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Hammers are not the jewels of the toolkit – they are neither expensive nor glamorous. Even though hammers are not as expensive as other tools, their necessity and use is unmatched. And so, a hammer’s functionality is everything to professionals and even downright starters.
When you’re investing in a hammer, choosing the most inexpensive or simplest option is not the way to go. Since tool technology has evolved over the years, so has the simple hammer. We now have claw hammers, steel hammers, metal handled hammers, and the old wood handled hammers – all of which serve different needs.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to go through them all. We have everything you will need in our guide, from the types of hammers to the detailed buyer’s guide. So, keep reading!
Best Buy Hammers
Uncover the best hammers with our detailed reviews, exploration of technical specifications, and a balanced analysis of pros and cons. Nail down the perfect tool for durability, precision, and overall performance. Choose confidently from our curated list to tackle any project with the right balance of power and finesse in 2024.
A versatile and durable choice, the DIY Doctor Claw Hammer excels in various tasks. Offering a perfect blend of precision and power, it’s the go-to hammer for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Experience exceptional value without compromising quality with the CRAFTSMAN Fiberglass Hammer. Weighing 16 oz., it provides a cost-effective solution for your hammering needs, delivering reliable performance on a budget.
Ideal for lighter tasks, the Ox Tools Pro Claw Hammer, at 16 ounces, ensures precision without sacrificing efficiency. Perfect for intricate work, this hammer is a lightweight yet powerful addition to your toolkit.
Take on heavy-duty projects with confidence using the Stanley Fiberglass Curved Claw Hammer. With a robust 20 oz. build and a curved claw, it’s designed to handle tough jobs, providing durability and strength.
Versatility meets performance in the Draper Expert Claw Hammer. Weighing 450g/16oz, it adapts effortlessly to various tasks, making it an indispensable tool for all-around hammering needs.
Types of Hammer Handles
Hammer handles are more than just the grip. The material and make of a hammer handle, like the handle length, impact its impact absorption and its toughness.
Hammers are typically made of three materials:
- Wood. Wood handles are inexpensive but can absorb shocks from impact quite well. However, wood does degrade over time and can even split under pressure.
- Metal. Metal handles are more durable than wood handles. They are coupled with rubber grips that help improve the metal's shock absorption.
- Fibreglass. Fibreglass tops the list for absorbing shock. But the downside - it is more expensive than both wood and metal and less durable than metal.
Other than the handle material, you will also come across two claws. You can choose from a straight claw and a curved claw hammer. The handles also vary from straight, curved, and hatchet styles.
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Best Hammers in 2024
Now that you know about the types of hammers, let’s get to our list of the best hammers in 2024. We have rated all these products based on their durability, shock absorption, and grip.
We have also listed their pros, cons, and specifications so you can make an informed choice:
01
Best Overall
DIY Doctor Claw Hammer 20oz
Reasons to Buy
- Alloy steel hammer head and handle
- Reinforced with fiberglass and rubber grip
- Hatchet style handle for added comfort
Reasons to Avoid
- No magnetic nail holder
- Nail pulling isn't as efficient as curved claw hammers
On our handle, the hammer that ranks the best overall in terms of durability, ergonomic grip, and shock absorption is the DIY Doctor Claw Hammer 20oz. Let’s impress you with its features:
This straight claw hammer has a steel alloy head and handle. But what’s impressive is that it is reinforced by a fibreglass core and a TPR comfort grip cover. This robust combination makes sure that the hammer has minimal stress on the wrists and elbows – perfect for heavy-duty work and elongated tasks.
This framing hammer has a hatchet-style handle which is also a feature that adds to the handling comfort. The 330mm length gives this hammer a balanced feel and gives more control to the user.
But the best part is its versatility – apart from heavy tasks like roofing, you can even use it as a pin hammer for everyday household tasks.
