Household Items You Can Use As A Hammer In A Pinch

We've all been there. You need to nail something in the wall and can't find a hammer anywhere. Whether you just moved and haven't unpacked yet, a neighbor borrowed a hammer and never returned it, or you simply misplaced it, sometimes you just have to make do with what you have. Luckily, there are a few household items you can use in place of a hammer. 

The first go-to may actually be other tools in your home. After all, they are likely made from heavy steel, which can easily get the job done. A mallet is a wooden or rubber-headed hammer that is often used for delicate tasks, such as driving chisels. If you have a mallet, you can use it in place of a hammer for most tasks. A screwdriver handle can be used to hammer nails into soft materials. You can also use a small, sharp screwdriver to help remove nails, or a pair of pliers can be used to grip and twist nails, which can be helpful if you need to remove a nail that is stuck.

Other household items that can be used in place of a hammer can be found right in your kitchen. A rolling pin is a good option for hammering nails into soft materials. Drywall or plasterboard can typically be nailed into quite easily. A heavy-bottomed pan can be used to hammer nails into wood or other materials, but it is important to use a soft cloth or towel to protect the pan from getting scratched. You might also want to try the back of a heavy saucepan for small nails. However, be sure to consider the size of the pan and the nail since you don't want to crush your fingers either. You can also try using a small can of veggies if the nails are small and the wall surface is soft.

Another suitable replacement for a hammer can be found outside of your home. A flat rock is the most common substitute for a hammer. It is sturdy and can be used to hammer nails into wood or other materials. A small rounded or oval rock can help drive small nails into a wall to hang a picture frame. 

It is important to use caution when using any household item as a hammer. One way is to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. If you are using a sharp object, be sure to handle it carefully to avoid injury. When using household items as a hammer, you basically want to choose an object that is sturdy and heavy enough to drive the nail. You also want to avoid hitting your wall with the object and damaging the wall.

You can use a soft cloth or towel to protect the object used from getting scratched. Apply a firm, steady pressure when hitting the nail. Be careful not to hit your fingers or other body parts. If you need to hammer nails into hard materials, such as concrete or masonry, it is best to use a hammer specifically designed for that purpose and not compromise by using an alternate object. These hammers have a heavier head and a longer handle, which gives you the necessary leverage.