There is always a reason to have a hammer in your house. Maybe you need to repair something, or you need to build furniture or just for a DIY project. So, for any reason, if you are looking for a new hammer then this article is for you. In this article, we will talk about different hammers mainly about framing and claw hammer which can be used for both professional or usual work. Whether you are an experienced worker or a new user this article is going to answer all your queries regarding hammers. To make your life easier we have reviewed 10 best framing hammers. All these reviews have been done after testing a lot of products and then we have come up with these 10 products. With any of these hammers, you can work faster, better and safer.
Here are our Favorite list best framing hammers:
- 1. Estwing E3-22S Framing Hammer 22 oz
- 2. Stanley 51-403 Framing Hammer
- 3. Estwing MRW25LM Framing Hammer
- 4. DeWalt DWHT51064 22 Oz. Framing Hammer
- 5. Stanley 51-167 Framing Hammer(Top Pick)
- 6. Estwing E3-16S Hammer 16Oz
- 7. DeWalt Dwht51048 Claw Hammer
- 8. Overpeak 22 Ounce Claw Hammer
- 9. The Pink Box PB12HM 12-Ounce Claw Hammer
- 10. Dalluge 7180 16 Ounce Titanium Hammer
Later in this article, we will also talk about our favorite pick and our least favorite one along with a buying guide and maintenance tips. So, without further delay let’s jump into the reviews.
1. Estwing E3-22S Framing Hammer 22 oz
As our first product for the best framing hammer reviews, we have the Estwing 22S Framing Hammer with 22 Oz, Smooth Face, Shock Reduction Grip and Long Handle. Estwing is a very popular brand and among their different products, this hammer is one of the most common ones that you will get in the market.
This hammer is durable, comfortable and will last for a long time to serve you. The Estwing E3-22S Framing Hammer is one-piece steel construction. When it comes to steel construction there can be a problem with shock. However, in this hammer one doesn’t have to face anything like that.
Moreover, for its superb steel construction, the Estwing E3-22S has a great balance also. You will find out that the handle, head, and claw of the hammer all are nicely balanced, so it won’t feel that heavy.
All in all, for the great durability and construction one can simply trust on this hammer. This hammer also has the RIP Claw Versatility which can be used to plug nails, for demolition work, prying boards and many more. The Estwing E3-22S Framing Hammer is highly recommended for any seasoned or experiences tradesmen. This one hammer is going to serve years after years.
Pros:
- Great durability
- Very easy to use
- Excellent steel construction
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- There are some cases of receiving faulty products
- Though Estwing has developed a shock reduction nylon cover, still there can be a problem with reverberations
2. Stanley 51-403 Framing Hammer
Next, we have another amazing product to review and that is the Stanley 51-403 22-Ounce FatMax Over-Strike wood handle framing hammer. This hammer is designed with a larger striking surface. For its construction, this hammer is a great choice if you are looking something for your home construction.
It can easily do the big tough works. The Stanley 51-403 has a checker texture face which has increased the user control of this hammer. Moreover, this high-quality hammer makes sure that every strike can provide you with the same accuracy. The rime temper of this hammer reduces the chances of spalling or chipping.
The Stanley 51-403 has a 75% larger strike face than most traditional hammers. For this reason, it becomes very easy to aim with this hammer and thus one can give more power to the shot. Another great feature of this high-quality hammer is that it is a one-piece forged steel hammer. There is also torsion control included in the grip. This means that while using one will feel less torque on the wrist and elbows.
All in all, we can say that the Stanley 51-403 Framing Hammer is a useful tool that can surely get your job done.
Pros:
- To prevent handle damage there is overstrike steel protection
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Balance is excellent
- Great control
Cons:
- The rip claw is not suitable for all uses
- The long head sometimes make it difficult to use
- Magnets are not that strong
3. Estwing MRW25LM Framing Hammer
Next, we have another incredible product from the brand Estwing. It is the Estwing Sure Strike California Framing Hammer MRW25LM. This is one of the most powerful hammers from in list. It has a 25 oz head which has made this hammer a very powerful hammer. Now you may think, that with such heavy weighted head it may be difficult to use the product. however, for Estwing MRW25LM hammer the overall weight is nicely balanced.
It has a perfect inclination with the handle which will make it easy to use the hammer. Estwing has used forged solid steel to make the head of the hammer. For this material, the performance of the Estwing MRW25LM is outstanding.
Moreover, this hammer has the triple wedge construction. It has a magnetic nail holder which helps to hold the nails as you are going to use those in the wood. Not only the head is made with great material, but the handle of the hammer is made with high-quality hickory wood. This wooden handle feels light in weight and can produce high performance.
Lastly, the Estwing MRW25LM wood handle framing hammer comes in an affordable price which can serve you for a long period.
