Stone working tool having multiple striking edges on reversible-replaceable plates

The invention relates to hand tools, and specifically concerns a hammer for shaping stone and masonry by manually striking the stone to break away material at the surface. Multiple working tool edges are provided by plates that are replaceably mounted, preferably on each of two opposite striking faces on the tool. Each plate can be re-oriented on the tool, for placing a fresh edge in a selected exposed position for use. Each plate also can be reversed for moving a fresh set of edges from a protected side to an exposed side of that plate. A stone hammer having a weighted head has detachably rotatable and reversible faceplates defining striking edges on opposite ends of the head. The edges of the faceplates define cutting edges for trimming stone and the like. As a striking edge becomes worn, another striking edge can be selected by repositioning the faceplate. A striking edge may be selected by rotating a faceplate, individually reversing a faceplate, replacing a faceplate, striking with an opposing end or different edge of the hammer, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the faceplates are attached by a symmetrical pattern of bolts disposed in the faceplates. A worn striking edge is replaced by unbolting the faceplate and either flipping the faceplate over, or replacing the worn faceplate with a new faceplate having fresh, sharp edges.