Tool Project
Objective:
Select an upholstery tool to redesign
Tool of interest:
Tack hammer
A tack hammer is a lightweight hammer that is used for securing upholstery fabric to furniture frames using tacks or small nails...
Research:
The tack hammer was invented in the early 20th century and has not changed much in the last century. I put a modern tack hammer to the test with people who have never used one before. I asked them to use the hammer with little to no guidance and found some flaws...
Issues with modern tack hammers:
-The handle has subtle curves which made it hard to distinguish which end to use
-The magnetized tip is weak and could not hold a single tack
-The thin shapeless handle makes it difficult to grab and pick up the hammer
Design Goal:
Design a modern 2-in-1 tack hammer that is functional, lightweight, and easy to use.
Features to add:
-A mallet and hammer in one tool
-Stronger magnetized tip for easy one-hand use
-Curved handle for better grip
-Flat head to stand upright on a flat surface
-Less metal for lighter body
I experimented with different handle and head shapes to completely redesign the tack hammer's profile. I found that tacks require little force to hammer so I designed a hammer with a metal insert to minimize the use of metal and create a lighter design.
Final Product:
TUL is a modernized upholstery tack hammer made from hickory wood and a magnetized steel insert for easy one-hand use. TUL is a two-in-one tool, the wider end of the hammerhead acts as a mallet and tapers into a metal tip tack hammer.
