Hammers, punches, and cold chisels for workshop use
Engineers hammers, pin punches, and cold chisels are among the most regularly used hand tools in any HGV workshop. Cold chisels cut through corroded fasteners, separate seized components, and shear welds during stripping work. A set covering the most common widths from 12mm to 25mm handles the majority of workshop applications.
Pin punches are used for driving out roll pins, dowels, and bearing inner races from blind bores. The punch diameter needs to match the pin or dowel being driven: too small and the punch will collapse; too large and it will damage the surrounding material. Punch sets with graduated diameters from 3mm to 16mm cover the range encountered in truck drivetrain and suspension work.
Hammer selection matters for the task. An engineers ball-peen hammer is the correct choice for driving punches and chisels, not a claw hammer or club hammer, which have different head profiles. For copper hammers used on bearing fitting and delicate component work, a non-sparking or soft-face head protects finished surfaces. All striking tools should be inspected for head security and handle condition before use: a loose hammerhead is a workshop safety hazard. If you need a specific size or type, call us on 01527 598 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cold chisels do I need for HGV workshop work?
For general HGV maintenance work including cutting through seized fasteners and removing corroded components, a set covering 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, and 25mm widths handles most applications. Narrower chisels are used for frozen bolts and splitting seized joints; wider chisels are used for separating body panels and cutting through heavier material.
What is a pin punch and when do I use one?
A pin punch is a hardened steel punch with a flat end, used for driving out roll pins, dowels, and locating pins. Unlike a taper punch, the flat end engages the pin without expanding it as it is driven through. Pin punch sets are available in graduated diameters from around 3mm to 16mm. Select a punch that matches the pin diameter as closely as possible to avoid damaging the bore.
What hammer is correct for driving punches and chisels?
A ball-peen engineers hammer is the correct tool for driving punches and chisels. The hardened steel face and appropriate weight give controlled striking force. The rounded peen face is used for peening and riveting work. Do not use a claw hammer, which is designed for wood and nail work, as the head geometry is not suited to metal striking and the handle may not be rated for the impact loads involved.
Should I wear eye protection when using cold chisels?
Yes, always. Cold chisels and punches can shed metal fragments on impact, and flying particles from hardened steel are a serious eye injury risk. Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever using any striking tools. Inspect chisels and punches for mushrooming at the head before use: a mushroomed head is more likely to shed particles and should be dressed on a grinder or replaced.
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