A good solid hammer is one of those essential must-have tools that should be in every handyman and woman’s toolbox. Whether you are doing some DIY renovations in and around your home, fixing a fence on your property, or making a cubby house for the kids, a good hammer will help you get the job done fast.
Although it is a simple tool, the humble hammer is quite versatile and can be used for a wide range of building and maintenance purposes. You can use it for basic maintenance such as driving in and removing nails and fasteners into wood and metal, assembling furniture, or hanging pictures.
A hammer can also be used for medium to heavy-duty complex construction purposes, such as fixing a chicken coop, building a house, installing or removing drywall, or demolition purposes.
As we are predominately talking about hammers that will be used for home-based maintenance and DIY projects, the most common types of hammers are the claw, framing, and ball pein.
The 8 Best Hammers
- Estwing Claw Hammer
- Mr. Pen Stubby Claw Hammer
- Craftsman Claw Hammer (Our Top Pick)
- TEKTON Ball Pein Hammer
- Stiletto TI-Bone Hammer
- Vaughan & Bushnell Framing Hammer
- Stanley FatMax Rip Claw Hammer
- Bastex Claw Hammer
Our Top Pick for the Best Hammer
Our top pick for the best hammer is the Craftsman Claw Hammer. There is a lot to love about this claw hammer. As well as its attractive red and black design, the Craftsman claw hammer is durable and very comfortable to use.
Although it is one of the lighter hammers at 16-ounces, it gives you the hammering power you need and good leverage to remove the most stubborn nails. The red color will make it a favorite tool of choice for busy DIY’ers or professional tradesmen who need to find their trusty hammer in their cluttered toolbox quickly.
Check the price on AmazonTypes of Hammers
Claw Hammer
A claw is used for general household maintenance such as hammering or removing nails or ripping down drywall.
As well as having a head that is used for hammering, the claw has a curved claw or two-pronged device on the other end that offers extra leverage for removing stubborn nails.
Framing Hammer
The framing hammer is ideal for carpentry tasks. It has a larger head and a longer handle, which maximizes its power to drive nails into hard wooden surfaces. The face of the hammer’s surface will either be smooth or textured. There will be a straight claw on the other end of the head that allows you to easily remove nails that are firmly embedded in tough pieces of wood.
Ball Pein Hammer
The ball pein is designed for driving out pins or setting rivets or shaping metal. These hammers have a rounded ball on one end and a flat striking face on the opposite end.
The ball pein is also used for hammering unhardened metalwork. So you can use it for working with sheet metal, and it is the ideal tool for artists who want to re-shape metal for their artworks.
How to Choose the Best Hammer
As the no.1 tool for the construction and carpentry trades and DIY enthusiasts, the best type of hammer is one that is well-constructed, well-balanced, and feels comfortable in your hand. To help you find the right type of hammer for your DIY and home maintenance tasks, here are 6 design features that you need to consider.
1. Size
All hammers, regardless of their modus operandi, are defined by the size of their head. If you are planning any light-duty carpentry or general maintenance chores around your home, hammers that weigh 7, 10, 12, or 13-ounces will be a good choice. For more advanced or heavy-duty carpentry, choose ones that weigh 16, 20, 22, or 24-ounces.
2. Head
As the head is the part of the hammer that is used to strike blows or hammer nails into all kinds of material, the head needs to be made out of durable material so that it can withstand a lot of impacts.
Some have their heads made out of forged steel, which allows them to deliver a strong striking force into tough materials such as wood and metal. Hammers that have heads that are made out of steel can be the cheaper option, but they may be heavier to use.
Hammers that are made from titanium can be more expensive. However, they allow you to swing it faster and produce less vibration when it makes contact with a surface.
The size of the head is also important and can help to minimize the vibrations that are felt when you are striking it against a hard surface.
A hammer that has a narrow head will deliver the striking force to a small area. So you will feel the vibrations more, while a broad or large head will spread the blow over a wider area, thereby minimizing the vibrations.
