Whether you’re a seasoned jeweler or just starting your craft journey, mastering the chasing hammer is one of the most important skills you can develop. This guide will walk you through everything — from choosing the right hammer to advanced techniques used by professional jewelers worldwide.
What is a Chasing Hammer?
A chasing hammer is a specialized jewelry-making tool designed for shaping, texturing, and forming metal. Unlike regular hammers, it features a large, slightly domed face for striking punches and chisels, and a smaller ball-peen end for riveting and detail work.
At Exedus Tools, our chasing hammers are precision-crafted from high-grade steel with ergonomically balanced wooden handles — built for professionals who demand consistency and control in every strike.
Why the Chasing Hammer is Essential for Jewelry Making
Most beginners underestimate this tool. They assume any hammer will do the job. But here’s the truth: using the wrong hammer damages your metal, reduces precision, and slows your workflow dramatically.
A proper chasing hammer gives you:
- Controlled impact — you decide exactly how much force transfers to the metal
- Minimal surface damage — the polished face won’t scratch or mark your work
- Fatigue-free working — the balanced weight reduces hand and wrist strain
- Versatility — works on copper, silver, gold, brass, and aluminum
Choosing the Right Size
Chasing hammers come in different head sizes. Here’s how to choose:
Small head (under 25mm): Best for fine detail work, delicate texturing, and working on small pieces like rings and earrings.
Medium head (28–32mm): The most versatile size. Perfect for general jewelry work, forming sheet metal, and driving chasing tools. Our 32mm Chasing Hammer is the #1 choice among professional jewelers for this reason.
Large head (35mm+): Ideal for heavy forming work, raising vessels, and working on larger metal sheets.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Chasing Hammer
Step 1 — Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a steel bench block or sandbag on a stable surface. Your work surface absorbs vibration and protects your metal from unwanted marks.
Step 2 — Hold the Hammer Correctly
Grip the handle loosely — about two-thirds down from the head. A tight grip causes fatigue and reduces control. Let the weight of the hammer do the work. Your fingers should feel relaxed, not tense.
Step 3 — Position Your Tool or Punch
Place your chasing tool, stamp, or punch precisely where you want the impact. For freehand texturing, hold the hammer directly above your metal piece.
Step 4 — Strike with Controlled Force
Use your wrist to generate the strike — not your elbow or shoulder. Short, controlled wrist movements give you the most accuracy. Start with lighter strikes and gradually increase force as needed.
Step 5 — Work in a Consistent Pattern
For texturing, work in rows or a deliberate pattern. Random strikes create messy, uneven results. Professional jewelers always work systematically — left to right, top to bottom, or in circular patterns depending on the design.
Step 6 — Anneal When Necessary
Metal hardens as you work it (work hardening). When your metal becomes stiff or starts cracking at the edges, stop and anneal it — heat the metal until it glows a dull red, then quench in water. This softens the metal and allows you to continue working.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Gripping too tight: This is the #1 mistake. A tight grip kills your control and tires your hand within minutes. Relax your grip — the hammer should feel like it could almost swing on its own.
Using too much force: Jewelry work is about precision, not power. More force rarely means better results. Light, controlled strikes give you far more control over the final outcome.
Ignoring work hardening: Many beginners push through when metal gets stiff. This causes cracks and splits. Learn to recognize when metal needs annealing — it’s a skill that separates professionals from beginners.
Wrong surface: Always use a steel bench block for precision work. Using a wooden surface or soft material absorbs your strikes and reduces control dramatically.
Skipping safety: Metal fragments and scale can fly during hammering. Always wear safety glasses. Keep your workspace clear of loose materials.
Professional Techniques to Try
Repoussé: Push metal from the reverse side to create raised designs. Used by jewelers for centuries to create stunning three-dimensional relief work.
Chasing: Work from the front surface to refine and sharpen the details of your repoussé work. This is where the chasing hammer gets its name.
Texture Hammering: Use textured stamps or directly hammer irregular patterns into metal sheet to create unique surface effects. Each jeweler develops their own signature textures over time.
Riveting: Use the ball-peen end to flare the end of a rivet, securing two pieces of metal together without solder.
Caring for Your Chasing Hammer
A quality chasing hammer, properly maintained, will last a lifetime. Here’s how to keep it in perfect condition:
Keep the face polished: Any scratches or marks on the hammer face will transfer directly to your metal. Use fine sandpaper (400-grit, then 600-grit) followed by a polishing compound to maintain a mirror finish.
Protect the wooden handle: Occasionally rub linseed oil into the handle to prevent drying and cracking. Never leave your hammer in direct sunlight or in a damp environment.
Store properly: Hang your hammer or store it in a tool roll. Throwing hammers loose in a drawer causes dings and scratches that affect your work.
Check the handle regularly: Make sure the head is firmly seated on the handle. A loose head is dangerous and affects your accuracy.
Why Exedus Tools Chasing Hammers?
We don’t just sell tools — we manufacture them. Every Exedus Tools chasing hammer is produced in our Sialkot facility, where skilled craftsmen have been making precision tools for generations. We supply professional jewelers, tool retailers, and workshops across the USA, UK, and beyond.
What sets our hammers apart:
- High-carbon steel heads — harder, more durable, holds polish longer
- Precision-balanced weight — reduces fatigue, improves accuracy
- Seasoned hardwood handles — shock-absorbing, comfortable grip
- Factory direct pricing — professional quality without the retail markup
- Bulk order options — significant discounts for workshops and retailers
Ready to Upgrade Your Toolkit?
Whether you need a single hammer or you’re stocking a professional workshop, Exedus Tools delivers the quality you need at a price that makes sense.
Exedus Tools — Precision Crafted in Sialkot, Pakistan. Trusted by Jewelers Worldwide.