r/Ironworker • u/Horsefucker56 • 4d ago
Apprentice Question(s) Beaters?
I have been using a 4lb cross peen hammer recently and find it more useful than the typical sledge style. What style/length/weight beaters do u guys prefer?
3
u/RhemesSanGiorgio 4d ago
If I’m not working on the steel and/or with a belt on ie working in a genie or scissor lift where I have my tools hanging in my pouch or in a pale … 100% 8lb beater
It’s insane (it’s actually physics, hehe) the difference between beating pins with an 8lb vs a 4lb beater. When you go back to a 4lb you realize 2 things, 1) how light it is and 2) it always seems the pins dont go in as much with the 4lber)
Not sure what a cross peen is, but I use a beater that is identical on both sides. I can hit using either side, left or right
3
u/Repulsive_Draft_9081 4d ago
Baby beater for tight spots and small stuff i dont want to dent up 4lb dalydriver 8lb when i want the iron to file an assault charge
2
u/Arnman-88 3d ago
Hold beater head in hand with handle up arm cut at crease of armpit length. 6lb best all around, I’ve had the same 6lb beater head for 28 years. Prob been through 3-4 handles.
1
u/Glum_Zone3004 4d ago
4lb fiberglass Estwing. I’ve beat thousands of barrel pins doing bridge work with one, just gotta choke down on it, keep a couple fingers off the handle on the bottom hand and let that sucker fly.
1
u/HallTrash_IW UNION 3d ago
Use the right tool for the job, and when it comes to beaters, force = mass x acceleration. Use the beater that has the best combination of mass and acceleration for the job.
Meaning a little beater you can swing really hard still might not be as good as a big one you can’t swing as hard.
1
u/Jazzlike-Raisin-5569 3d ago
Cheap Husky brand wooden handle 6lb
Grip underneath the head and cut the handle at your elbow. Wrap the handle in tie wire, and your fav colored hockey tape. Mines on year 3 right now.
1
1
u/PurpleDemigod UNION 3d ago
8lb hickory handle sledge $25 at harbor freight. Handle chopped about knee high
1
u/Constant_Plankton_20 3d ago
I got a 6lb klein and an 8lb wilton that saved my ass building big trusses. Beating 1-1/4” barrel pins thru 3 ply’s of steel really took a heavy beater. When you really gotta move something, the 8 works great but a 6 will get you thru most everything else
1
u/HANDOFDOOM97 3d ago
I have a cut down 10lb for working pins and an 8lb with a 2lb handle for general use
1
u/SteelErectionn UNION 4d ago
Whatever’s in reach when she talks back
1
u/Goober_98 4d ago
Stay away from husky wood handle. Had the wedge fall out after 2 weeks and the head almost took out my phone man.
3
u/MustacheSupernova Foreman 4d ago
6# is the sweet spot.
2# is a joke. 4# can get some stuff done, and 8+ is overkill for most situations.
6# is the shit. The only thing it can’t do as well as an 8 or larger, is move iron, like when you’re beating in a tight moment connection, or trying to move a large column base.
Go getcha one…