Tool Question

Why do small tack hammers have a tuning fork on the other side of the head?

My understanding is that it's magnetized and the split end is used for the first strike. The other side is used to ensure it's seated all the way

It's to hold tacks.

Don't understand it either.

It's not a tuning fork. It's a magnet.

Pick up the tack with the magnet, set it, then roll the hammer over to drive it the rest of the way with the other end.

It is not a magnet or a tuning fork. It is a vagina. Where do you think more tack hammers come from?

wlkelley3 wrote: It's to hold tacks. Don't understand it either.

It's pretty simple.

If the ends were connected, it wouldn't be a magnet anymore.

Seriously, ask a trimmer (upholsterer) about spitting tacks.

You hold the tacks in your mouth, put the head of the tack onto the hammer (you can't do this by stuffing the magnetised end in a bin of tacks) and whack it in with the hammer.

You other hand is busy holding stuff so you need to do it this way.

Shawn

To make you ask questions.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: It is not a magnet or a tuning fork. It is a vagina. Where do you think more tack hammers come from?

Milk came out my nose. But the magnet thing makes some sense. Apparently they are actually called and "upholstery hammer". Who knew?

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: It is not a magnet or a tuning fork. It is a vagina. Where do you think more tack hammers come from?

This might be the funniest thing I have ever read on the Internet.

Upholstery tacks are too small to hold with your fingers. If you try, you will end up with smashed fingers.

The voice of experience.

Hence, the magnet.

My ability to swing a hammer with such precision that I'd actually consider starting with the tack or nail attached to the hammer is just laughable.

I hold tacks and the like in needle nose pliers.

A comb works too.

Not a special one, just a typical plastic hair comb. Stick the tack in the tines.

But the magnet is really very easy.

SVreX wrote: A comb works too. Not a special one, just a typical plastic hair comb. Stick the tack in the tines. But the magnet is really very easy.

Thanks for that tip.

Trans_Maro wrote:

wlkelley3 wrote: It's to hold tacks. Don't understand it either.

It's pretty simple. If the ends were connected, it wouldn't be a magnet anymore. Seriously, ask a trimmer (upholsterer) about spitting tacks. You hold the tacks in your mouth, put the head of the tack onto the hammer (you can't do this by stuffing the magnetised end in a bin of tacks) and whack it in with the hammer. You other hand is busy holding stuff so you need to do it this way. Shawn

Knew what and how it works, just could never master it myself. Maybe I just didn't practice enough. Maybe it's also the point I can't hit with any precision.

In reply to wlkelley3:

I can't do it.

I can use an air stapler though.

Several people have mentioned hitting with precision...

They're tacks. You don't swing the thing over your head and whack away, you give a little push from 1" above the material surface. You are not trying to drive it home, you are just setting the point into the material so you can turn the hammer over and hit it.

Am I missing something? It seems like anyone who can put a screwdriver onto a screw, push a button on the dashboard, or touch their nose should be able to do this.

Maybe I'm just special.

SVreX wrote: A comb works too. Not a special one, just a typical plastic hair comb. Stick the tack in the tines.

My fingers thank you.