How to Hammer a Board

Select a hammer that is the right length and weight for your use. Make sure it's not too heavy and that you don't have to stretch your fingers a great deal to hang on to it while swinging it. Stretching your finger to get a good grip on the hammer can cause blisters.

Select a board. Boards can be cut in all shapes and sizes. Make sure your board is cut correctly for your project. Fit the board into the area you want to place it in after cutting it to make sure it fits the way you need it to fit. Cut the board again if necessary.

Hammer the board into position. Hit the board flush along an edge (preferably an even one) to distribute the force of the hammer throughout a broader surface to avoid damaging the board.

Instruct someone to hold the board in place if you have to nail the board to avoid having using clamps to hold the board. Clamps that are over tightened can dent the board or cause the board to break while you are hammering a nail into it. Select a nail that will go through the board or boards and will not come out the other side.

Hit the nail evenly on the head with the hammer until the flat head of the nail is even with the surface of the board you are hammering it into. If you hit the nail and it starts to go in at an angle, pry the nail out, reposition the nail in the hole so it is straight up and down, and proceed hitting the nail again.