Arguably one of the oldest tools known to humanity is the hammer. The irony is that we’re still trying to come up with new ways to improve it! While it might be a prehistoric tool, it’s unlikely to go extinct any time soon since most homes (at least in the USA) are still constructed out of wood. While the best nail guns take a lot of the work out of driving nails, you still find a hammer slung from the hip of any framing contractor. For this reason, we looked at many of the current hammers on the market to select the best framing hammer.

The Best Framing Hammer – A Key Tool

In the years I’ve done construction, I’ve found many strong opinions on hammers. Actually, now that I think about it, hammers could be one of the most polarizing tools I’ve encountered. Everyone has their opinions on what makes a good hammer. Steel, wood, or fiberglass handle? Titanium or steel head? Straight or curved handle? Smooth or textured grip? In full disclosure, even I have to admit some bias. My framing hammer of choice for the last several years has been a Douglas 20 oz framer. This hammer is great because of the genius head to handle connection, the straight, chisel-tipped ripping claw, and the side nail puller. The fit and finish are second to none, and there is a certain balance that I appreciate. It is a beautiful blend of function and form. But is it the very best hammer? That’s a very good question. I’d like to find out.

Although I had some favorites, that’s not to completely diminish the other hammers in our lineup. Some of them definitely had some great qualities worth mentioning. Following are our recommendations on the best framing hammer for various applications.

Best Framing Hammer Overall

Stiletto Ti16MC 16 oz.

The claim to fame of the Stiletto Ti16MS framing hammer is its 16 oz. titanium head. This head, combined with a straight hickory handle, was the overall lightest hammer in the lineup. However, it still weighed more than the Stiletto 12 oz Titanium Remodeler hammer. The head is very classic in its style with a large strike face and deep milling.

There is a magnetic nail holder on the top of the head. At the base where the handle is inserted into the head, there is about a 3/4-inch extension of extra metal. This provides some strike protection to the handle. Quite simply, this hammer is a joy to swing, and over time your arm, shoulder, and elbow will thank you. While the $107 retail price tag is the second most expensive in the test, you can find it online for far less. And really, if you’re swinging a hammer all day long, I’m not sure you can put a price on comfort.

Pros: Lightest hammer in the test, Second largest strike face.
Cons: Cost.
Verdict: The heavy-hitter with the lightest swing.
Price: $99.99

Best Framing Hammer for Demolition

DeWalt DWHT51411 17 oz.

While I’m normally a fan of DeWalt tools, this hammer frustrated me. The thing that got to me was the oddly-angled head. What I found is that it never seemed to swing with the feel of a traditional hammer—often striking unevenly. Still, we loved the “Fubar”-like design that grips and twists 2x4s effectly when using a nailer (in your other hand) to secure studs. We also loved the integrated side nail puller.

Pros: Low price, nail puller.
Cons: Odd swing, no nail magnet.
Verdict: While it swings well and hits hard, the sticky coating on this handle will likely drive you nuts.
Price: $37.99

Best Wood-Handled Framer

Vaughan & Bushnell 2115C Dalluge 21 oz. Framing Hammer

The Vaughan & Bushnell 2115C Dalluge Framing Hammer features a 21-ounce waffled head. As a framing hammer, we love the simple design. The 18-inch hickory handle feels great in the hand and gives you a comfortable swing. The steel head also features a magnetic nail holder. Of all the hammers tested, this tool felt most like the quintessential framer.

Pros: Magnetic nail puller, comfortable swing
Cons: None
Verdict: If you want a traditional “no-frills” framing hammer, it doesn’t get better than this.
Price: $65

Dead On Tools 24oz Investment Cast Wood Hammer

We’d call this one a runner-up. This 24-ounce hammer really felt easy to swing—despite its weight. From the black wood handle to the milled face, the Dead On Tools 24oz investment cast wood hammer means business.

We like the magnetic nail set and the confident straight black hickory handle. The hammer measures a full 18-inches from top to tail and it swings very naturally with excellent overall balance. If you’re all about the look this may be your tool!