Pros:
- Very powerful
- Easy to strike
- Nicely balanced
Cons:
- Feels heavy
4. DeWalt DWHT51064 22 Oz. Framing Hammer
DeWalt is a popular name when it comes for framing hammer and one of their most popular framing hammers is the DeWalt DWHT51064 22 Oz. This hammer has the perfect weighted head, which is 22 oz. For this head, one can use this hammer both for heavy-duty work or just for routine work. Even this product is quite popular for the DIYers to make their different projects.
The DeWalt DWHT51064 22 Oz. has used hardened steel for its construction. This material is very durable and has made this hammer useful for different purposes.
Now, we think the best feature of the DeWalt DWHT51064 hammer is its handle. The handle has super torque and shock resistant mechanism. The handle material is incredible, and it helps a lot to hold the hammer comfortably.
Basically, the DeWalt DWHT51064 22 framing hammer does everything that you want to do with it. It performs well in wood, metal or to hit the concrete. The forks are also nicely designed so that one can easily take nails out. And lastly, this awesome product comes in a decent price which made it highly recommended from us.
Pros:
- Feels very balanced
- Great durability
- Best to use in a concrete field
Cons:
- Weighs a little heavy
5. Stanley 51-167 Framing Hammer
Next, in our list for the Antivibe framing hammer, we have a high-quality product from Stanley. It is the Stanley 51-167 22-ounce FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Framing Hammer. This model from Stanley is one of their most popular models and a great quality one. Stanley has made this hammer keeping all the safety measures in mind.
As the name suggested, the Stanley 51-167 Framing Hammer includes the Xtreme AntiVibe Checkered framing. This framing can absorb the highest amount of vibrations so one will feel almost nothing to the hand. Moreover, this framing technology also assists to reduce the effect on the user’s wrists and elbows.
The Stanley 51-167 is ideal for both domestic and professional work. The head weight is 22 oz which is the standard head weight of any well-balanced framing hammer. This hammer has a rip claw that provides the ultimate control over the nails. It becomes very easy to push the nails inside the wood with this hammer. This framing hammer also has the magnetic nail start feature. This feature is included for extended reach and made it possible to handle nailing with just one hand.
This affordable framing hammer’s head is made of rust and corrosion free steel. It has also a black coating. The handle of the Stanley 51-167 is also made with steel and this part of the handle is nicely coated with the AntiVibe checkered material. So again, it protects your hand. For all these reasons, we think it is an ideal choice for any professional or for daily use also.
Pros:
- Excellent at reducing shock
- Nicely balances
- Ideal for heavy work
Cons:
- Rip claw is not made for all users
6. Estwing E3-16S Hammer 16Oz
If you are a frequent user of Estwing hammers and now looking for a new one from this brand, then you can definitely try the Estwing Straight Rip Claw framing hammer. This framing hammer comes with the popular Estwing’s blue nylon vinyl grip.
This grip is best for absorbing shock. Moreover, the handle grip made with liquid vinyl which will provide the user with the ultimate comfort by reducing the number of vibrations. The straight claw of the hammer is super useful for ripping out. This claw provides perfect balance and temper.
The Estwing E3-16S can be used for prying boards, pulling nails, splitting wood, demolition work and for more other works. It has an excellent finish, balance and made with the finest steel. To offer the maximum strength to the users Estwing has used solid forged in one piece of tempered steel in this hammer. Like most Estwing hammers it also has a hand polished finish and this hammer also carries the trademark look of Estwing.
The Estwing E3-16S hammer has unmatched durability than any other framing hammer. It is a 16-ounce hammer that has perfect balance and best for everyday use. The straight claw is perfect to pull nails from the tight corners. The handle of this hammer is the best feature and you won’t usually get such high-quality product in the market. Therefore, all in all, it is a must buy.
Pros:
- Great shock absorption
- The grip is comfortable
- Light weighted
Cons:
- Not an ideal hammer for professional work
7. DeWalt Dwht51048 Claw Hammer
If you are looking for a decent light weighted hammer for more routine work, then the DeWalt Dwht51048 16oz can be a great option for you. This hammer is also suitable to use for different DIY projects by children (under the supervision of parents).
It is a 1-piece steel hammer which means the whole hammer is made with one single material, steel. This hammer has an optimal weight distribution. For the nicely balanced weight, the user gets full control over the hammer.
The DeWalt Dwht51048 Claw Hammer has an oval-shaped strike face. This type of head shape helps a lot at toe nailing. It also has the side nail puller option which can be used to pull out the nails easily. One can easily use this hammer in tight places.
