Sledgehammer
 20-pound (9.1 kg) and 10-pound (4.5 kg) sledgehammers | |
| Classification | Hand tool; Improvised weapon |
|---|---|
| Used with | Wedge; hammer wrench |
| Related | War hammer |
A sledgehammer or sledge is a tool with a flat, massive, often metal head, attached to a long wooden or solid handle. Its long handle and heavy head allow the sledgehammer to pick up momentum during a swing and apply a large force compared to hammers designed to drive nails. Along with the mallet, it can distribute force over a wide area. This is in contrast to other types of hammers, which concentrate force in a relatively small area.