The only thing lacking is a magnetic nail starter which would have made this the best hammer for every kind of professional task. While the straight claw’s nail pulling isn’t as efficient as claw hammers, the strength, durability, and force make it a winner.
Why do we recommend the DIY Doctor Claw Hammer 20oz?
The DIY Doctor Claw Hammer 20oz is the best framing hammer for anyone looking for a comfortable, affordable option. If its alloy steel and fibreglass enforced straight claw heavy head and handle isn’t enough to impress you, its versatility definitely will. From carrying out heavy-duty tasks like roofing, this hammer will be your companion for small, everyday tasks too.
- Handle Material: Alloy steel with fibreglass core
- Hammer Head: Straight claw
- Weight: 20oz
- Length: 330mm
02
Best Value
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fibreglass, 16 oz.
Reasons to Buy
- Rubber overmould grip
- Added protective portion to improve longevity
- Lighter in weight than other hammers
- Strong steel hammer head
- Red overmould for easy visibility
Reasons to Avoid
- Handle seems short because of the exaggerated curve.
Fibreglass might not be one of the most durable hammer handles out there, but its shock absorption is most certainly the best.
Craftsman is a renowned brand in tools and they know where fibreglass lacks. So, for the tool’s longevity, they have equipped their Fibreglass 16 oz. hammer with an added protective portion where hammers absorb the most impact.
They have added a rubber over mould to give the user a good grip while working on light or heavy tasks. Plus, the hammer’s head is made of steel – one of the most durable materials out there.
The fibreglass and rubber overmould handle combined with steel give the user the striking power they need to carry out the toughest of jobs. 16oz weight make sure it is also not too heavy on the hand. The claw head also makes it a good nail puller.
But there’s one drawback that makes this hammer the runner-up on our list. You’d think that the 304.8 mm handle is a decent size, but its exaggerated curve at the end makes the handle seem smaller than it is.
However, it ranks better than the other hammers on our list because even with this drawback, the shorter handle delivers a good striking power and you can use it for moderate periods of work without stressing out your arm.
Why do we recommend the CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz?
The bright red coloured rubber overmould, the lightweight, and the steel head make the CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz, the runner-up on our list. Working with this hammer won’t tire you out – even if you hammer nails into thick materials.
- Handle Material: Fibreglass with rubber grip and steelhead.
- Hammer Head: Curved claw
- Weight: 16 oz
- Length: 304.8mm
Moderate DIY work.
03
Best Light-Duty
Ox Tools Pro 16-ounce Claw Hammer
Reasons to Buy
- Solid steel hammer head
- Steel alloy handle
- Grippy rubber overmould
Reasons to Avoid
- Is not comfortable to hold and strike for heavy-duty tasks.
The Ox Tools Pro 16-ounce claw hammer is perfect for small tasks around the house. At 16oz, the hammer is easy to swing, making it just right for light-duty use like drilling nails into drywall to hang pictures or assembling furniture.
But even though we have ranked Ox as the best for light-duty, it doesn’t fall short on the specs. The head is solid steel, and the handle is alloy steel with a blue-black rubber overmould. The curved claw also makes it easy to undo nailing mistakes.
One factor that makes this hammer fall short for heavy-duty tasks is its handle. Even though the rubber overmould is designed to offer grip and reduce vibration, its straight design makes it less comfortable to hold and strike than other hammers on our list.
However, at this amazing price, this hammer is a great pick if don’t have heavy-duty tasks on hand.
Why do we recommend the Ox Tools Pro 16-ounce Claw Hammer?
The Ox Tools Pro 16-ounce Claw hammer is our top pick for light-duty tasks because at a great price, you get a solid steel hammer head and a grippy handle.
- Handle Material: Steel alloy with rubber grip
- Hammer Head: Solid steel curved claw
- Weight: 16oz
- Length: 330mm
Light-duty tasks around the house.
