Originally Posted by
Stanley Covington
Derek,
I thought both points were covered in my original post, but I will try to clarify. Sorry for the confusion.
The handle is bent, and differs from a straight handle, for two reasons.
First, the wrist tends to naturally lead the head when swinging a hammer, causing the axis of the head to be rotated out of alignment with the axis of nail or chisel being struck. This is not efficient. Angling the head away from perpendicular to the handle helps bring the head back into proper alignment at Impact improving energy efficiency, increasing cutting or nailing precision, and with straighter rebound, rhythm and speed as well. Please try the inkpad test in my first post.
Second, and intimately related to the first reason, this handle locates the wrist and hand where they are most efficient in relation to the point of impact.
Give it a try.
Stan