A hammer-installed press-fit header is a viable way to add GPIO pins to a compatible Raspberry Pi Zero or pHAT without soldering—but it is not a universal fit or a maintenance-free shortcut. Use the installation jig and a well-supported work surface, and treat the available durability evidence as a short test rather than proof of years of service.
What hammer headers are—and what they fit
Hammer headers are press-fit GPIO connectors. Retaining features on the pins grip the printed circuit board (PCB) holes, so installation does not require solder. Pimoroni offers male and female headers, including a kit option with both styles and an acrylic installation jig. Its product listing describes the headers for Pi Zero or pHAT use.
Fit depends on the board footprint and the connector the attached add-on needs. Adafruit lists its male 2×20 header for Pi Zero, Bonnet, HAT, or pHAT use, but that is not evidence that every Raspberry Pi board or add-on is compatible. Check the exact board’s hole pattern and the HAT or pHAT’s required connector style before buying. Adafruit’s male header listing also cautions that fitting the male version can be tricky without the jig.
How installation works
Use the acrylic jig made for the header, especially for a male header. Pimoroni strongly recommends it, and warns that careless installation can damage the Pi, pHAT, fingers, or headers. The jig helps keep the header aligned as you press it into the board.
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- Assemble the jig according to its instructions, using the supplied base pieces, bolts, nuts, and top piece.
- Support the board. Place the Pi Zero securely in the jig on a sturdy, stable, well-supported surface.
- Orient the header. Adafruit’s guide directs users to place the header with the longer pin ends pointing upward, then position the top acrylic piece over the pins.
- Tap gently and alternate. Work back and forth across the top piece so the header seats evenly. Driving one end all the way down first can bend pins elsewhere in the row.
- Stop when firmly seated. Do not keep striking the jig after the header is in place. Adafruit’s instruction is: “Do NOT hammer your headers too hard.”
Adafruit’s installation guide was last edited August 29, 2017. Consult the current instructions from the header maker for the specific kit you have, since included parts and fitting guidance may vary. The guide reports slight PCB flex as a concern during fitting; work carefully and avoid unnecessary force.
What the independent test established
In a review published January 16, 2017, Jenny List at Hackaday installed a hammer header on one Pi Zero. After fitting, the pins felt seated and immobile. A small Python script toggled GPIO to create a square wave, and the available GPIO pins worked in that check.
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List then connected and disconnected a GertVGA board more than 100 times. The header remained rigidly attached, and the GPIO check still worked afterward. That is useful evidence that the tested installation survived repeated use over an evening; it is not a standardized lifecycle test, and it says nothing conclusive about reliability over years. List specifically left open whether sustained pin pressure might eventually relax or stretch the PCB holes. Read the full Hackaday review for the test details.
Press-fit or soldered: which makes sense?
| Consideration | Hammer-installed press-fit | Conventional soldered header |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | No soldering iron is needed; a compatible installation jig is strongly recommended. | Requires soldering tools. |
| Installation | Controlled, alternating taps on a well-supported board; alignment and restraint matter. | Requires soldering the pins to the board. |
| Potential fit for | Someone without soldering tools or who is not confident soldering, provided the board and header are compatible. | Someone who prefers soldering and has the tools and skills to do it. |
| Durability evidence here | One Pi Zero installation and more than 100 GertVGA connection/disconnection cycles in Jenny List’s 2017 test; no multi-year observation. | No comparative durability test was reported in that review. |
List said soldering would probably remain her personal preference, while describing the press-fit pins as a viable alternative. The practical choice turns on your tools, confidence, desired installation method, and willingness to fit the header carefully; the short test does not establish that either approach lasts longer.
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Price and availability
Hackaday reported a historical 2017 price of £6 (about $7.50) for a kit that included male and female headers and the jig. That is not a current price. Pimoroni’s listing is the relevant place to check current product details, availability, and included accessories; confirm regional stock and board fit before ordering.
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