04
Best Heavy-Duty
Stanley Fibreglass Curved Claw Hammer 20oz
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable use
- Ergonomic rubber grip
- Durability of fibreglass
- Shock absorption of rubber
- Curved claw for pulling nails
- Yellow shaft for easy visibility
Reasons to Avoid
- No warranty coverage
- Does not work well on tough materials.
The Stanley Fibreglass 20oz is one of the best heavy-duty claw hammers out there. We love this hammer for its handle that is built to last. It combines the durability and shock absorption of fibreglass with the ergonomic grip and vibration absorption of rubber to mimic the feel of traditional wooden handles.
Because hammers are the most used tools in the box, the yellow shaft is designed for easy visibility. So, with the Stanley, you won’t waste time rummaging through your tools.
But the handle is not the only good feature of this hammer. It comes perfectly balanced with a claw that gives you more power for everyday tasks. Plus, the curved hammer’s claw makes pulling nails a breeze.
But the balance and comfort come at the cost of the striking force. On our test, Stanley required more blows to drive nails into thick hardwood compared to other framing hammers despite weighing 20oz.
Overall, Stanley is a great pick for moderate tasks. It won’t put a lot of pressure on your hands and wrists because it’s lighter than the average steel hammer.
Only one drawback – you just have a 30-day Amazon warranty against defects – but Stanley prides on this drawback because the brand name is enough to convince buyers.
Why do we recommend the Stanley fibreglass curved claw hammer?
The Stanley fibreglass curved claw hammer is our favourite for heavy-duty tasks because it offers power without compromising on comfort. The durability of fibreglass and the shock absorption of the rubber is what makes this an all-rounder. Plus, the curved claw allows nails to pull swiftly.
- Handle Material: Fibreglass with rubber grip
- Hammer Head: Curved claw
- Weight: 20oz
- Length: 370mm
Ideal for DIYers for moderate tasks.
05
Best Versatile
Draper Expert Claw Hammer, 450g/16oz
Reasons to Buy
- Carbon steel hammer head.
- Shafted claw head.
- Lacquer coating - rust-free
- Handle has the perfect length
Reasons to Avoid
- It is light for heavy-duty tasks.
The Draper expert claw hammer is the last on our list but certainly not the least in any way. In fact, this hammer ranks the highest on versatility in terms of weight, value for money, and striking force.
Even though this is amongst the lightest hammers on our list at 16oz, its fine-grain high carbon steel head is what makes any job easy. The handle itself is quite impressive. While it is primarily made of steel, it also has a hardened tubular shaft that fits into the hammerhead. and has a shock-absorbing vinyl grip for shock absorption and comfortable use.
The length of the handle is also an impressive feature. At 325mm, it is neither too long to be off point nor is it too short to be uncomfortable. Plus, the lacquer coating on the steel head keeps it free from rust, thus a long lasting tool companion for professionals as well as hobbyists.
Lastly, the shafted claw head makes for the perfect nail puller from both thick and thin materials.
The only drawback we noted was the weight of the hammer. Although it ranks high on all other factors, its 16oz weight means that it isn’t well-0suited for heavy-duty tasks. Although its weight is perfect for moderate-intensity tasks.
Why do we recommend the Draper expert claw hammer, 450g/16oz?
We love the Draper expert claw hammer for many reasons – its carbon steel head and vinyl grip are just a few. Its lacquer coating also makes it perfect for work around the season.
- Handle Material: Steel moulded with vinyl
- Hammer Head: Fine grain high carbon steel – Curved claw
- Weight: 560g
- Length: 325mm
Moderate and light-intensity professional and hobby tasks.
Buyer’s Guide
Upon a glance, it may seem that all hammers are the same, with a similar claw and handle. In reality, the use and comfort of every hammer can drastically differ based on its weight, face, material, and handle style.
Follow this guide to pick the perfect hammer for your needs.
