Labor Day emerged in 1882 with a parade by the Carpenters Union in New York. Many states soon joined in and, in 1894, a law was signed making Labor Day a legal holiday and a day off for most. Perhaps it's because of those original carpenters that many people today pick up hammers for projects they've been putting off. For most jobs, the 16-ounce curved-claw carpenter's hammer works best. There are two types of faces for hammerheads. Corrugated hammers are used for rough framing. They grip nails better, but leave waffle marks. Smooth hammers reduce surface marks but bend nails easily. Pros rub smooth hammer faces on concrete to improve friction and reduce bending. Try it. Also a curved claw pulls nails out easier. While high-tech handles are popular today, we still like good old wood the best. And that's the On The House tip for today.