A chipping hammer is a simple but essential tool every welder should know about. After welding, especially with processes like stick welding or flux-cored arc welding, a layer called slag forms over the weld bead.
Removing this slag is important because it protects the weld while cooling, but it must be cleared away to expose a clean, strong weld underneath.
This article explains what a chipping hammer is, how to use it correctly to remove slag, and tips on choosing and maintaining the right chipping hammer for your welding projects.
Whether you’re new to welding or want to improve your finishing skills, this guide will help you get it right.
Quick Chipping Hammer Tips:
- A chipping hammer is a hand tool with a pointed end and a flat chisel used to chip away slag after welding.
- It is vital for clean welds in stick and flux-cored arc welding.
- Use moderate, controlled strikes to avoid damaging the weld bead.
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and ALWAYS prioritize safety.
- Pair with wire brushes and grinders for the best results and smooth welds.
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What is a Chipping Hammer?
A chipping hammer is a hand tool designed specifically to remove slag from welded joints. It has two main parts:
- Pointed pick: Used to break up and loosen hardened slag.
- Flat chisel: Used to scrape away slag flakes and smooth the surface.
Made from forged, heat-treated steel, chipping hammers are strong and resist wear from repeated striking.
They usually weigh between 1 and 2 pounds and feature a comfortable handle designed for grip and impact absorption.
Why is a Chipping Hammer Needed in Welding?
Certain welding methods, such as SMAW (stick welding) and FCAW (flux-cored arc welding), utilize flux that melts and forms a protective layer, known as slag, over the weld puddle.
The slag protects the cooling weld metal from the air but remains as a hardened residue afterward. This slag:
- Can trap impurities if not removed.
- Blocks the inspection of the weld quality.
- Interferes with additional welding passes.
Removing slag properly makes your welds stronger, cleaner, and ready for final finishing.
How to Use a Chipping Hammer Correctly
Using a chipping hammer correctly helps you clean welds faster, avoid fatigue, and keep your work surface in top shape.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced welder, proper technique and timing make a big difference in achieving a clean, professional finish.
1. Hold It Right
Start by gripping the hammer firmly but comfortably. Your hold should be strong enough to control every strike without tightening your hand too much, as that can cause strain or fatigue during long sessions.
Relax your wrist slightly for better control and comfort.
2. Positioning
Position the pointed end of the hammer at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the slag.
This lets the tip break through the residue effectively without slipping. Once the slag loosens, switch to the flat chisel side to scrape it clean and polish the weld surface. Good positioning ensures precision and minimizes unnecessary damage.
3. Strike Carefully
Always use short, controlled taps instead of full swings. Focus only on the slag layer, avoiding direct hits on the weld bead itself.
This careful approach prevents cracks, dents, and other flaws that could weaken your weld.
4. Work Systematically
Tackle the slag in small sections rather than trying to clear a large area at once. Use the pointed pick for tight corners or tough spots, and finish each section with the chisel end to smooth the surface.
Working in an organized pattern helps you stay efficient and maintain consistency across your welds.
5. Timing Is Important
Remove slag while it’s still warm but safe to touch. Warm slag breaks off more easily, saving both time and effort.
If you wait too long, the slag hardens and may require extra force or additional scrubbing to remove completely.
6. Complement with Other Tools
For best results, pair your chipping hammer with a wire brush to remove leftover slag or spatter.
When working on large or challenging welds, power wire brushes or needle scalers can expedite the process and leave your metal surface cleaner.
Combining tools ensures a smooth, professional finish with minimal effort.
Types of Chipping Hammers
There are several types of chipping hammers, and each one has a specific purpose depending on your welding or metalwork project. Choosing the right type helps you remove slag more easily and keeps your welds cleaner and stronger.
1. Straight Peen Chipping Hammer
This type features a pointed end opposite a flat chisel. It’s great for breaking off slag in tight corners and smoothing scraped surfaces. The straight shape gives you better reach in narrow spaces.
2. Curved Peen Chipping Hammer
Designed with a slightly curved point, this hammer makes it easier to chip slag from rounded or irregular surfaces. It provides better angle control and reduces the risk of damaging nearby welds.
3. Spring Handle Chipping Hammer
This hammer has a coiled steel spring handle that helps absorb vibration. It’s a popular choice for comfort during long work sessions, reducing hand fatigue.
4. Cross Peen Chipping Hammer
The cross peen hammer has its pointed end set horizontally, rather than vertically. It’s useful for cleaning wide weld beads and spreading out your tapping force for better control.
5. Air Chipping Hammer
If you work on heavy-duty or large-scale projects, an air-powered chipping hammer can get the job done faster. It uses compressed air for quick, powerful strikes, making it ideal for industrial or professional use.
Each type has its strengths, so keep one or two on hand depending on your project size and material type. Using the right chipping hammer not only improves efficiency but also helps you achieve smoother and safer weld results.
Safety Tips When Using a Chipping Hammer
- Always wear heat-resistant gloves.
- Use safety goggles or a face shield to protect from flying fragments.
- Ear protection is recommended as hammering can be loud.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize dust inhalation.
- Keep the workspace clean and free from tripping hazards.
Maintaining Your Chipping Hammer
- Regularly inspect for wear or damage.
- Replace the handle if cracked or loose.
- Keep the hammer clean and dry to prevent rust.
- Sharpen the pick and chisel ends if dull.
Final Thoughts
A chipping hammer is a simple but vital tool for welders using slag-forming processes. Removing slag properly keeps your welds strong, clean, and ready for inspection or finishing. With the proper technique and safety gear, you can work efficiently and maintain high-quality welds.
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FAQs About Chipping Hammers
How do I avoid damaging the weld while chipping?
Hold the chipping hammer at a shallow angle and tap lightly along the edges of the bead, not straight down on the crown. Work in short, controlled strokes to lift slag instead of smashing it into the metal. Follow with a stiff wire brush to clean without cutting the weld. If slag is stubborn, reduce force and switch to a needle scaler or light grinding, avoiding the bead.
Do I need a chipping hammer for MIG or TIG?
Most MIG and TIG welds do not make slag, so a chipping hammer is usually not needed. Use a wire brush or a flap wheel for light spatter or discoloration. You mainly need a chipping hammer for stick welding or flux-cored processes that produce slag. Always match your cleanup tool to the welding process.
What is the difference between an air hammer and a chipping hammer?
A chipping hammer is a small, hand tool with pointed and chisel ends for precise slag removal. An air hammer is a powered pneumatic tool that delivers rapid blows for heavy scale, rust, or industrial chipping. The air hammer is faster but less precise and can over-remove material if you are not careful. For weld cleanup, start with a hand chipping hammer and use an air hammer only when needed.
Can a chipping hammer damage my weld?
Yes, if you hit too hard or strike the weld crown directly, you can create dents or micro-cracks. Excess force can also knock off good metal or leave marks that become stress risers. Use light taps at a shallow angle and clean between passes to avoid trapping slag. If you see peening marks, switch to brushing or adjust your technique.