Crucible Exeter-Pattern Furniture-Maker's Hammer

Crucible Exeter-pattern furniture-maker's hammer, developed after years of research, prototyping and testing. With a 9.8 oz steel head and a balanced octagonal hickory handle, it is suitable for many common tasks at the bench.

Lighter than a typical carpenter's hammer, it excels at driving the 4d and 6d brads used in traditional case construction. Its 7/8" octagonal striking face is slightly domed, allowing you to drive a nail flush without damaging the surrounding wood.

On the back of the head is a 1/8" × 7/8" peen, great for starting nails or wooden wedges without hurting your fingers. Pinch the nail between your fingers and start it with the peen, which slips between your fingers, then spin the hammer around and sink the nail. It is also good for adjusting bench planes, with enough force to move the iron, and for driving drawbore pins and pegs.

The 10" octagonal hickory handle tapers to a slender 9/16" × 3/4" neck below the head, allowing you to choke up for delicate tasks. The handle ends with a slight swelling, where you tighten your grip for maximum leverage.

The design comes from old British tool catalogues and surviving examples. It has no claw, but its balance and handy peen make it an excellent bench tool. The head is 4 9/16" long overall and is milled in Kentucky, where the hammer is also assembled and finished. Each handle is stamped with the touchmark of the person who assembled it.