3. Face
The face is the flat or curved surface on the top of the head of the hammer. The surface of the face can be textured or smooth, and the shape of the face can be flat or curved. A hammer that has a smooth face and a flat shape is best for general home maintenance tasks because it will minimize any damage to surfaces.
Some framing carpenters prefer a textured or “checkered face” as it will not slip off the nail as much as a smooth-faced hammer can.
4. Handle
The quality of the hammer and its level of comfortability is also determined by the material that the handle is made out of.
If you are looking for a lightweight hammer for light-duty maintenance work, then a fiberglass one is a good choice. Some are made from wood that gives it a solid feel in your hands, while others are made from titanium.
Titanium is heavier than fiberglass. However, this type of material is very strong and it is the best choice for heavy-duty construction tasks and the professional tradesman.
If you have ever used a hammer, the first thing that will stand out is the amount of vibration that can be felt when it strikes a hard surface. The design or length of it will reduce the vibrations and therefore increase the level of comfortability.
Hammers that have shorter handles give you better control and are especially useful for working in tight spots. However, one with a longer handle will give you more striking power.
Steel handles may not absorb vibrations very well, while wood handles can absorb a lot of the vibration.
Fiberglass handles are the best at absorbing vibration, but they can be the more expensive option. Some manufacturers design their hammers with Shock Reduction Grip® nylon vinyl that is molded to the hand or Antivibe technology that minimizes any vibrations upon impact with hard surfaces.
The shape of the handle can also help to minimize vibrations such as the Craftsman Claw Hammer that has a fiberglass contoured handle.
5. Nail starter
A nail starter is a very handy feature to have, especially when you need to position a nail on a slippery surface, which can be frustrating. Some hammers have a magnetic head and a special groove that allows you to hold a nail in place so that you can hold it over your head and drive the nail in with only one hand.
6. Non-slip Handle
How a hammer feels in your hand is also important. A non-slip handle allows you to maintain a firm grip on the it so it will not slip out of your hand while you are hammering or pulling out a nail.
Some manufacturers use a poly jacket grip handle or a rubberized grip sleeve that makes the hammer easy to hold, which is especially important if you are going to be working long hours in your workshop.
8 Best Hammers – Reviews
1. Estwing Claw Hammer
The simple things in life are always the best. With its simple, classic design, sturdy construction, and a high level of comfortability, the Estwing Claw Hammer is a ‘must-have’ tool for all renovation enthusiasts.
Estwing is known for its high-quality range of hammers, so you can be assured of its excellent all-around performance and long-term durability.
It is made from strong all-steel construction and the grip area has Shock Reduction Grip® nylon vinyl that is molded to the 13-inches steel handle, so it will feel comfortable in your hand and minimize any vibrations upon impact with hard surfaces.
As the hammer is one of the lighter ones on the market, weighing at 10½-ounces, it is very well balanced and it will not slip out of your hands while you are pounding a nail into a wall or fence paling.
The thin neck has a slight diamond shape to it, but even though it features a slimline design, the head and handle are fully polished and forged in one piece, which creates a sturdy tool that is ideal for small and large DIY projects.
It provides you a good hammering performance as Estwing’s standard-sized smooth face (1-inch diameter), allows you to keep your eye on small nails or screws. The steep curve of the claw gives you good leverage when you need to pull out stubborn nails.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- High-quality design
- Well balanced
- Sturdy steel construction
- Shock Reduction Grip® nylon vinyl
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Expensive
2. Mr. Pen Stubby Claw Hammer
It might be small and lightweight at just 8-ounces, but the Mr. Pen Stubby Claw Hammer is tough, so if you have to work in a tight space and need a strong, reliable hammer to get all of your DIY jobs done, the Mr. Pen hammer is the right tool for you.
Mr. Pen has designed a durable hammer that is great to work with and has a lot of very handy features that will make your renovations or home maintenance tasks super easy. The stubby handle on this sturdy claw hammer makes it a great choice for those moments when you have to work in a confined space.
Although it is smaller than most claw hammers, it can still deliver some powerful blows and nail-pulling leverage, which means it can easily tackle most regular household tasks.
