The video titled “The Hammer, Reinvented” is by Nils from LRN2DIY. In this video, Nils puts the Hammer Fist, a multifunctional tool, through its paces to see if it can really replace traditional hammers and other tools.
Introduction to the Hammer Fist
This unique tool claims to serve multiple purposes: it can be used as a ball peen hammer, a regular hammer, and a striking tool. Additionally, it boasts features like a square, a ruler, a bottle opener, a nail puller, a hex driver, and even a mallet. With such a bold claim, Nils admits his skepticism right away. The Hammer Fist relies on the user’s arm strength rather than the kinetic energy that a traditional hammer provides, which raises questions about its effectiveness.
Testing the Hammer Fist
As Nils prepares to test the Hammer Fist, he expresses concern about the potential for finger injuries. Unlike a traditional hammer, which poses a risk to the fingers holding the nail, the Hammer Fist could injure both the fingers holding the nail and those holding the tool itself. This double trouble could lead to some painful mishaps!
Driving Nails
Starting off with a control test, Nils uses a traditional 16-ounce hammer to drive nails, which he finds is quite effective, usually requiring just three or four hits. The Hammer Fist, weighing in at only 12.9 ounces, is at a disadvantage. Nils notes that while it can be handy in tight spaces, it doesn’t deliver the same power as a traditional hammer. He quickly realizes that the vibrations from the Hammer Fist make it uncomfortable to use, as they are absorbed by his palm.
Accuracy Issues
Nils struggles with accuracy when using the Hammer Fist, feeling that it lacks the intuitive control of a traditional hammer. He spends considerable time adjusting the orientation of the nails, which adds to the frustration of the task. This lack of precision is something that becomes increasingly evident as he continues to test the tool.
Comparative Performance
To provide a fair comparison, Nils calculates the time taken to drive nails with both tools. Driving five full-sized nails with the traditional hammer takes 26 seconds, while the Hammer Fist takes a staggering 1 minute and 50 seconds—4.2 times longer. Even for one-inch nails, the Hammer Fist still takes twice as long. This performance gap raises serious questions about the Hammer Fist’s practicality.
Functionality Beyond Hammering
Next, Nils explores the other functionalities of the Hammer Fist. The hex driver feature, while convenient, is hampered by a lack of magnetism, leading to bits falling out easily. He also tests the 90-degree angle feature, which, although handy in a pinch, isn’t as effective as a full square. The ruler markings are basic and don’t start at zero, making them less useful than they could be.
Using the Hammer Fist as a Mallet
Interestingly, Nils finds that the Hammer Fist performs well as a mallet. The non-marring striking surface allows for precise control, which is beneficial for tasks like fitting lap joints in wood or delicate chiseling work. This aspect of the Hammer Fist impresses Nils, showing that it has some redeeming qualities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the Hammer Fist is a jack-of-all-trades, it falls short of being a master of any. Nils suggests that it may be suitable for kids or casual use, but for serious tasks, a traditional hammer and dedicated tools are still the way to go. Although he wishes he could give it a better review, the evidence simply doesn’t support the Hammer Fist as a worthy replacement for conventional tools.