Hammers & Hardies

Using a hammer and hardie is significantly easier on your arms and hands than using a nippers. Cutting with a nippers depends on the strength in your lower arm and hand, and overuse can lead to soreness. The hammer and hardie use upper arm muscles and much of the work is done by the weight of the hammer. Learning to use a hammer and hardie requires practice, but once you have mastered the technique, you will much prefer this method.

For cutting smalti, use carbide tools.
For cutting stone, use steel tools.
For cutting smalti and stone, use a carbide hammer and steel hardie.
Hammers and hardies are also available as sets.

For more information on correct cutting methods using hammers and hardies, please refer to the book "Making Mosaics" by Angelo Cangemi.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: To avoid possible eye injury from glass and stone chips, wear safety glasses at all times when cutting smalti and stone.