The hammer’s head and claw are made from durable drop-forged and heat-treated steel alloy and the contoured ergonomic handle has a soft non-slip black/yellow plastic grip, which allows you to maintain a strong grip on the tool.
For easy one-handed use, the built-in magnetic nail holder allows you to place a nail into the groove so that the nail is held securely in place. What a nifty idea!
The Mr. Pen hammer is just over 6-inches long and it will fit easily into your toolbox, kitchen drawer, or in the glove compartment so you will always have a hammer on hand at home or the campsite.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Extremely affordable
- Well balanced
- Ideal for working in small, confined spaces
- Made from durable drop-forged, heat-treated steel
- Comfortable handle
- Magnetic nail holder
Cons
- Steel can rust if it is not dried after use in wet conditions
- Not ideal for heavy-duty projects
3. Craftsman Claw Hammer
The very stylish red and black Craftsman Claw Hammer is destined to become a favorite tool for DIY home renovation enthusiasts.
If you need to do light-duty renovations, general home maintenance such as hanging pictures, or performing small repairs around the farm, the Craftsman claw hammer will help you to get your jobs done easily. It features an improved design and it is lightweight at 16-ounces and measures just 12-inches in length.
The rubberized slip-resistant over-mold grip makes the hammer very comfortable to hold and the curved claw gives you good leverage when you need to pull out stubborn nails.
Its good-sized solid steel head delivers the powerful blows you need to drive nails into hardwood. The curved fiberglass handle has an added protective portion where most fiberglass hammers break. This unique design feature helps to protect against overstriking and gives the hammer added durability for frequent use.
The bright red color makes it stand out, so you will not have to go rummaging through your toolbox to find it. Plus its lighter weight makes it easy to store or carry around your worksite or garden.
Craftsman offers a lifetime warranty on the claw hammer and as the price is extremely affordable, it is very good value for money.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Very affordable
- Ideal for DIY enthusiasts and carpenters
- Comfortable rubberized slip-resistant over-mold grip
- Good sized solid steelhead
- Fiberglass handle absorbs vibrations well and provides overstrike protection
- Stylish black and bright red design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
4. TEKTON Ball Pein Hammer
If you have any light-duty metalwork jobs around your home, the TEKTON Ball Pein Hammer will deliver an accurate strike every time.
The TEKTON is made from strong but lightweight high-strength fiberglass and the handle is covered with a non-slip poly jacket grip, which gives you a good strong grip and helps to absorb any shock from impact.
The permanent head-to-handle epoxy bond helps to keep the head of the hammer firmly attached to the handle.
The smoothly rounded ball and flat pein are made from strong forged, polished steel that allows you to shape and hammer sheet metal to a precise degree, and as it weighs 16-ounces and measures at 13-inches long, you can maintain control over the tool, which is especially useful if you want to use it for small pieces of metal.
TEKTON also makes a 8, 12, 24, 32, and 48-ounce ball pein hammer.
Pros
- Good quality
- Ideal for light-duty metalwork
- Very good price
- Non-slip handle
- Lightweight
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty metalwork
5. Stiletto TI-Bone Hammer
The US-based Stiletto Tool Company has been making high-quality hand tools since 1849 and their premium TI-Bone Hammer is a prime example of its dedication to innovative professional-style tools that deliver a superb working performance.
Whether you are fixing a fence on your farm, working with concrete, building a scaffold, or organizing metal stud framing in your new home, the TI-Bone 15-ounces hammer is 45% lighter than other similar models, but it can still deliver a powerful blow every time.
Whatever kind of renovation work you need to do, the Stiletto is a very easy and comfortable tool to work with. The hammer’s handle is made from super strong titanium and the contoured curved black rubber grip and well-balanced titanium head can reduce any arm fatigue.
Stiletto has added some innovative features that make any challenging maintenance work easy to perform such as the magnetic nail starter, the side nail puller that can pull out even the largest of nails in one 180° motion, and the milled waffle-head that can be changed out for a smooth face head.
