Fretz HMR-417 Miniature Precisionsmith Chasing Hammer

Fretz chasing hammers have quickly become the favorite of jewelers everywhere, as Fretz hammers are beautifully made and near functionally perfect as any hammer can be. The latest in the line of Fretz hammers, this new Fretz PrecisionSmith chasing hammer is scaled down version of the original Fretz chasing hammer.

While the original Fretz chasing hammer measures 8-1/2" long, the Fretz HMR-417 PrecisionSmith chasing hammer comes in at only 8-1/2" with a pistol grip about 40% thinner at 5/8” vs. 1-1/8” for the original. The PrecisionSmith handle is smaller all over, narrowing down to 3/8" at it thinnest compared to 1/2" on the other Fretz chasing hammers. We have seen thinner hammer handles like these only in one-of-a-kind custom made hammer handles, back when making your own hammer handle was a task that any jeweler in training had to accomplish during an apprenticeship. Made from select Paduck wood, these thinner handles are still tough and flexible enough to stand up to the type of fine detail chasing that these hammers are built for.

Like all Fretz hammers, the Fretz HMR-417 PrecisionSmith chasing hammer is made from highly polished 420 stainless steel and hardened to 50rc on the Rockwell scale. The slightly domed larger face measures 21.3mm across, while the smaller ball end comes in around 9.3mm (since all Fretz hammers are hand finished, these measurements will vary slightly from hammer to hammer).

Aspect	Specification
Brand	Fretz
Face Shape	Round
Face Sizes	21.3mm & 9.3mm dia.
Overall Length	8-1/2"
Head Length	50mm
Head Type	Chasing
Head Weight	1.8 oz. (51g)
Country of Origin	Vietnam