Overall, the DeWalt Dwht51048 comes in a great balance, 16Oz head weight, composite handle, nail start system, and all these features have made this hammer a pretty good one for use. If you are looking for a claw hammer which can be used for your woodwork or anything else, then this can be an option for you.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Comes with large rubber grip handle
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not durable
8. Overpeak 22 Ounce Claw Hammer
Next, for our list, we have reviewed the Overpeak 22 Ounce, Claw Hammer. This claw hammer can be used for different purposes and it comes in perfect weight and balance. One can use this hammer for woodworking, house, fence building or just for repairing different things.
The Overpeak 22 Ounce Claw Hammer has a fiberglass handle. Fiberglass handle is best known to ensure both durability and shock absorption. To reduce the chances of damages, Overpeak has used head to hand epoxy bond.
It is one-piece solid steel construction. This hammer has magnetic nail holder and all the nice features like anti-vibration technology, a patent-pending technology which has made this hammer as a recommended one from us.
Pros:
- Genuine hickory on the side
- Good steel hammer
- Handy
Cons:
- Not a standard hammer
9. The Pink Box PB12HM 12-Ounce Claw Hammer
This may not seem a very popular name to you, but this particular hammer from the brand called Original Box is amazing. The PB12HM claw hammer is made with fiberglass core and with a resin coating.
Fiberglass is used in hammers so that it can reduce the vibration and shock. As it has this material it can reduce shock at a high level. This hammer features a polished and smooth face which can work on different surfaces.
The very first that anyone will notice of this hammer is its color. It has a vibrant pink color. Even though not everyone likes to use a pink colored hammer, but many users find it different and easy to find inside the toolbox. In that way, the color adds an advantage.
This is a 12-ounce hammer, in case you didn’t know. It has an easy to grip handle made with rubber that made this hammer easy to use and dependable. Unlike some other rubber handles, this one is pretty solid and obviously comfortable. This hammer also features the ‘V” which can be used to take out nails more easily. It is best to use for nailing and removing nails.
All in all, we can say that the Original Pink Box PB12HM hammer is a mix of a standard framing hammer and tack hammer. With this hammer, you can now easily find out who has taken your hammer without your permission as you can simply detect the hammer for its color.
Pros:
- Well weighted
- Very cheap but good quality
- Can absorb shock
- The rubber grip is comfortable
Cons:
- Too heavy
- The rubber grip gets dirty easily
10. Dalluge 7180 16 Ounce Titanium Hammer
Last for our best framing hammer reviews we have a titanium hammer, the Dalluge 7180 16 Ounce Titanium Hammer. As it is made with titanium it is super strong and durable.
It weighs is in a between, which means neither it is light weighted, nor it is too heavy. It’s a 16-ounce hammer with which you can do almost all the works you need to do.
The Dalluge 7180 Titanium Hammer has a milled face. It means that the face of the hammer is not going to slip on anything. This hammer has a hickory handle so that you can fell the minimum of the shock and vibration. It is very comfortable to use this hammer.
Moreover, this Dalluge hammer has a magnetic nail holder where you can hold the duplex or standard nail. This feature made it easy to do your job with this hammer. Also, there is an overstrike guard and that protects the user, handle and the nail puller.
The Dalluge 7180 16 Titanium Hammer gives one the leverage to work with stubborn nails. One can reach every corner with this amazing hammer and therefore it is a highly recommended product to try.
Pros:
- The weight of the hammer is nicely balanced
- Reinforced claws
- Includes a side nail puller
Cons:
- The screws on the head can get loosen
- The magnet is also not durable
We Liked, and We Didn’t Like
These were the top selection for best framing hammers from our point of view. Though we think all of these hammers are in high quality and can be a great option for anyone, we have a favorite one from the whole selection. After testing all the 10 hammers we think the best hammer that meets all the criteria to be the finest one will be the Stanley 51-167 22-ounce FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Framing Hammer.
This hammer is a perfect combination of all the things. It has a strong construction; well-balanced weight has the durability and comes at an affordable price. The head weight is 22 ounce which is perfect for both professional and regular work. So, all in all, it meets all the needs and therefore we think we liked this Stanley product among all hammers.
Now, as we are discussing the most liked one, we also want to talk about the one which we didn’t like that much. Please note, that we are not saying that this is a bad product, or you shouldn’t buy this. It’s just the least recommended one from these 10 suggestions. It will be the NO 8# Overpeak 22 Ounce Claw Hammer. Though it is a strong hammer overall, we didn’t like the construction of the product. Some users also have some negative reviews against it. For this reason, if one product that we didn’t like that much will be this one from Overpeak.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Hammer
There are so many different types of hammers and each type have again different features, it is very normal to get confused. However, there are some basic features that you must look while buying a hammer.
Especially if you are looking for a framing hammer then these certain features are something that you cannot miss. Now, not each and every feature that we are going to mention is a must, but you should have a consideration about these features.