Pros
- High quality
- Ideal for heavy-duty construction work
- Superb titanium construction
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Can be used for domestic and professional use
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
6. Vaughan & Bushnell Framing Hammer
With over 147 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality tools, Vaughan & Bushnell has expertly crafted its Framing Hammer.
You are guaranteed a solid working performance from this hammer as it features a beautiful polished white hickory handle and the American high-carbon steel head is heat-treated, which makes this durable hammer a great choice for any home-based DIY enthusiasts.
So whether you are driving in or removing nails, or doing any construction work, the solid extra-large crowned striking face delivers strong, accurate blows and the straight claw allows you to easily remove nails that are firmly embedded in tough pieces of wood.
It is well-balanced and the 16-inches handle is triple wedged, which makes it feel comfortable in your hand and gives you a good, secure grip.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for moderate-level framing tasks
- Beautifully polished hickory handle
- Powerful
- Drives nails in very well
- Delivers accurate blows
- Professional style
- Well balanced
- Very comfortable to work with
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty framing
7. Stanley FatMax Rip Claw Hammer
If you are looking for a hammer that delivers an accurate blow in just one swing, then look no further than the Stanley FatMax Rip Claw Hammer.
The 22-ounces hammer features a new design with its one-piece forged steel construction, which makes it a super strong tool that can power its way through even the toughest of DIY framing projects.
As well as being a high performer with an excellent ability to deliver strong, accurate blows from the large strike face that is 75% bigger than other similar models, the FatMax Xtreme Framing Hammer has a lot of ergonomic features that make it very easy to use, especially if you are going to be working long hours.
The non-slip rubberized sleeve gives you a firm grip on it and the patented integrated torsion control grip technology reduces the damaging effects of torque on wrists and elbows, and the patented AntiVibe technology minimizes vibration and shock on impact.
There is the magnetic nail starter feature that gives you an extended reach and one-handed nailing capability. Its checkered face design on the head increases that much-needed control and accuracy when you need to drive nails into the toughest wood material such as hardwood.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Excellent framing hammer
- Good weight and balance
- Delivers accurate and powerful blows
- Large striking face
- Integrated torsion control grip technology
- Comfortable to use
- AntiVibe technology
- Magnetic nail start
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hammer may not look exactly like the advertised image
8. Bastex Claw Hammer
If you are looking for a claw hammer that is durable and dependable and is available at a great price, then look no further than the Bastex Claw Hammer.
This sturdy hammer is the ideal tool for all kinds of household maintenance or DIY projects. Its fiberglass construction is sealed with an impact-resistant poly jacket and permanent head-to-handle epoxy bond, so the Bastex can handle even the toughest of jobs.
The sharpened curved claw creates maximum nail-pulling leverage, which makes it very easy to pull out even the toughest of nails, without damaging the claw.
For easy maneuverability, the Bastex weighs 16-ounces and it is well balanced, which makes it easy to swing and the non-slip rubberized shock-resistant 11-inches handle allows you to maintain a good grip and minimizes any strain or fatigue to your hand or arms.
The smartly designed bright yellow and black Bastex is designed with a sharply curved claw, which provides maximum leverage so that you do not have to struggle to remove stubborn, hard-to-remove nails.
With a simple but exceptional design and high-quality working performance, the Bastex is destined for the next new addition to your toolbox. Bastex offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month replacement warranty.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Very good quality
- Ideal for all kinds of small-medium sized DIY projects
- Durable fiberglass construction
- Impact-resistant
- Sharp claw provides maximum leverage
- Well balanced
- High precision striking ability
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
Our Top Pick for the Best Hammer
Our top pick for the best hammer is the Craftsman Claw Hammer. There is a lot to love about this claw hammer. As well as its attractive red and black design, the Craftsman claw hammer is durable and very comfortable to use.
Although it is one of the lighter hammers at 16-ounces, it gives you the hammering power you need and good leverage to remove the most stubborn nails. The red color will make it a favorite tool of choice for busy DIY’ers or professional tradesmen who need to find their trusty hammer in their cluttered toolbox quickly.
Check the price on Amazon
