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12 Top Best Hammers for Home Handymen
Throughout our lives, we find there are certain things that are essential to our survival. While air, water, and food may be obvious, there is another item that we all need—a hammer. Now, you might be thinking that hammers are not a necessity to some people, but they really are, as this selection of the top best hammers showcases.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to perform routine maintenance on your house or looking to build a totally new home from scratch, you’re going to need a reliable hammer. So, whether you are a skilled carpenter, an all-American fix-it man, or bereft of any handyman skills, one tool that you need to cover all bases is a hammer.
As with anything in life, the quality of your trusty hammer matters. Some people claim that a hammer is a hammer, but we know better. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a hammer, including weight, balance, handle type, grip, and claw.
With so many different hammers on the market, finding “the one” can be difficult. To help you out, here’s a run down on the range array of hammers on the market and the ones we think are best suited to your home DIY projects, whether that’s installing a set of shelves or remodeling your basement bathroom.
Table of Contents
What To Consider When Choosing a Hammer
As briefly mentioned above, there are many options when it comes to buying a hammer. Things that need to be considered include the claw, face, and grip. While a basic claw hammer is a must, depending on the project you are working on, you may need a hammer with a textured face or one with a large and heavy head to knock through hard surfaces. At the end of the day, you want a hammer that feels good in your hand and does what you need it to, so take these factors into consideration.
Handle
There are three main types of hammer handles; steel, fiberglass, and wood. They all come in a variety of lengths and help to soften the blow when you are hammering away.
- Wood hammers have been around for centuries and are the most common type of hammer you’ll find at your local Home Depot. They absorb vibrations well and generally have strong handles and solid grips. Wood hammers are also light, meaning they are great for around the home, especially if you are banging in nails all day.
- Fiberglass hammers have similar qualities to wood hammers, with the major difference being they don’t splinter, so there is less chance of the handle breaking during use. They are also ideal for use outdoors as they can be used in any type of weather.
- Steel hammers are exceptionally durable but also the heaviest type of hammers on the market. They are best for demolition, such as knocking through a wall. The downside is due to the fact they are made of steel or other metals, the vibrations are much stronger than a wood or fiberglass hammer.
Face
There are two main types of hammer faces—smooth and milled. Both do the same job, but a milled (or waffled face) hammer has a textured face, meaning it grips the nail better. The downside is it will leave a mark on the surface of whatever you are hammering. For use around the home, a smooth hammer is recommended.
Claw
The claw is the top part of the hammer used for pulling out nails. While not every hammer has one—you won’t find one on a sledgehammer—claw hammers are most commonly sold at your local hardware store and are useful for home repairs. There are two basic types of claw hammers—curved claw and rip claw (also known as straight).
- Curved claw hammers are best for pulling out nails thanks to the curve of the claw. This allows better leverage and the ability to use the hammer in tight spaces.
- Rip or straight claw hammers have a straight head that is better for removing nails from large pieces of wood and are a favorite tool of demolition workers.
Grip
The grip is important so that the hammer you are using doesn’t suddenly fly out of your hands and through the closet window, giving you another thing to fix. Most wood handles come without a grip, due to wood being naturally grippy, while steel and fiberglass hammers commonly have a rubber grip attached. The aim of the grip is to absorb the vibrations while using the hammer while also making sure you can use it without fear of dropping it.
Length
Most hammers are between 14 to 18 inches long and come in a variety of different shapes with many uses. It can be hard to know what length you need, as it depends on the job, but generally speaking, 16 inches is a good middle ground.
Weight
Another important factor to consider when choosing your hammer is the weight. Too heavy and it will be a struggle to use and could cause injury, too light and you might not be able to nail anything. Most hammers weigh between 16 and 20 ounces, although there are some that are over 35 ounces, although these aren’t suitable for home use.
When it comes to picking the weight, it’s more down to personal preference. What you really need to take into consideration is balance. You don’t want the head to be heavy and the handle light or vice versa. As long as you can hold it evenly and swing it with ease, then you are on the money.
12 Top Best Hammers
Now that you know what to look for when picking a hammer, we’ve made the task even easier by collecting a section of hammers we think fit the bill. Whether hanging a painting or remodeling your living room, you’ll find a hammer for you below.
