Why are these hammers so darn shiny?

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Bookahtoo, Aug 24, 2015.

  1. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    As my mother would say, "Isn't that a bit excessive?"
    I got these from a garage that has lots of mechanics tools and woodworking tools.
    Other than being so shiny, they look like regular hammers to me.
    Do you know what these are used for?


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  2. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Probably nickel plated to protect them.
    A machinist most likely. :)
     
  3. TallCakes

    TallCakes Well-Known Member

    OR stainless steel.. are they non-magnetic?
     
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  4. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Stainless is possible but if so a special grade for this is likely.
     
  5. afantiques

    afantiques Well-Known Member

    The business ends might give an idea if they had ever been used.

    You may have discovered Maxwell's silver hammer.

     
  6. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Ha!!!! :woot::woot::woot:
     
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    If so someone did a good cleaning job.
     
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  8. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Looks like the mallet one has a name impressed around the center of the silver part. Ray something.
     
  9. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    R.S. with that one having other letters in the middle.
     
  10. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    This seems to be the grade required for these if they are SS > 17-4 PH Stainless Steel.
     
  11. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    A magnet sticks to them.
    Each has either the name or the initials of the former owner on it.
    There are no makers' marks.
     
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  12. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    17-4PH is a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel.
    This alloy is magnetic.
     
  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    The one at the bottom is a standard claw hammer
    the next a riveting hammer
    above that is a ball- peen hammer, again for metal working
    and the top is a mallet
     
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  14. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Sometimes I bring a mallet to discuss my transaction with the self serve check out at the grocers... The ATM too.
    I typically get an immediate reaction.... :woot::eek:
     
  15. Steersman

    Steersman Well-Known Member

    They may well be stainless steel but it is possible to get tool steel this shiny fairly easily.

    I did it while learning about media blasting. I blasted a some old tool heads with garnet grit. Way overdid it and it left them looking a sickly gray color. I hit them with a wire brush in an angle grinder. With very little effort they shine like mirrors.

    Not really the sort of thing for antique tools, but they'd look pretty jazzy in a shop.
     
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