Thread: Peening Hammer

What weight peening hammer should I use for peening pins? I'm planning on procuring one at the end of this week so I can start repinning the scales from all these restores in progress.

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2-4 oz is generally a good size. I like them the better the smaller they are.
Many also run them over some wet'n'dry and then give them a polish after, it helps tidying up afterwards.

Best of luck.

I like 4oz. Agree with strr8fencer polishing the hammer's ball is a good touch. When using the 4oz, you're only lifting the hammer 3/4" to 1" high, letting gravity create the striking force. If you are prone to add wrist action emphasize your hammer blow, get a 2oz. I don't really remember seeing either size in a store near me. I have had to order mine online. Although I rarely use the 2oz, seem to recall it being cheap, so I'm happy to have it anyway.

Also nice to have a jewelers block as a solid, polished surface. This lessens pitting/scoring on the non-striking side as you peen.

I think it's a matter of personal preference and what you get used to. My first was 8 oz, now I have one that's more comfortable to use and is 2 or 4. And I've seen guys use even lighter.

Check out Hobby Lobby if you have one near. I bought a jewelers hammer there last year on sale for $3. It is about 2oz and has interchangable heads including a brass head which is great for smothing out the pins. The jewelers block I found there as well for $2.

I use a heavy stainless tablespoon. 'Already polished, little chance of bending the pin, though I've done it once.

I use an 8 oz. I have a 2 and an 8. I felt like I actually had to hit with the 2 oz, whereas with the 8 I just let the weight of the hammer do the work. It is a stubby too, by the way. That makes a difference as well.