails, while heavier heads drive larger nails with fewer blows. Many workshops keep a light and a medium hammer for different jobs.

Last Updated: September 2026