Best Hammer Reviews 2018

How much does a hammer cost? Well, the best hammers come at a retail price ranging between $10 to $30 or even more. These prices are dictated by several things such as the brand name, the type of hammer, and the different features incorporated. For instance, a side nail puller, steel build, oval-shaped strike-face will probably cost more than those with less features. And while we believe you should go for something inside your budget, be sure not to go for a cheap hammer just because it costs less – this will likely leave you disappointed in the long run as they are usually made from poor-quality materials.

After you’ve established your budget and narrowed down your options to two or three brands of hammers, it’s paramount to consider the different features that make one type of hammer stand out from the rest. Here are some of the features to look out for while you’re on the prowl for the best hammer:

• Type - Some of the common types include Soft Face Hammer, Ball Peen, Cross and Straight Peen, and Rip/Straight/Cross Claw Hammer. Choose one depending on the kind of work you want to do.
• Head Info - Choose a head made of a quality material for increased durability and the most suitable diameter for more precision while driving nails.
• Handle Info - What material is used? Does the handle comfortably fit in your hand? How long do you want the handle to be?
• Weight - What are the different weights available? Go for a lightweight hammer that gives you more control while you’re using it and allows prolonged use without wearing you out.

Besides the prices, you should go a step further and understand how the features you’ve chosen influence the performance and quality of your hammer.

Your hammer’s quality of construction and design will play a significant role in the quality of work that you do. Most hammers’ heads are either made of steel or fiberglass core material. On the other hand, you’ll find many hammers with wooden (hickory), rubber, steel, or fiberglass handles. Hammers with a wooden or fiberglass handle are the perfect option for you if you’ll be using it for an extended period because such materials are better at absorbing impact.

Fiberglass options are quite easy to handle due to their lightweight, yet incredibly tough nature. Wooden handles usually absorb more vibration, which will help minimize hand fatigue enabling you to work for longer durations - but they’re not as durable as some others. Steel handles, for example, are tough and durable, but relatively heavy. Steel’s added weight renders it suitable for rip claw and framing hammers’ handles.

Some hammers are designed with magnetic tips. This feature is essential in helping you keep nails and other fasteners intact, which allows for hammering at hard-to-reach spots or when limited to using only one hand.

Different hammers carry heads of different weights, and based on how you plan to use it, you can find a perfect balance between weight and length of your hammer’s handle. Go for a hammer weighing 16-20 ounces if you’re planning on doing standard home repairs.

Hammers are designed with varying strike face diameters, and this determines the overall accuracy of your hammer. So, choose a strike face with a larger diameter for more accurate blows driving in nails and fasteners. You can also select a hammer with a domed face as it ensures no damage is caused to the work surface while you’re driving fasteners. But on the other hand, hammers with flat faces carry a greater chance of damaging the surface you’re working on.

For the performance, hammers with longer handles allow you to produce the appropriate amount of force with less effort and strain. On the other hand, stubby models deliver outstanding performance when you’re working in tight spaces.

Hammer handles are wrapped using different types of materials such as rubber, nylon, vinyl, or leather, which makes holding and gripping a breeze while working. Moreover, these materials increase comfort levels while using the hammer, and prevent the hammer from slipping out of your hand.

Also keep in mind that some hammers are made corrosion-resistant, which makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising the quality of your work.