What is a Treadle Hammer?

A treadle hammer is a ‘mechanical pile-driver’ that hammers metal by pressing a lever down with your foot! The treadle hammer requires zero electricity, air, or hydraulic power. It’s just you and the work.

Commonly used by blacksmiths, the treadle hammer is uniquely advantageous when working alone. Using your leg, you can hold and manipulate the metal being worked with both hands. This allows better control and eliminates the need for a striker. (A striker is a second person who uses a sledge or large hammer to hit the steal while you adjust it as necessary)

Treadle Hammers are still available used and new, however many smiths fabricate and build their own. A general knowledge of metalwork and welding is required to make your own. Lead is commonly used to weight the striking portion of the hammer, and springs apply sufficient tension as to raise the hammer back to striking position following each press of the foot lever.

There are many different dies one can use with the treadle hammer to include, flat and fullering dies, and the lower anvil usually has a centered hardy hole which allows common hardy attachments like the Smithin Magician.

There are several variants of the treadle hammer. The main difference is how the upper hammer strikes. The older and more common type has an upper-hammer that hinges on the rear frame and travels vertically in a slight arc. The second and newer type has a weighted hammer that slides vertically up and down in a straight path. Both are effective.