Pros: Excellent balance, inexpensive.
Cons: No frills, non-replaceable head.
Verdict: This hammer is cool, but it’s not titanium and might have difficulty keeping its good looks.
Price: $99

Best Steel Framing Hammers

DeWalt MIG Weld Framing Hammers

Coming to market with a metal-handled hammer proves tricky since other well-established tools already exist. Where the DeWalt MIG weld framing hammer differs from others is its construction methods. Rather than a single forged handle and head, DeWalt uses three separate steel forges that it then mig welds together.

DeWalt does this so that it can heat treat each of the pieces differently. Combined, the hammer has good wear, toughness, and flexibility in all the right places. All in all, this hammer is comfortable to use. It exhibited decent balance as well. You can find these in sizes ranging from 12 to 15 ounces.

Pros: Light head with a large strike face, Attractive, Easy to swing, Size options.
Cons: Transfers more vibration than a wood-handle hammer.
Verdict: A heavy hammer that swings lighter than you might expect.
Price: $54

Douglas FR-20S or DFR-20S 20 oz.

This Douglas hammer was a gift to me from my brother who is a framing contractor in Alaska. He promised me that this hammer would become one of my favorite tools because of its balance, design, and features. He was completely right, as I’ve used this tool more than any other over the last 5 years since he gifted it to me. This hammer has a genius handle-to-head attachment system that is not only rigid but also provides handle overstrike protection.

Because of how it’s designed, it features one of the easiest-to-replace handles in the industry. The face features inverted dimples which help grip nails still but don’t mar delicate materials, and its built-in side nail pull and almost ruler-straight claw make it easy to do demo and disassembly work. This handle is relatively unchanged throughout the years except that the new model features an attractive red accent color. Unfortunately, Douglas cannot seem to keep this tool in stock. Neither can Vaughan who makes the similar (but titanium) 7180 Dalluge. If you can find one—buy it!

Pros: Stainless steel head, Excellent balance, Great fit and finish.
Cons: Cost and availability (they cannot seem to keep items in stock).
Verdict: In my opinion, this is the hammer to beat.
Price: Vaughan & Bushnell 7282 for $99

Best Titanium Framing Hammer

Stiletto TB3MC 15 oz Ti-Bone titanium hammer

I know we chose the hickory 16-ounce model as our top overall, but this model is titanium through-and-through. This 15-ounce hammer dates back to the beginning of the Stiletto brand. The Stiletto Ti-Bone III titanium hammer features a milled face (they have smooth as well) and an integrated 180º side nail-puller. The TB3MC hammer stands as one of my top four favorites out of the models I looked at.

It really drives hard—like a much heavier steel hammer. I’d put it around 24 ounces or higher if you want a comparison. The hammer features a removable steel face so you can purchase replacement heads (smooth or milled) without having to buy a whole new tool. It also gives you the strength of that steel hit with the weight of a titanium hammer.

It also featured titanium all the way through the hammer—not just at the head. The rubberized grip on the handle gives you a secure hold and doesn’t seem like it will peel or crack. We also love the well-placed thumb indent at the top of the coated handle.

Pros: Great price, Classic look, Nice balance.
Cons: Nothing to complain about here.
Verdict: One of my favorite hammers, and one of the best-looking in the crowd.
Price: Check out the 16oz titanium equivalent for $99

Best Budget Framing Hammer

Dead On 24 oz. Milled Face Straight Hickory Hammer

Dead On used to call this hammer the “Death Stick”. That inherently makes it cool (though not necessarily good). The steel head measures 24 ounces and includes a built-in magnetic nail set. You get a black curved hickory handle. This hammer falls in the middle for overall weight yet it had a balanced feel when swung.

The face of the hammer is not as aggressively textured as I like since it was investment cast and not finish machined. The strike face size is also the second smallest out of the hammers that I looked at. Finally, Dead On heat-treated the face area and claws to maximize life. You can find cheaper hammers, but for the price, we like this as our budget pick.

Pros: Cool name.
Cons: Smaller strike face, not very aggressively textured
Verdict: An aptly named tool whose name and look might be a bigger hit than the actual hammer.
Price: $34

Best Made in the USA Framing Hammers

Hardcore Hammers The Original 19 oz.

