So I recently got my hands on a set of Martin body hammers. I have heard that they are pretty good, so I decided to give them a try. I went and bought that set that came with, like, seven hammers, three dollies, and three spoons. I mean, this was a full kit. This set me back a bit, but hey, quality tools, right? I wanted to see how good they were, and my buddy had an old fender that needed some work, so it was the perfect opportunity.
I started by checking out the hammers. They felt really solid, you know? You can tell they’re made well. I picked one with a round face, about 1 7/8 inches. It had a good weight to it, felt balanced in my hand. I think it was the 160G. The handle was made of wood, and it felt comfortable to grip. These hammers are supposed to be super strong. I read somewhere that they have a 38% larger eye, which makes them 87% stronger in a bend test, and 300% stronger in a pull test. Don’t ask me to explain the details, but basically, they are tough.
I then grabbed one of the dollies. I chose the heel dolly, which has a long radius on one side and a flat on the other. It’s pretty versatile for different kinds of dents and curves. I also grabbed a spoon, just in case I needed it. These tools are heavy and well-made. No wonder people say good things about Martin tools.
I started working on the fender. The hammer worked like a charm. I could feel the difference compared to my old, cheaper hammers. It was easier to control the force and get the shape I wanted. I was mostly using the round face to work out the dents, and it did a great job. I switched to the dolly when I needed to support the metal from the other side. The combination of the hammer and dolly made the work way easier.
I spent a few hours on it, and I was really impressed. My buddy was watching and even he noticed how much smoother the process was. These Martin hammers, they’re the real deal. I know there are different types like pick hammers, vertical chisel, and cross peen. I haven’t tried those yet, but this round face one is perfect for general dent removal.
I’ve heard some guys modify these hammers to fit into tight spots or to create a special shape. I’m not there yet. I like mine just the way it is. Plus, they are a bit expensive to just mess around with.
One thing I noticed is that my favorite hammer, an old Martin 153S, is so good that nobody else in the shop wants to use it. They just leave it for me. I guess they know it’s special. I’ve tuned it up a bunch of times, and it still works great.
My Final Thoughts
In the end, these Martin body hammers are definitely worth it. They’re strong, well-balanced, and make the job a lot easier. If you’re serious about bodywork, you should consider getting a set. Just make sure you get the right ones for your project. There are so many to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. But trust me, once you find the right one, you’ll never go back.
These tools are a bit of an investment, but they’ll probably last a lifetime if you take care of them. So, that’s my experience with Martin body hammers. Hope this helps anyone who’s thinking about getting them.
- Pros:
- Super strong and well-made
- Balanced and comfortable to use
- Makes dent removal much easier
- Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Can be overwhelming to choose the right one