However, I have had the experience more than once of the rings cracking and even falling out, leaving a space which can close and ‘bite’ you when using the hammer. It really is a great design for reducing jarring, which if you are working with hard field sampling (like quartzite, granite etc) is a real bonus. One major brand, Estwing, has produced excellent geological hammers for decades that have a leather ring covered handles. This may seem to not be a major consideration, but the style of the grip on the hammer can be important. These are really quite a specialist tool…and until you know for certain that it is the hammer for you, then stick with one (or even both) of the types above. There are also some hybrid versions that have dropped the hammer end and replaced it with a point or chisel, so you end up with a multipurpose tool that is more like a pry-tool than a hammer. Again, the hammer end is used to break off a sample. They are the ‘true’ geological pick!Ĭracking hammers are great for use in igneous/metamorphic rocks when you want to concentrate the force of your blow to a specific point to open up a crack, extract a mineral or break off a small sample using the pointed end. That said, I also find them useful to pry open cracks in igneous rocks while hunting for minerals.Ĭracking hammers have a hammer and point as part of their heads. The beauty of these is that the chisel can be used to split along bedding plains, while you still have the hammer to break rocks against the bedding. They are the hammer of choice of most paleontologists. Splitting hammers are wonderful for use on sedimentary rocks. Splitting hammers normally have a hammer and chisel as part of their heads. I divide this into two major tasks – splitting and cracking. The biggest decision you need to make in deciding what type of geological hammer to own is its major purpose. There are a few things you need to know before you start shopping for your forever hammer. Safety first! Choosing a forever geological hammer I am borrowing another geo’s equipment) I swing gingerly and expect them to chip or break. In my opinion, a metal head with a wooden handle is more acceptable that a metal head on a metal handle, but I would avoid both. Their head and handle are two pieces joined together. Good quality hammers are made from one piece of steel – the head and the handle are all one! The metal is high quality to reduce splitting or splintering (and eye protection should ALWAYS be worn when swinging a geological hammer).Ĭheap hammers are easy to spot. It is not about ‘keeping up with fashion’, but a real issue about safety. ( See here for more ideas on essential field equipment) Why quality? Like most things in life, buying a good quality hammer will save you money in the long run as they last (until you lose them) and provide you great service.Īfter years of taking people into the field and owning a variety of geological hammers, I want to offer these tips to help you decide what geological hammer will be the best for you – your forever hammer! Geological hammers are not all the same – in shape, size, use and quality. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like to swing a hammer into rock to get that fresh sample? Often called rock picks or geopicks, the geological hammer is also a symbol of our profession. A geological hammer is often seen as an essential part of any field geologists equipment.
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