24/7 Buhr

Sledgehammer. One of the simplest tools ever invented by mankind. It performs one of the simplest tasks of mankind. . . . Smashing.

Harkening back to Norse mythology, the Germanic Hero Thor wielded his sledgehammer called Mjöllnir ( don't ask how to pronounce it) with might and precision. It was the equivalent of Excalibur to Arthur.

Today, I use a sledgehammer, although not in the epic proportions of the no-necked norsemen of old. In the tent business, a sledgehammer comes in mighty handy when pounding stubborn stakes into the unforgiving ground. As a professional sledgehammer user, I would like to share some of my insight on the subject with you.

First off, you must choose your weapon wisely. It's all in the weight of the head. Some prefer the tiny 8-pound head, while others the massive 16-pounder.

The type of sledge you choose often reflects the style with which you will swing.

There are the number of styles:

• Rookie--Random, inaccurate, powerless swings. Few stakes are pounded and many a sledge is broken with this style, but hey, you have to start somewhere.
• Slow and Steady-- Moderately high swings that are usually accurate. Although you wont win in the sledging race, you are sure to keep a consistent pace and will usually not break the sledgehammer.
• Maniac-- This style is characterized by short swings that are repeated very quickly. Each swing may not pack that much of a punch, but the sheer amount of swings produces quick and efficient results
• Around the world-- My personal favorite. This style is not always the most accurate, but it is definitely the most effective. Although difficult to master, the around the world swing beats all in my opinion. Swinging the sledge as high as possible, letting it fall while pulling it toward the stake, and connecting at last with the head of the iron beast is truly what sledging is all about. Few people ever master this style, but when they do, you can tell.

So the next time you are watching your average sledgehammer user, remember this segment. Appreciate all the complexities of one of the simplest tools on earth.