Weight
The weight of the hammer contributes a great deal to the comfort. A lighter hammer is easier to swing, but a heavier hammer equips the user with a greater striking power. While a light hammer might be less work for the user’s wrist and elbow, it is not the best pick for heavy-duty tasks.
If you wish to pick a hammer for heavy-duty tasks, a titanium head hammer will be the right choice. Even though a titanium hammer is lightweight, its driving force is greater than a steel hammer of the same weight.
However, if you only pick up your hammer occasionally, weight won’t be an issue.
Head
The head of the hammer can be either straight or curved. Curved claw hammers are suited for moderate tasks and can pull nails quickly and swiftly.
Framing hammers come with a straight claw because they can even be used to rip apart wood that has been nailed together.
Handle
The handle of the hammer is what you use to manoeuvre the handle during work. So, its material, design, and length contribute to your work efficiency.
Handle Material
Handles are made of wood, fibreglass, or metal. Apart from wood, most handles are equipped with a rubber grip to make the handling more comfortable. Rubber also absorbs the shock and vibrations from strikes.
While wood gives a ‘natural feel’ to users, rubber grips are a great way to keep the hammer from slipping because of sweating from long-term usage.
Many handles, especially framing hammers designed for heavy-duty work are reinforced for strength and shock absorption with steel or fibreglass cores. Look out for this feature if you wish to use your hammer for a task like roofing.
Handle Design
The design of the handle is something that contributes to the comfort. Different tasks need different handles. For instance, a hatchet-style or axe-style hammer handle offers an ergonomic grip for heavy-duty or long-term hammer use.
On the other hand, a straight handle is perfect for DIY tasks and small tasks around the house, like hammering nails into walls and assembling furniture.
Curved-style handles are a step up from hatchet-style hammers as they allow an improved grip. These handles are perfect for handymen who have to use hammers in small spaces. So, a smaller, gripper handle allows them to work in tight spaces and nooks without compromising on the striking power.
Handle Length
The length of the handle is also a determining feature of the hammer’s striking force and comfort. A handle with just the right length can allow the user to exert a greater force without putting stress on their elbows and wrists.
If the handle is too short, it might require the user to exert more force with their wrist. On the other hand, a lengthier handle is harder to control – so not suited for finished work.
Smooth vs. Milled Face
The striking face is the part of the hammer that strikes the nail. You can either get a milled surface which is textured or a smooth face. Milled face texture on the striking face makes sure that the hammer doesn’t slip from the nail and is perfect if you’re using long nails
On the other hand, a smooth face is good for finishing work. While milled faces can scratch the wood surface, a smooth face might dent it upon missing the target but not scratch it.
Professionals can use both smooth and milled face hammers as their practice with hammers makes it unlikely to miss the target.
Extra features
Some hammers have an extra notch to pull nail heads. A magnetic nail starter is another convenient feature that keeps the nail in place – reducing the chances of the nail slipping, striking the fingers, or getting hammered at the wrong spot.
How We Tested The Products
We picked 10 hammers for a rigorous testing process consisting of light-duty everyday household tasks to repair and roofing work. We didn’t add titanium hammers and sledgehammers to the list because our readers look for simple use hammers for DIY work.
After listing the hammers, each one went through the process and received a rating based on the following:
- Its handle design and comfort.
- The striking force
- Its lightness on household tasks
- Its efficiency in moderate tasks
- Stress on elbow and wrists with continuous work
- Value for money
After this testing process, we narrowed our list to the top five hammers that we titled best according to each use type.
FAQs
A versatile DIY hammer should strike a balance between weight, grip, and durability. Look for one with a comfortable handle, suitable weight for various tasks, and a durable head material for longevity.
While heavy-duty hammers excel at powerful tasks, they may lack the finesse required for precision work. Opt for a lighter hammer with a more delicate touch for intricate or detailed DIY projects.
Consider factors such as weight, handle material, and the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking. Fiberglass handles provide durability, while the hammer’s weight should match the intended use – lighter for precision, heavier for power.
