How many hammer hits does it take you to drive a nail? Habitat for Humanity International volunteers who lack experience initially use 16 to 30 strokes. But since a three-bedroom house constructed by this nonprofit home-building organization uses about 40,790 nails, the volunteers quickly learn how to hold a hammer more efficiently. “By the end of the day, you see them driving a nail in six to eight strokes,” says public-relations director Joedy Isert.

To set a nail in place, hold it midway up the handle and use light to medium taps from a six-inch distance. Paige Hemmis, a carpenter and designer on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, suggests placing the nail tip through the teeth of a comb.

Once the nail is set, choke down on your grip. The key to driving a nail efficiently is holding the hammer about two inches from the base. That grip will give you maximum swinging force, says Hemmis.