Subject: Arm Pain and Your Hammer

From: "Paul J. McMahon" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 21:52:35 -0400

I agree with the notion of using a wooden helve for your hammer as it
seems to have the best strength and necessary flexibility.  Use a longer
helve for heavier hammers and hang on to the bulge in the middle of the
helve.  The extension hanging out behind your hand is for balance of the
weight of the hammer head.

Years ago I worked with a plastic surgeon who was the President of the
National Hand Surgery Assn. (or something like that!)  He pointed out
that the habit of many to keep their thumb on top of the helve was a
great way to guarantee that you would be hurting.  Hold a hammer this
way and notice the extensor tendon that runs from your thumb past your
wrist.  This tendon will absorb most of the recoil of the hammer and
will cause arm pain after awhile.