Using hammer where duct stretcher or clamp is needed

If alignment needs control, use the right clamp, duct stretcher, vise grips, or alignment tool instead of beating the joint with a hammer.

Stop if

• Do you want a duct stretcher/clamp here, or is this piece wrong/damaged?

Watch out

• Do not hammer a duct joint into place when the problem is alignment, wrong part, or damaged material.

Check

• Identify why the joint will not line up.
• Check if metal is bent, wrong size, or out of square.
• Use clamps/duct stretcher where appropriate.
• Protect flanges/finished edges.
• Ask before forcing a bad joint closed.

Steps

• Identify why the joint will not line up.
• Check if metal is bent, wrong size, or out of square.
• Use clamps/duct stretcher where appropriate.
• Protect flanges/finished edges.
• Ask before forcing a bad joint closed.

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