1. Estwing E3 16S 16 Oz Straight Claw Hammer
A favorite amongst tradies around the world, the Estwing E3 16S 16 Oz Straight Claw Hammer is easily one of the best hammers on the market. This hammer, which is a forged one-piece, is made from fully polished steel to provide you with extra strength during use.
The nylon-vinyl deep cushion grip allows maximum comfort while the smooth face is ideal for any type of work. At a whopping 13 inches long, this hammer makes an excellent addition to your toolbox and will come in handy for most DIY work. Even better, it’s reasonably priced (less than $30) and comes highly recommended by buyers.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Rip
- Face: Smoother
- Handle: Steel with rubber grip
2. Vaughan 21 Oz Milled Face Fiberglass Framer Hammer
This guy from Vaughan is made from 100% fiberglass and provides a great balance and more shock absorption than the typical hammer handle. As a standard practice, this hammer is created with an octagon neck and face and is fully polished for that sleek shine we love.
For a powerful finish, this hammer has an extra-large and crowned striking face so you never miss your target. The extra weight does mean the milled face can cause some damage, so best to use it on surfaces where it doesn’t matter if an imprint is left.
- Weight: 21 oz
- Claw: Rip
- Face: Millered
- Handle: Fiberglass
3. CRAFTSMAN Hammer Fiberglass 16 Oz
This no-frills hammer from Craftsman does what it says on the box: hammer. Lightweight and easy to swing, it’s the ideal tool for around the home, whether you’re knocking in or pulling out nails. The hammer overstrike protection for added durability and an ergonomic handle making it easy to grip. The red and black color scheme is also pretty cool and gives this hammer a stylish look.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Fiberglass with rubber grip
4. Edward Tools 16 Oz Oak Claw Hammer
If you’re a bit of a traditionalist and want to get yourself a wooden hammer like your grandfather once had, look no further. This wood handle number from Edward Tools might look basic but is a quality tool backed by a lifetime warranty.
The etched wooden handle is easy to grip and the vibration levels are low, meaning you can hammer away all day without worry. The curved claw also comes in handy for removing nails while the forged carbon steel head means your nails will stay hammered.
Not that it matters, but Edward Tools Oak Claw Hammer has rave reviews from Amazon customers where it has a 4.8-star rating and loads of positive comments.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Wood
5. STANLEY FatMax Rip Claw Hammer
Working with our arms causes stress, but this hammer from Stanley helps make the day more fun and less tedious. Stanley created this hammer with a unique and patented technology that reduces those tiring effects on our wrists and elbows when you’re hammering nails all day.
This hammer has a one-piece forged construction—meaning increased strength and durability—and an all-new anti-vibration rubber grip for better comfort and stronger grip. The face is also 75% larger than most hammers, delivering improved striking precision.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Rip
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Steel with rubber grip
6. Stiletto FH10 C 10 Oz Titanium Finish Hammer
This next instrument from Stiletto only weighs 10 ounces, but drives power like a 16-ounce hammer! Forged from titanium and designed for precision nail driving, this sturdy hammer has a seriously reduced recoil shock compared to those made of steel. The curved claw handle fits comfortably in your hand, making it fantastic for any project you have in mind.
The only thing that might give you pause is the price, but Stiletto is a trusted brand known for manufacturing top-quality tools, so you know you are getting your money’s worth. So if you’re looking for a hammer that is lightweight but packs a powerful punch, this is the one for you.
- Weight: 10 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Wood
7. Stalwart 75-HT3000 16 Oz Natural Hardwood Claw
One thing you’ll find with hammers is that they often have fairly basic designs. Don’t let that fool you into thinking they aren’t up to standard. This nifty claw hammer from Stalwart has a simple look but is a fantastic nail-driving hammer great for home handy people or those with limited DIY skills.
The fiberglass handle is durable and made to last with a cushioned grip that makes it easy to wield. At 13 inches long, it’s much shorter than your average hammer, but this means it’s easy to store and won’t get in the way if hanging from your toolbelt. A fantastic addition to any toolbox.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Fiberglass with rubber grip
8. Fiskars Pro IsoCore 28 Oz Milled-Face Framing Hammer
Framing hammers are generally heavy-duty with a straight claw and are best used for jobs requiring a bit of brute force. This framing hammer from Fiskars is a great tool that comes with the company’s patented IsoCore™ Shock Control System that helps absorb strike shock and vibration so you aren’t left with sore arms or aching muscles.
