Sunday Estate Sale

[Mike H]

Picked up the 8 pieces shown for $4.00
Could have had a 20 lb. sledge for another $3

Combo wrench 5/8"  19/32" says Made in USA There is a tiny H at 90Deg. to the 5/8" stamp
1 1/4" Stanley Chisel
Cold Chisel 86A 1x8 ProtoProfessional USA 13/16" Cut
Center Punch 5/8 284 Hargrave USA
Blacksmith Hammer Warren 178 1(Lb?)
Plus the Putty Knife, Titebond Glue and Brush
Brush might have cost me that much; certainly the Wood Glue
Not too Bad; would appreciate any input on the hammer
Does 16" sound about right for handle length? What type hammer is that dude?
Thanks Mike H.

[oldgoaly]

The hammer is a hot punch I believe.

[Mike H]

Thanks oldgoaly
When I Google that instead of the wild guesses I was searching
I come up with pics that look like what I have
Will try to find time to re-handle it

[wvtools]

Any sledge hammer 20 pounds or larger is worth a good bit.  I had a guy looking for one a few years ago.  He told me that getting a special order Chinese 20 pounds sledge from the hardware store was around 80.00.

[Ken W.]

I see sledge hammers at just about every sale I go to. Not many are over $ 8.00.

[Mike H]

I am now less ignorant than I was at time of original post
The 1 on the top of head of the Warren Hot Punch Hammer
refers to the Diameter of Face
Would Hickory be a correct (consistent with original) wood choice
for the handle?
Thanks, MH

[gibsontool]

I think Hickory would be the right choice for the handle. Probably just a shadow or something but it looks like the hammer is bent?

[john k]

The blacksmith handled punch could have had a 10-15 inch handle.   Since it is a held tool rather than a swung tool, the handles were not shaped, usually just enough for grasping.  You got a good deal there.   Can't wait for the garage sales to start up here again.  Is currently 33 degrees with freezing rain.

[Yadda]

Any sledge hammer 20 pounds or larger is worth a good bit.  I had a guy looking for one a few years ago.  He told me that getting a special order Chinese 20 pounds sledge from the hardware store was around 80.00.

I would probably tote home every sledge hammer I could find at $3. 

[Mike H]

gibsontool
the "snout" of the hammer is fairly straight;
main condition issue is pitting. I will probably
go over it again with a wire wheel and red "steel" wool
and wipe down with oil, then let it sit for a few days

John K
just to confirm my guessing-you got the workpiece heated up,
put the hot punch on it where you wanted the hole and
give it a good whack? Power hammer or hand blacksmith hammer/sledge?
Saw another hot punch hammer head at a garage sale yesterday morning
which was almost bent back around into a U shape

Ended up getting a piece of ash for $0.00
which is more than big enough to do a handle
Gotta go with that

[Mike H]

I have had the re-handle of the hot punch hammer  in the OP done for some time as well as
a second one with a 3/8" Diam. face I got at  another estate sale just a couple weeks
later. The second hot punch hammer had a handle but it was pretty dried out,
cracking running length-wise. I had enough Ash left over from first to do the smaller hammer
so why not?

[lptools]

Hello, Mike. Nice job on the handles!!! Regards, Lou

[turnnut]

Mike, they look A-O-K to me also, nice job. Frank

[bill300d]

Nice job on the hammers Mike.

[slip knot]

very nicely done. I've got a new hot punch that needs a handle on it. I may have to give it a try.