[TheForge] How did the cross pein hammer come to be the standard?

[Andrew Vida]

Seems plausible because of the pragmatic basis.

Jerry Frost wrote:
> I was hoping somebody had a better answer than I do.
> 
> I'll say up front I don't know how the cross pein became "standard" but I
> have a "theory."
> 
> The same question has come to mind often enough, I use the straight pein a
> lot more often than the cross pein. I've brought it up any number of times
> and while most people don't even know what I'm talking about a few do.
> 
> Of the answers I've gotten these are the most common:
> 
> 1) Cross pein used to pein lid edges over rims of cans, barrels, etc. like
> the old steel mastic buckets and such.
> 
> 2) Cross pein used to knock flanges loose or together while pipe fitting.
> 
> 3) Cross peins are used drive banding or similar things onto shafts.
> 
> Outside of blacksmiths I haven't run into anybody who uses a straight pein.
> 
> My theory is this; A straight pein is no longer an industry standard hammer
> because it no longer has a common job, while a cross pein does, even if in a
> limited manner is still commonly used.
> 
> Of course I could be wrong.
> 
> <grin>
> 
> Frosty
> ------------------------
> If it ain't forged
> it ain't real.
> Wrought iron is.
> The FrostWorks
> 
> Meadow Lakes, AK.
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <xlch58 at swbell.net>
> To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 3:31 PM
> Subject: [TheForge] How did the cross pein hammer come to be the standard?
> 
> 
> 
>>As I was forging today, I noticed how often I reach for a straight pein
>>hammer, but rarely use the pein on my cross pein.   Watching other
>>smiths it seems they also reach for a straight pein or 45 degree pein
>>most often.    So I was wondering how the cross pein came to be the
>>standard and how it became associated so closely with the smith?  Anyone
>>know?
>>
>>Charles
>>
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> 
> 
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