Martin & Snap On Body Hammers

[CRCRFT78]

I have been searching Craigslist and Ebay for some Snap On Body Hammers:
BF604
BF606
BF608
BF615
BF618

Now I know they aren't cheap but I thought some used ones might be available for a fair price. Well I haven't come across any that I felt were in decent enough condition so I bought some Martin Body Hammers. For years I have heard they are one of the best so I ordered:
168HC
153G
153GB
164G

Needless to say I wasn't as impressed with their condition as the stories I've heard about them would lead me to believe. However, I have yet to use them so I am probably wrong with my impression. I would like to know how some of you dress your hammers before use. And if anyone has any of the above Snap On Body Hammers for sale I may be interested.

 

[countryroad82]

I've fondled the Snap On hammers. I wasn't impressed enough to warrant purchase if that's anything. I use Martin personally and yes they aren't purty due to the fact only the heads are polished. Use them every day for a few years and you won't worry about how they look initially.

As for dressing them, nope pulled them out of the box and commenced to moving metal. About as close I've ever gotten to dressing them is once I was stupidly using my curved pick to push a panel together as I **** welded and proceeded to tack the head a fuzz. Needless to say I wasn't happy. I took a file and fixed my uh oh then polished it back out. Other than that I hit them with a scotch Brite pad every so often and that's about it. I'm always terrified of cross contamination so there has never been any type of oil close to any of my body tools. Air tools are another story, they get oiled once in awhile..... Maybe..... If they're good.

 

[vssjim]

You should call Martin and talk to them about their tools they are quit helpful they were selling High Polished finish tools for Aluminum work and may have a tool that would make you happy. I have a set and they are mirror finish The set number of the set is 647KHP for high polish

 

[CRCRFT78]

I think I read too much lol. Seeing and hearing about the nicely polished surfaces, engraved logos on the heads and beautifully stained wood handles. I think I should just learn to use the tools and judge them on form and function instead of looks. After all, Harbor Freight has some good looking tools that are complete junk. Thank you for your insight.

 

[Hammer1963]

I most likely have spares of the Snap-on hammers you are looking for. If you interested, send me a PM. As far as the Martin hammers, I've never had a problem with their quality. I suppose there are going to be some that do get shipped that are questional on appearance as with any product.

I am a bit peculiar and particular about my body tools and keep them in pristine condition as I do a lot of panel straightening and use multiple types of hammers with different crowns and pick/peen shapes. I use several grits of sanding belts to achieve the desired contours and shapes for the striking faces.

 

[CRCRFT78]

I will gladly PM you regarding those particular Snap On hammers. I have never heard anything bad regarding Martin hammers. I was just a bit shocked to see they were just thrown in a box with some bubble wrap and not much else. Allowing them to just bounce around the box bumping into each other. The heads have a few nicks in them but the crowns and pick/peen faces are fine.

 

[don long]

I've been pounding metal for over 50 years and all I know is snap on hammers fit my big hands very well. That's all I have ever used.

 

[CRCRFT78]

I most likely have spares of the Snap-on hammers you are looking for. If you interested, send me a PM.

PM sent. May have sent two by accident.

 

[CRCRFT78]

Received my Summit order of Martin Body Dollies today. I can't attempt body work without them. I ordered a heel, toe and general purpose dollies along with a light dinging spoon. I can't wait to try them out.

 

[countryroad82]

They sure are nice to have. But you will also find yourself making a few here and there for different dents. Those are my most used dollies that you ordered. Enjoy panel beating, if you've not already read it get a copy of 'The Key to Metal Bumping'. It was written back in the day by Fairmount (who was bought out by Martin) and the book still holds up to this day.

 

[Stooge]

They sure are nice to have. But you will also find yourself making a few here and there for different dents....

and acquiring seemingly random objects and chunks of steel that you need becase, 'hey I bet that would be good for ....."

my newest repurposed acquisition was a jewelers anvil that I got off ebay for $5. I haven't had much use for it yet, but one of those must haves



after using no name and cheaper hammers along with old antique ones, I really fell in love with all of my martin stuff when I started buying the hammers and dollies.

 

[Brad J.]

Most of my Martin hammers are 10 years or older. The new stuff is getting chunky around the corners.

Long time Martin body tool salesman told me the quality isn't there anymore. He said they are trying to compete with the cheaper imports. The steel is good and they last but the crowns aren't perfect anymore and some of the tools need to be re-shaped. He pulled out a new dolly and an old one and I could see the difference. They would work fine for most production body men. They wouldn't know the difference anyway as they are mostly parts changers anymore.

Some of the castings are clunkier than mine also. The hammers don't feel as balanced as the older stuff. I've never used Snap-on hammers but the ones I did handle back in the 90's didn't have the balance of Martin/Fairmont.

 

[CRCRFT78]

I noticed a few flaws around the edges of the dollies but I will give them a try before I form my opinion. This is a new venture for me as I have too many car projects that need paint and not enough money to have a shop paint them all. I also picked up my 2nd copy of "The Key to Metal Bumping" because I couldn't find my 1st copy. I've read it about 4 or 5 times, it's a great read and very helpful. It doesn't lose you by being too technical like a textbook. I read about 90% of the book today.