Guide
Bands changed with a coin.
The Hammer XT head holds its bands with FlipClip X. Loosen, swap, tighten, shoot. All it takes is a coin.
How do you change bands on a Hammer XT? Loosen the slotted screw on each FlipClip X with a coin or a pocket knife, take out the old band, push the new band all the way into the clip, hold the clip firm and tighten until it is snug. Brass thumb screws, sold separately, let you do it by hand.
What am I working with?
FlipClip X is a pair of identical machined aluminum band clips, one on each fork tip of the Hammer XT head. Each clip has a large slotted screw. A coin or the tip of a pocket knife turns it, so there is no driver to hunt for, and you can band up wherever you are.
It clamps down hard. FlipClip X holds the thickest flatbands the XT head is built for, and it handles flatbands and looped tubes, over the top or through the forks.
Two ways to skip the coin:
Brass thumb screws
They replace the slotted screws on FlipClip X, so you can swap bands by hand. One inch long, solid brass. Sold separately.
Flat-head bit keychain
A quick-release flat-head bit made for band changes on FlipClip slingshots, the Hammer included.
How do I change the bands?
- Loosen. Turn the screw on each clip with a coin or a pocket knife, or by hand if you have fitted the thumb screws.
- Remove. Take out the old band and look the clip over for grit or debris.
- Set. Line the clip up for over the top or through the forks, push the new band all the way into the clip and hold the clip firmly so the band stays put.
- Tighten. Start the screw straight so it does not cross-thread, then tighten until it is snug. No need to over-tighten, and take care not to pinch the band.
- Check. Give the bands a gentle pull or two and make sure both sides sit even before you shoot.
The Hammer manual has photos of each step.
“These are great. They are so easy to use they are a must.” John M.
“I purchased these XT Thumb Screws for my Hammer XT. This allows me to easily install bands without additional tools.” Anthony T.
Over the top or through the forks?
FlipClip X sets up for either of two band routes:
- Over the top (OTT). The bands run over the top of the fork tips.
- Through the forks (TTF). The bands run through the gap between the forks.
The XT head and FlipClip X do both, and the fork tips are 27 mm wide either way. Shooters tend to pick a side and stick with it. On the Hammer you can try both on the same head and keep the one that feels right.
Which bands match which ammo?
Every Hammer kit ships with two flatband sets, one matched to 3/8 inch steel and one matched to clay, with a sample of each ammo. Run the set that matches the ammo in your pouch. If the pouch stings your hand on release, that is hand slap, and it is the sign of bands and ammo that are not matched.
Going heavier? The XT head is built for very wide flatbands. Heavy bands and the wrist brace covers that setup. The slingbow tubes use a ball-in-tube attachment instead of FlipClip X, covered in shooting arrows from a slingshot.
“It’s great - less pull on my wrist and easy to change the bands” Stephen H.
How do I look after my bands?
- Check them before every session. Replace any band that shows a nick, a crack, a stiff spot or a stretched-out section.
- Store spares somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sun. Heat and sunlight wear rubber down.
- Do not dry fire. Drawing and releasing with an empty pouch can damage bands.
Lost or worn clips are easy to replace: FlipClip X is sold as a pair of identical clips.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What tool do I need to change Hammer bands?
A coin or a pocket knife. The large slotted screw on FlipClip X takes either one. Brass thumb screws, sold separately, replace the slotted screws so you can swap bands by hand.
Can the Hammer XT shoot over the top and through the forks?
Yes. The XT head and FlipClip X handle both. The fork tips are 27 mm wide for either style.
What bands fit the Hammer XT head?
Flatbands and looped tubes, including very wide flatbands. The slingbow tubes use their own ball-in-tube attachment.
Do the Hammer thumb screws fit the Torque?
SimpleShot makes them for the FlipClip X on the Hammer XT. For any other frame, ask info@simple-shot.com before you buy.
