# Metalsmithing Hammer Use Guide: Steel vs. Brass ### ✅ **Steel Hammer — When to Use** - **Purpose:** Used when you need precision force or when working directly with metal that can withstand a harder impact. - **Common Uses:** - **Forming & Texturing:** Ideal for shaping metal (e.g., doming, raising, forging). - **Texturing Tools:** Used with metal stamps or texturing tools on steel blocks. - **Flattening:** Excellent for flattening wire or sheet metal. - **Planishing:** Used to smooth metal after forming (with a polished face). - **Surface Compatibility:** - Always used on a steel block or anvil. - Suitable for non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, silver, gold) but can leave marks if the face isn't polished. - **Caution:** - Avoid using on delicate or finished pieces — can cause unwanted marks or dents. - Never strike steel tools (like chasing tools or stamps) with a steel hammer — risk of chipping tools. ### ✅ **Brass Hammer — When to Use** - **Purpose:** Used when you need force without damaging tools or delicate surfaces. - **Common Uses:** - **Tool Striking:** Perfect for striking steel tools such as: - Metal stamps - Chasing tools - Center punches - **Assembly Work:** Tapping mandrels, dapping punches, bezel setting tools without damaging them. - **Adjustments:** Useful when adjusting or bending pieces gently without leaving heavy marks. - **Surface Compatibility:** - Can be used on steel surfaces (blocks, mandrels) without damaging them. - Softer than steel so it reduces rebound and reduces risk of chipping tools. - **Caution:** - Not suitable for shaping metal directly — brass is softer and will mushroom or deform over time. - Not for texturing or planishing metal sheets. ### ⚡ **Quick Rule of Thumb**
SituationUse Steel HammerUse Brass Hammer
Shaping/Flattening Metal✅❌
Texturing Directly on Metal✅❌
Striking Steel Tools❌✅
Working on Steel Surfaces✅✅
Assembly / Adjustments❌✅
Avoiding Marks❌✅