The idea behind The Original is certainly innovative. By slightly recessing the waffle, face wear by striking anything other than the nail is pretty much eliminated. However, the area surrounding the face is larger than I would like, so strikes anywhere other than near the dead center of the face are potentially nail-bending shots. Because of the face, it seemed to take an extra whack to really set nail heads flush with the wood. This tended to leave a decent circle imprint around the nail.

We did like the dual nail magnets on the top and bottom of the face. Hardcore Hammers also makes these tools in the USA.

Pros: Double nail magnets, lightweight steel head, hardened steel waffle face.
Cons: Small strike face area, Glancing blows tend to more easily bend the heads of nails.
Verdict: A hammer with a great idea that could use some tweaking.
Price: $105

Vaughan California Framer 19 oz.

The Vaughan California Framer 19 oz hammer has classic styling and size. If you like to wield a full-size hammer that hits hard, this American-made classic isn’t just a good choice—it’s a good value as well. I picked this hammer as one of my top four selections in this line-up.

Pros: Heavy head hits hard, No surprises.
Cons: Not much to complain about.
Verdict: This classic-style hammer hits hard and drives nails home as you’d expect.
Price: $46

Estwing Big Blue 25 oz.

This metal-handled Estwing hammer is probably the most identifiable out of our test. Time and time again I have seen these hammers beat to heck with faces worn smooth from use. Unlike wood-handled hammers, these metal Estwing tools have the distinction of being nearly indestructible. Perhaps that’s what makes them great for pulling nails and heavy-duty prying in addition to their nail-driving abilities.

While this hammer was the heaviest in our test, it still displayed good balance. The USA-made Estwing line of metal-handled hammers sits in my top four hammers list simply because of their durability and balance.

Pros: One piece handle and head, Reasonable price, Nice finish.
Cons: Nothing negative to note.
Verdict: This hammer is practically a staple tool in most contractors’ pouches and bags. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.
Price: $49

So What Makes for the Best Framing Hammer?

To better understand some hammer technology (yes, there actually is technology involved), it makes sense to have a quick science lesson on the physics of a hammer.

Don’t worry, this won’t hurt much.

How Mass Plays a Role – WARNING: Math Ahead!

A hammer is a force amplifier that converts mechanical work into kinetic energy and back again. When swinging a hammer, kinetic energy gets stored in the hammer’s head. The kinetic energy equals the length of the swing times the force produced by your muscles (and gravity). When the hammer strikes the nail, the nail stops the head with an equal and opposite force.

Where this gets tricky is when you start to take into consideration the effect of the mass of the hammer’s head. The amount of energy delivered to the nail by the hammer is equal to one-half the mass of the head times the square of the head’s speed at the time of impact. The key here is that the energy delivered to the nail increases linearly with mass but it increases quadratically with the speed.

KE = 1/2 mv²

Let me summarize that for you: An easier-to-swing hammer delivers more energy to the nail. This forms one of the key arguments in the titanium hammers vs steel hammers debate.

Hammer Handles Matter Too

Lightweight hammer heads allow for faster swing velocity, but handle designs can also help the efficiency of your swing. That includes taking into account vibration-absorbing materials, length, and angle. Essentially, to find the best framing hammer, it will have to have a combination of certain head and handle qualities that make it feel “right”.

There are literally hundreds of hammers out there, so for the sake of time and practicality, we tried to limit the playing field to framing hammers whose head weights ranged in the low to mid 20 ounces, had long handles, straight rip claws and milled faces. Both titanium and steel models were acceptable. Our list of hammers is in no way inclusive of all that is available. There are many more manufacturers and models that I did not get a chance to put my hands on yet. Perhaps I’ll have to revisit this after I collect and evaluate all of the hate mail I’m sure to get following this best framing hammer review. (I did mention this was a contentious topic, did I not?)

