New ways to hit nails, volume 1
Researching my article on hammers led me to a vast archive of oddball hammers that have found their way through the US Patent Office over the past century—claws forged to resemble rams' horns, dual-clawed crate openers, an ornamental brass job with a head shaped like a fish—the reinvention hasn't let up since your Neanderthal granddaddy first jammed a rock on a stick.
One of the latest souped-up striking tools caught my eye first for its shape (keeps your knuckles clear, duh) but what really set it apart was its belt hanger. It puts the business end right there by your hand for a quick grab-n-tap, but compared to regular hammer loops, it seems upside-down. But it's really right-side up, says JC Hammer, the holder of patent number US D517,887. I mean, you wouldn't un-holster a pistol by the barrel—why would you grab the hammer by the head?
(0) Comments