A hammer is a very ancient tool. We would guess that it would be right up there with the knife as one of the first tools invented. There have been updates to the basic hammer design in the past (offset heads, angled handle,etc...), but Craftsman has now taken it to the next level with the introduction of the Hammerhead auto-hammer.
The Hammerhead is a portable, electrically operated, nail pounder that is designed for the novice but suitable for the pros. Unlike most professional nailers, there is no need for a compressor, hose, fuel cell or oil. The Hammerhead's smaller profile was achieved by using a compact, quick-charging, 12V Lithium-ion battery system.
The Craftsman Hammerhead kit consists of the Hammerhead auto-hammer, a 12V Li-ion compact battery pack, AC charger, pry bar, manuals, and a heavy-duty carrying case.
The big problem with traditional hammers for some is the accidental whacking of the thumb while trying to hit a nail. The Hammerhead's magnetic nail holder takes care of that. The ergonomically shaped handle is slightly padded and easy to grip. The balance is neutral and the finger naturally rests at the large trigger.
The 12V Lithium-ion battery is the same technology used in most laptops. It is lighter, has better shelf-life, and recharges without the memory effects of NiCd batteries. Thirty minutes is all that is needed to get a full charge. The charger works either horizontally or wall-mounted. Quite convenient if bench space is at a premium.
Like many of the electrical tools today, the Hammerhead has a well-positioned LED to light up the work area. Being able to see what you are doing is always a good idea. LEDs are great for these applications as they consume very little power.
We will be tackling our planned Summer projects in August and this Craftsman Hammerhead auto-hammer will get a full workout. We will put it to the test on a few of the repair projects both inside and outside of the office. A full report on its performance will be available at the end of next month. [Permalink] - Craftsman Hammerhead FirstLook
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