Abstract: In a claw-type hammer, a shock-absorbing device is provided which includes an elongate elastic band or cord which captured within grooves of a hickory plug in regions which abut against internal surfaces of a socket into which the plug is press-fit. The plug is dimension and configurated in relation to the socket in the hammer head to provide at least some degrees of freedom of movement of portions of the elastic cord so that the elastic portions can vibrate or oscillate substantially independently of the natural oscillatory vibrations of the hammer head caused by impact. The tendency of the elastic cords is to at least to partially cancel or neutralize and, therefore, dampen the natural vibrations of the hammer head.

Abstract: A striking tool such as a drywall hatchet for use in the installation of drywall panels in buildings and adapted for driving nails close to the junction of room surfaces, while minimizing damage to the panels, includes a head unit having a hammerhead portion, a medial body portion, and a blade portion. The hammerhead portion has a truncated disk-like configuration, providing a planar top marginal surface, and an arcuate side and bottom marginal surface extending around the hammerhead portion from one end of the top marginal surface to the opposite end thereof, and being convexly curved in the longitudinal direction of the head unit. The hammerhead portion has a convexly curved forwardly facing striking surface extending between the marginal surfaces, including a central milled area and a substantially smooth border completely therearound.