The Fiskars Pro IsoCore also comes with a dual-layer handle, rust-resistant coating, and magnetic nail starter, allowing you greater accuracy and penetration when nailing. This Finish brand also offers a lifetime warranty, which is an added bonus.
- Weight: 28 oz
- Claw: Rip
- Face: Milled
- Handle: Steel with rubber grip
9. ESTWING Ultra Series 19 Oz Rip Claw Framer Hammer With Milled Face
Another great hammer from Estwing, this particular tool is engineered to be both lighter and stronger. With professionals in mind, this 19-ounce hammer is forged in one piece, making it a powerful and durable striking tool.
This rip claw hammer also features a magnetic nail starter for accuracy and a rip claw that can be used not only to pull nails free but also to pry boards and split wood, amongst other uses. Made from alloy steel with a shock-reduction grip and black finish, this hammer not only does the job but will make you look good while hammering away.
- Weight: 19 oz
- Claw: Rip
- Face: Milled
- Handle: Alloy steel with rubber grip
10. DEWALT 14 Oz MIG-Weld Framing Hammer
Trusted tool brands don’t come more highly recommended than DEWALT. Created by Raymond DeWalt in 1922, the company has grown into one of the leading tools, accessories, and service brands, supplying equipment to millions around the world. With a slogan that proclaims; “We are DEWALT, and we are guaranteed tough,” it’s no surprise they have a range of high-quality hammers on offer.
One of our favorites is this 14-ounce steel hammer designed for durability and effectiveness. Although it only weighs 14 ounces, it has the power of a 28-ounce hammer, making it versatile for a wide range of jobs. It also comes with a magnetic nail starter and a vibration-absorbing grip.
- Weight: 14 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Steel with rubber grip
11. EFFICERE 8 Oz Stubby Claw Hammer
If you are working in a tight space or prefer a super lightweight hammer, look no further than this stubby claw hammer EFFICERE. Weighing just 8 ounces with an alloy steel hammer head, this black and yellow fiberglass handle hammer has an ergonomic grip and a sharpened claw for pulling out those tough-to-extract nails.
Due to its size, this hammer does lack strength and does create greater vibrations than large options, but it still makes for a great hammer to have around the home. It also features a magnetic nail holder and a non-slip grip handle.
- Weight: 8 oz
- Claw: Curved
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Fiberglass with rubber grip
12. TarrKenn GRIP 16 Oz Ball Peen Hammer
While not for everyday use, a ball peen hammer can come in handy if you need to make an impact on a metal surface. This type of hammer is made for smashing, straightening, or sharpening metal surfaces. They come with two heads, one flat and one rounded, and are often found in metal shops and auto wreckers.
This ball peen hammer from TarrKenn has heat-treated heads for maximum impact, a fiberglass handle for strength and durability, and a cushioned grip. This a sturdy and well-balanced hammer that’s also well-priced.
- Weight: 16 oz
- Claw: Ball peen
- Face: Smooth
- Handle: Fiberglass with rubber grip
See more about - 10 Best Multitools
Hammer FAQS
What is the difference between a framing hammer and a regular claw hammer?
A framing hammer and a regular claw hammer differ primarily in their intended use and design. Framing hammers are larger and heavier, designed for heavy-duty tasks like framing houses or construction work. They often have longer handles for increased leverage and a larger striking face for driving large nails or spikes. In contrast, a regular claw hammer is a versatile tool suitable for various carpentry and household tasks, featuring a curved claw for nail removal and a flat face for driving nails with precision.
What should I look for when choosing a claw hammer for general household use?
When selecting a claw hammer for general household use, consider factors like the weight and balance that feel comfortable to you. Choose a hammer with a handle material that suits your preferences, whether it’s wood for a traditional feel or fiberglass for durability. Opt for a hammer with a claw that suits your primary needs—curved claws are versatile, while straight claws are better for prying. Finally, ensure the hammer’s face meets your requirements, whether you need a standard flat face or a milled face for better grip.
How can I minimize hand fatigue while using a hammer for extended periods?
To reduce hand fatigue when using a hammer for extended periods, consider using an anti-vibration hammer. These hammers are designed with features to absorb and reduce the impact and vibrations transferred to your hand and arm during each strike. Additionally, using proper grip techniques, taking short breaks, and using a hammer with an ergonomic handle can help minimize hand and wrist strain.
