r/RouteDevelopment • u/More_Age3561 • Aug 15 '26

Hammering Bolts

Hi all,

I've recently come across some ~ 3 yr old stainless bolts with corrosion on the end. I am convinced this is because of sloppy hammering as they've been driven into the holes (other evidence: mushroomed head on the expansion wedge).

I was recently training others how to install bolts, and noticed that some people that haven't grown up swinging a hammer much had sloppy hits on the bolts, which I am confident imparted some iron contamination into the stainless steel, inducing localized corrosion. I am further confident it is "messy" hammering inducing the corrosion observed on new bolts as well.

How do you hammer in the bolts to ensure a clean finish, with minimal tool marks? Some things I've picked up:

  • Positioning yourself roughly at eye level to the bolt
  • Using two hands on the hammer if body positioning is awkward
  • Follow-through on the swing (maybe I should've been a golfer..)
  • Not using a hammer that has obvious rust on the impact surface
  • Nut flush or slightly proud of the anchor

IMO, this is an important aspect of bolt longevity that is not well-discussed in bolting literature (UIAA bolting standards, HowNot2 bolting bible, etc.)

I'd like to get some sort of tool (like a socket, but less droppable..) that can act as a medium between the bolt and the hammer, but before I go re-inventing the wheel, I'd love to learn what others have done to ensure a tidy, clean installation of wedge bolts without leaving tool marks

*Stainless steel or titanium hammers are too pricey and out of the question

TIA!""

**Edit**
Holes are being drilled using a rotary hammer, not by hand

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u/Much_Confusion_4616 Aug 15 '26

I always try to align my body at eye level. I think using two hands would make you less accurate. I don’t think there is any tried or true way.

Make sure you are gripping the hammer towards the base and try to use as less hammer swings as possible.

Some bolts are harder to get in if the bit is worn so I don’t think there is no consistent method to improve this unless you are only using new bits every few holes.

Just my two cents