Introduction: Laser Guided Hammer
It is one of those "Why didn't I think of that" kind of ideas. The delicate simplicity of the small red dot guiding you along is probably the only way to improve on one of the oldest tools of all time.
The idea came to me in a flash while I was working at the Pier 9 workshop in San Francisco. Most of the tools already have laser guides these days. It just seamed strange that the hammer had been left out of having it's own shiny dot helping the user know where the business end of the tool was about to land. Combining the digital precision of a laser with the brute power of a hammer is a natural pairing.
This is a quick, easy, and affordable project which is accessible to all levels of makers.
Step 1: Assemble the Tools and the Tools
This project is literally putting one tool inside another tool. To do so we will need some equipment and tools. Here is a list of what you will need to make this project:
- Small key chain laser pointer (try to find one about 1/2" in diameter) also try to find a cheap one, more on that later.
- Rubber mallet
- Drill press
- Ruler and pencil for marking the center of the Mallet.
With all that assembled lets get started.
Step 2: Mark the Center and Drill Out the Laser Column
To get a laser dot exactly where the hammer is going to strike we will need to drill a hole straight down the mallet. In order to do this with accuracy use a ruler to find the center of the hammer. Use a pencil to mark where the center of the face is.
Gather some clamps. Us the clamps to hold the hammer in place on a drill press.
We will start drilling out the hole with a 1/4" drill bit. Be careful not to go all the way through.
Step the drill bit up to 1/2" and just pierce the front of the hammer head so that light comes out.
Step 3: Preparing the Laser.
For the laser to show where you are pointing your hammer it will need to be on. This particular laser pointer need to have it's button pressed to light up. We can fix it with a little tape
Disassemble the laser and wrap some electricians tape around the button. If you cannot find electricians tape duct tape will work just great.
Reassemble the device and insert it in the to the hole you drilled in the hammer.
Step 4: Set Your Sights and Hammer Away
With your brand new laser guided hammer ready for action you will need to test it out.
Find something to hammer.
Ahh the satisfaction of hammering something and breaking a laser pointer at the same time in complete work of art.
We have a be nice policy.
Please be positive and constructive.