Reflex hammers comprise numerous parts to perform accurate and efficient reflex tests and assessments.
These include the hammer’s head, locking mechanism, and handle.
However, some designs also feature accessory components for additional testing and observation.
The number of parts/components it comprises varies depending on the tool.
With that said, these devices only comprise two to four parts in most cases.
Finally, there’s a wide diversity of popular reflex hammers sold today.
Therefore, it’s essential to identify its design to determine the style and practicality of the device.
The following section provides comprehensive information on the various pieces that make up a reflex hammer.
It covers the various heads, locking systems, handles, and accessories commonly found in these tools.
Taylor/Tomahawk Head
The Taylor/Tomahawk head is perhaps the most popular and used design for making reflex hammers.
This head is shaped like a triangular Tomahawk (as the name suggests) and features rounded ends designed to protect.
It’s essential for ensuring patient comfort when performing reflex checks.
The head comprises rubber material and frequently utilizes a metal/chrome-plated handle.
It’s typically fastened to the handle via an oval-shaped ergonomic base at the top.
However, it’s also attached through an insert on some models’ bottom of the head.
Queen Square/Babinski Head
The Queen Square/Babinski reflex hammer utilizes a circular chrome-plated head on top of the handle.
Fundamentally, the design resembles a disc sitting on a thin pole.
The rubber ring surrounding the chrome-plated head protects the patient during assessments and allows professionals to perform reflex checks without injury.
This tool commonly utilizes a long, thin metal, bamboo, or plastic handle for support and stability.
However, most modern devices no longer incorporate bamboo material in their design.
The queen square/Babinski reflex hammer also has additional features depending on the design.
It allows it to provide more utility when performing assessments and observations.
These features include a telescoping handle and locking system that provides an articulating/pivoting head for changing angles.
Finally, some manufacturers use the terms queen square and Babinski hammer interchangeably.
Alternatively, other sources refer to queen square and Bainski hammers as two distinct but similarly designed hammers.
In this case, the queen square hammer utilizes a different material for the handle than the Babinski model.
Because this is confusing, many sellers and manufacturers use the name interchangeably to describe a single tool.
However, these tools are incredibly similar in design to make things simple, if not identical.
Therefore, you should focus primarily on the reflex hammer’s material and construction when determining a suitable design.
Berliner Reflex Hammer
The Berliner neurological percussion hammer employs a semi-circular head design comprising a metal/stainless steel base.
It also includes a handle with a protective blunted rubber head.
The head resembles a miniature throwing ax, except the head is made of a safe rubber material.
It allows the hammer’s head to contact sensitive body parts such as the knee and elbow without causing pain.
With that said, it’s uncommon for medical professionals to use the Berliner design in the medical field.
Its more extensive rounded base doesn’t work as effectively for common reflex assessments as other hammers.
However, its unique design still provides medical use in certain situations.
Rossier Reflex Hammer
The Rossier reflex hammer is similar to the queen square and Babinski hammers in shape.
The queen square hammer is significantly more popular than the Rossier design.
One differentiating factor is that this hammer offers the most prominent head of circular-headed hammers.
As a result, its large shape isn’t applicable for specific applications.
This hammer operates via a thin plastic/metal handle for swinging and maneuverability like the other two designs.
Finally, Rossier reflex hammer model variations are scarce and harder to find because it’s uncommon in the medical field.
Tromner Reflex Hammer
The tromner reflex hammer is a two-headed hammer that resembles a mallet’s shape with a large and small head.
The two heads provide specified reflex testing.
The larger head performs tendon stretch reflex tests, and the smaller head evokes/identifies percussion myotonia.
This hammer can perform abdominal or other reflex assessment tests due to its well-sized protective rubber heads.
Finally, this tool uses a metal, plastic/polyethylene, or rubber coating handle with a thicker base at the bottom.
It allows for increased stability, balance, and handling.
Buck reflex hammer
The buck reflex hammer is similar to the Tromner reflex hammer in design.
However, its dual-headed design utilizes larger rounded heads for performing reflex assessments.
Because of the similarities, some companies may use the term Tromner and Buck hammer interchangeably.
Therefore, when looking for a Tromner reflex hammer or a buck-style head, you must keep that in mind.
Interestingly, some manufacturers may also refer to the buck hammer as a Babinski buck neurological reflex hammer.
In this case, they usually refer to the buck-style head and not the queen square-headed reflex hammer.
Reflex Hammer Pivot/Locking System
The pivoting locking system enables users to tilt the hammer’s head for different striking angles.
It makes it easier for healthcare specialists to perform specific tests that require precision striking in a particular direction.
The queen square/Babinski models primarily use the pivot locking system.
Most other reflex hammerheads do not utilize a pivot system.
Furthermore, some pivoting systems allow the head to be detachable or interchangeable via a twisting, screwing, or locking mechanism.
However, Taylor/Tomahawk reflex hammers usually feature a single-headed tool design with a permanently attached head.
Reflex Hammer Handle
The type of handle and the features offered by a reflex hammer varies depending on the design and model.
Reflex hammer handles comprise durable plastics, metal, rubber, and even bamboo textiles.
The handle’s lower base varies based on the reflex hammers’ design.
It can be thin for optimal versatility, thicker for better handling, or wide for improved precision striking.
The handle varies in length, and some devices feature a telescoping handle that allows it to adjust for specific scenarios.
However, many non-telescoping hammers feature a 7.5″ length.
Lastly, some reflex hammers come with a brush and needle at the lower end of the handle.
It allows for greater diversity and functionality of the tool.
In summary, a reflex hammer comprises the head, pivot/locking system, handle, brush, and needle (depending on the model).
Reflex Hammer Parts/Components Include:
- Head
- Pivot/Locking system
- Handle
- Brush and needle