Equipment:

Function generator, counter/timer, hammer with banana wire, oscilloscope (optional)

Location:

Function generator	Set 1	Cabinet 2	Shelf 5
Counter/timer	Set 4	Cabinet 1	Shelf 3
Hammer with wire	Set 4	Cabinet 1	Shelf 3
Oscilloscope	Set 20	Cabinet 1	Shelf 4

Procedure:

The average force between a hammer and a nail are estimated by measuring the contact time. A vise can also be used to estimate the force necessary to advance the nail into a board.

Setup:

Connect the function generator, hammer and counter/timer as shown. 

Use ΔT₁ and Mode: Count on the function generator, and press the Start button before striking the nail with the hammer.  You should get a count of about 20 when using a frequency of 10 kHz.

Alternatively, replace the counter/timer with an oscilloscope.  For the Tektronix TDS 210 shown:

Press the Aquire button, and choose Peak detect

Press the Trigger button, and choose Mode - Single

Press the RUN/STOP to displace Ready at the top of the readout.

Hit the nail with the hammer.