Many times I’ve seen beginners holding onto a stake for dear life wondering if the person wielding the sledge will miss, pounding fingers instead. This scene can be avoided if the stake holder places his foot at the bottom of the stake, heel to the ground and toe against the stake. At the same time, the holder pulls the top of the stake as shown, using a hammer claw to grip it. This works well with wood, metal, or round stakes.
Chris R. Thyrring, Halcyon, CA
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #34
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So this way if he misses you get a sledge hammer in the foot or ankle? I've never had to get somebody to hold a peg for me while I pound it in...
Neither have I since I usually work alone. I simply give the stake a few love taps then kill it with the heavy blows.