Face:
We hope, you already know what is facing means of a hammer. It is very important that you try to find out what should be the face on the end of your hammer. The most common face shape is a waffle face. This type of face helps to prevent slipping. On the other side, if you are going for a flat face then there are chances of slipping. So, you must consider the facing of the hammer while buying a new hammer.
Handle Type:
As we have discussed before, there are different types of handles for different types of hammers. Handles can be wooden handles, steel handles or made with fiberglass. Each of the handles has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, wood handles are easy to easy. This type of handle is also great for shock absorption. However, wooden handles are not that much durable compared to steel handles. Steel handles have the highest durability, but they have very less shock absorption power. So, you see these two are totally opposite.
To be safe, it is always better to go for fiberglass, as it is in between of wood and steel.
Not only you should consider the material of the handle but also the size of the handle. The handle length needs to be comfortable so that one can easily use the hammer. You should have a look at the handle covers of the hammers.
Weight:
Weight is another important factor which needs to be considered while buying a hammer. It totally depends on the type of work and on your requirements. There is no perfect weight for any hammer. The perfect weight is in which the user feels comfortable using the hammer. If you are going for a long heavy work like building a house in that case, you may not want to use a heavily weighted hammer. Basically, a hammer weighs from 8 ounces to 32 ounces. In our reviews part, we have options for differently weighted hammers.
Apart from these three basic features you also need to consider about the claw, head weight, nail starter feature of a hammer.
How to Use a Framing Hammer
A framing hammer is a perfect tool when you are framing something. However, to get the best use from it one needs to know the proper way to use it. You may think that you know how to use a hammer, as it is just a hammer, but you are wrong. You are going to use a framing hammer to build the foundation for your building or any other project. Therefore, it is very important that you know the correct way to use it.
First, you must remember that a framing hammer is for framing things, it cannot be used for tapping. You can use it for tapping but you won’t get the best benefit from it like this way. The best way to use a framing hammer is to hold the handle of the hammer as close as possible and then swing the hammer in a long arc.
You need to use it almost like an ax. It may take a little time to use a framing hammer in a proper way. However, once you gained the technique you can easily sink a 16d nail with just 2 or 3 swings. No matter what type of hammer you are using, if you know how and where to hold the handle then you can get the best out of it. Another tip will always focus on the nail to avoid any sideways.
While using a framing hammer you must let the hammer do the majority work. Don’t give too much pressure on your body, this will eventually result in wild swings. The main part of the work will be done by the weight of the hammerhead and with the smooth swing.
Maintenance Tips
Like any other tools or machines of your house, you need to do proper maintenance of your hammer. If you are not maintaining your tools you cannot expect the best efficiency from it.
The most important tip to get the best result from your hammer is to keep it clean. Always keep clean the head of the hammer. Take a close look of your hammer’s head, if you find it dull and dirty that means you are not maintaining it properly.
To clean the head of the hammer you can use unused sandpaper. Just rub the head at the sandpaper for few times and it will clean the head. The sandpaper will remove the small pits from the head. It will take only a few minutes. But, if it was not cleaned for a long period then you need to sand it for a longer time.
If the head is not for any use, you can replace it at any store.
Safety Tips
Injuries caused by hammers are one of the most common types of injuries. Hammers are impacted tool and many people while using a hammer don’t follow the proper practices with hammers and end up with injuries. No matter how experienced you are you always should follow the safety guidelines while using a hammer. An accident can happen to anyone and therefore even if you know how to use a hammer you should be aware of using it correctly.
First, you must make sure that you are choosing the correct hammer according to your work type. A wrong hammer not only reduces the efficiency of your work, but it increases the chances of injuries. After you choose the correct hammer there are some tips for handling a hammer safely,
- While working always wear safety goggles. Otherwise, there is a huge chance that something will go directly to your eyes while striking.
- Before you start your work, check/inspect carefully whether there is any damage in the hammer or not. Make sure that all the parts of the hammer are nicely secured.
- If you feel the handle is kind of loose then never use that hammer. Replace the handle and then use it.
- Never strike any object using the side of a hammer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is framing hammer for?
A: The main purpose to use a framing hammer is to frame any foundation like a house. A framing hammer is a heavy duty straight claw hammers.
Q: What is the usual weight of a claw hammer?
A: The most usual weights among claw hammers are 16 or 20 ounces.
Q: What is the difference between a claw and a rip hammer?
A: A curved claw hammer gives more leverage to pull out nails. Whereas a rip claw hammer is basically a straight claw hammer to rip apart materials.
Q: What is a safety hammer?
A: Safety hammers are used in an emergency to break glasses.
Q: How to ensure hammer safety?
A: By always wearing safety goggles or glasses.
Conclusion
There are many different types of hammers for different purposes. This article was written with an aim to reduce your confusion about different hammers and to make it a little simple to find the best framing hammer for you.We hope that this article was able to help you. One last thing, please always ensure safety while using a hammer.
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