Sorry if you read this twice, I had asked about this in a question about roof nailing. I repeated it here since I guess it’s more appropriate as a “Tools” question.
I was looking online at roofing hammers and stumbled across “jchammer.com”. Sorry, I don’t know how to make that a link. They have a video demonstrating their hammer. It has a magnetic face and a crooked handle. The sales pitch is that it is easier to install cap nails and roofing nails using the magnetic head. It sure looks easy in the video and seems like a decent tool, but I’d like to hear an opinion from a pro.
I was surprised because in my (limited) experience I always believed the best way to drive cap nails and roofing nails was a heavy(20-24oz) hatchet-style hammer with a milled face. And shingles were lined up with the built in gauge pin. I don’t own this type of hammer, but always felt that roofing might be somewhat more enjoyable or easier if I had one. The JCHammer hammer has no gauge pin, no milled face, and it’s only 16oz.
Has anyone ever used this hammer? Is a heavier, milled hammer made specifically for roofing better? I’ve shingled with a 20oz smooth face hammer, I’m just wondering if a “better” style of hammer would make a difference.
Replies
http://www.jchammer.com
To make a link you need the www first, and then the addy with NO spaces. You do need a space before the www, and after the com.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I went to that link, didn't see any hammer there..hmmm? (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Thanks for adding the link.
I just clicked on the link and it took me to their homepage. From there click on "PRODUCTS", and the hammers will come up. From there you can see the video. The hammer I'm referring to is the 16oz with a magnetic head.
I don't want to be a sucker for clever marketing, but it seems like a useful tool. I guess I'm just a skeptic looking for an opinion from someone with roofing experience.
You missed my point of the hammer not being the most exciting thing on the page..or else you are a girl that likes men, or a man that likes men. LOL
You didn't notice ANYTHING on the home page, besides the tools? Do you have a pulse? 20/20 vision? Testosterone? (G)
Oh, that magnet probably wouldn't last a day..I break them all the time..RE mags are fragile. And I use copper nails often, so I'd not buy it.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Edited 12/9/2008 10:26 am ET by Sphere
How accurate are you while swinging a hammer. If you put a nail on the magnet and nail the shingle do you think you could hit the nail strip on the shingle every time? Something to think about. I don't think I can unless I put my finger on the spot that I want to hit and then I"m sure I'll hit it every time. :) Nowadays a shingle warranty requires specific nail patterns. And the longevity of a magnet as a striking surface may leave a lot to be desired. JM2C
Wayne
I've two framers that have the mag nail holder for "hard to reach" nail placement..right. Like I could actually hit a teco hanger hole..not me. I have used it to start a 12 or 16 when I was balanced odd and needed to hang on with the other hand..thats all, ya still need to hit it the next whack..LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I used to use roof hammers by an AJC hammer co, but the logo seems different than I recal so probably not the same. The magnet could be a gimmic. The claim that the tool can make you three times as fast is ...well, it is a claim ... anybody can claim anything
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Isn't it interesting that a tool that has absolutely no 'industry standards' or 'codes' to comply with should be the focus of such a vigorous market?
I mean, you can get hammers in countless designs, sizes, and materials. Even for a 'simple' hammer, you see prices from $3.95 to $395.00. I think Fine Homebuilding once profiled a guy who collected hammers - and had well over 10,000 in his collection.
Heck, buy it and try it. Then let us know if you think you did well.