Whats the best make of Scutch Hammer?

[L1zzy]

Ideally I'm looking for a second hand Scutch hammer (if anyone has one to flog) but in case I have to buy a new one can anyone recommend a good tried and tested make? Are Hickory handles the best,is double ended or single ended best?

 

[Moo]

Someone will, I hope, explain what a Scutch (Scotch?) hammer is.

 

[L1zzy]

Its a hammer shaped tool with either one or both ends of the head having a groove in that takes either a Comb (toothed) or Straight 'bit'. Its fantastic for gentley knocking off old concrete,mortar,yuukk emulsion layers off the masonry on your house - the comb bits when lightly tapped against blown mortar patches sort of craze the surface loosening the dratted stuff off the wall.

 

[Gervase]

Faithfull is a good make. Hickory handles are aesthetically more pleasing, but I've had a couple break when wielded over-zealously by young lads keen to impress. That said, if it's for your own use and you don't intend to try to use it like a pickaxe, hickory is ideal.

If you're just intending to remove mortar and render with it, go for a double ended as you get twice the use before changing combs. The striking face doesn't really have much purpose if you're not dressing stone. or using chisels. Oh, and you'll need to use another hammer or a vice when changing combs.

Moo, a scutch hammer is like a brick hammer but instead of having a sharp bick on one end it has a groove which accepts a hardened steel comb or chisel edge, used for removing plaster and render and for dressing the surfaces of bricks or stone. It can either have a comb-holder at both ends, or a square striking face at one end, like a traditional brick hammer.

Explicit pictures of scutch hammers here, including one of Marianne Suhr wielding one.

 

[L1zzy]

Many Thanks both - I had got the impression that the Faithfull ones seemed best.I'd looked at the pic of Marianne and thought she might be wielding one so I'm off to purchase now !! Good tip about needing anoyther hammer for when I replace the comb bits Gervase thanx. I'm all inspired now having been shown how to use it by the builder on Saturday. Nearly at the end of my window frames 3rd coat of Linseed paint is tonite after work and then at the weekend ........LIMEWASHING!!

 

[Penners]

Someone will, I hope, explain what a Scutch (Scotch?) hammer is.

Thanks for asking, Moo. As a know-all blokey, I didn't like to admit that I had no idea what it was. I thought it was perhaps something to do with Edward I!

 

[Moo]

Sometimes it's quite useful to be a dim-witted female.

 

[Peter]

Marianne and Faithful in the same thread and not a pun in sight?

 

[Penners]

Marianne and Faithful in the same thread and not a pun in sight?

Goodness, no! We're all far too sophisticated for such obvious humour.

And I didn't think of it.

 

[Moo]

Penners seems to be slipping. Probably too busy deciding what to pack for his chateau.

 

[Penners]

You're so right. The new rules prohibiting hand luggage mean that I have absolutely nowhere to put the candelabra.