Hammers Buying Guide
Not "The Hammer" 
, a hammer. Hammers are unarguably one of the oldest tools ever invented, not to mention the easiest to use. Thanks to the technological advances of today, hammers are manufactured for just about every purpose, even getting hammered. Use this guide to find the hammer you need and start bashing away. It's hammer time!
Types of Hammers
Here are some of the most common hammers and their uses:
Carpentry & Masonry
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- Framing hammers have a longer shaft than traditional carpentry hammers
- Some include a slot on top of the hammer (shown above) where a nail can be placed so it can be driven quickly using one hand.
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- Claw (or carpentry) hammers have a slightly wider striking face than framers hammers, and are the most common hammer type used.
- The aggressively angled claw on the head allows for nails to be easily removed.
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- Masonry hammers are made for chipping and breaking bricks, rocks, etc.
- They have a chisel blade instead of a claw to allow for controlled shaping of stone.
- Shaft length will tend to vary for these hammers.
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Metal & Tacking
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- Ball-Peen (or mechanic's) hammers have two faces specifically designed for striking metal.
- Each face allows for hammering with a flat or rounded surface depending on the application.
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- Tack hammers are much similar to framing hammers with respect to head design, but have a smaller face to hammer tacks into moulding, wood trim..etc.
- The claw on the head has a more narrow "V" so it can remove small tacks if need be.
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- The drywall hammer is specifically designed for hanging sheet rock, or dry wall.
- They have a wider textured face for hammering drywall nails and a hatchet-like claw on the back used for trimming drywall.
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Mallets
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- Rubber mallets are made for hammering delicate surfaces while still delivering an effective blow.
- They are most commonly used on plastic or to hammer metal without leaving any dents
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- Wooden mallets are designed with the same purpose as the rubber mallet.
- They are used specifically for hammering wood or driving wooden dowels because the wood-on-wood contact won't leave marks as a metal hammer would.
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- Deadblow hammers are helpful in minimizing damage to the struck surface and in controlling striking force with minimal rebound from the striking surface.
- The head of these hammers is commonly hollow and filled with sand or shot, which absorbs the impact of a strike, reducing the bounce-back.
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Specialized Hammers
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- Non-sparking hammers are made of brass and are resistant to sparking when striking various surfaces. These are useful when working around flammable fuels or fumes.
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Hammer Safety
- Always wear proper eye and/or ear protection when using a hammer.
- Never use a hammer for anything other than its intended use.
- A common misuse is utilizing the claw as a pry bar.
- Always strike the surface squarely, avoid glancing blows.
- Discard any hammer with a damaged shaft or head.
Hammer Tips
- Hold the hammer correctly.
- Proper hand positioning should be more towards the back of the handle, about 3/4 of the length.
- Hold the nail correctly.
- If hammering with nails, be sue to hold the nail toward the top right under the head.
- Swing the hammer properly.
- Swing the hammer in an even, forceful motion being sure to hit the intended surface squarely.
Related Products/Guides
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