Measuring and Weighing the Best Framing Hammers

I started out by weighing each hammer. Then I measured the face size using calipers, handle length with a tape measure and set up a grid to make comparing and evaluating the various tools easier. When I measured the face, I didn’t use the outer diameter of the head, but rather the area of the milled surface. In almost every hammer that space is smaller than the head’s full outer diameter. I figured it was more important to know the actual striking area of the hammer as opposed to the full head size.

It is also interesting to note that while some hammers might have a lightweight head, the handles sometimes added back enough weight to counteract any gains achieved in shaving off some extra steel. We point this out because a hammer’s weight is more than just the head. It’s the entire hammer (a number manufacturers do not always prominently advertise).

Manually Testing the Framing Hammers

I tested out each hammer with both bright and galvanized 16 penny (16D) nails. I drove the nails into spruce studs and some pressure-treated 4x4s. Since so much of a hammer’s function is dependent on the skill and technique of the user, extensive testing really is not necessary for the scope of this article. In other words—I didn’t have to drive in thousands of nails before drawing some conclusions.

In fact, I took lots of breaks so that I wouldn’t be swayed by a tired arm or a sore wrist. Perhaps in the future, when time and budget permit, I can develop a piece of scientific equipment to analyze things like striking force, vibration, and swing efficiency. While it would be cool to have statistics on these variables, this is ultimately a subjective topic requiring a subjective review.

Reviewing hammers is just like reviewing trucks. Some Pros are polarized on which brand they like. You can test, re-test, and crown a winning truck of the year (every year). Everyone still has their personal preference on what pickup they want to drive.

Maybe the best hammer test would have all of the participants blindfolded and I could hand them a random hammer to see what they really think. While they wouldn’t be swayed by brands, colors, materials, and logos, it might be one of the more painful tests we’ve ever run!

Value, Features, and Performance

After spending some time with all of the hammers I ended up with this list of what I felt were the best. I based this on their value, features, and overall perception of their performance. Of course, nearly any framing hammer will drive a nail. However, not all of them will do it well. In addition to my beloved “benchmark” Douglas framing hammer, I tested steel and titanium selections from Stiletto, Estwing, DeWalt, Vaughan, and others. I also looked at a cross-section of synthetic, steel, and wood handles.

In the same way that I prefer Ford trucks, I might also display a slight bent towards more traditional hammers. This entire experience remains largely subjective.

While I may prefer particular features, the best test of a hammer is picking one up and taking a swing!

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

The post Best Framing Hammer for Pros appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Hand Tools To Get Your Hands On Now

Milwaukee has an extensive list of pry bars and nail pullers. If you get paid to take things apart (or just like to for fun!), get your hands on these!

Milwaukee Pry Bars

Pry bars are an integral part of the working professional’s tool arsenal in many trades. Milwaukee pry bars vary in size and shape, so there are a number of possibilities when it comes to which tool is best for the job.

Milwaukee 12-Inch Pry Bar (48-22-9034)

The first pry bar on our list is the 12-inch pry bar. Both sides have claws that are made from induction hardened steel, with one side being curved for high leverage. The grip in the middle of the pry bar is made of SHOCKSHIELD material, which is designed to withstand heavy use and reduce vibration.

Additional Features:

• Optimized beveled slots for pulling nails
• Corrosion-resistant
• Induction hardened claws

Price: $12.97. This pry bar is available now at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

Milwaukee 15-Inch Pry Bar (48-22-9035)

Not much changes between the last entry and this one. The 15-inch Milwaukee pry bar is pretty much the same thing as the 12-inch, but larger. It also has claws on both sides, with one being curved for high leverage and the SHOCKSHIELD grip we mentioned from above.

Additional Features:

• Forged from steel for heavy-duty use
• High leverage Shepard’s hook head shape
• Optimized beveled slots for pulling nails
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: $13.97. This pry bar is available now at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

Milwaukee 8-Inch Pry Bar (45-74-9208)

The 8-inch pry bar is the smallest of the pry bars previously only found in a 4-piece set (more on that later). Milwaukee is set to release these tools individually in May 2022. This pry bar features an all-metal core and an I-beam design, which is designed to improve durability.

Features:

• Tri-lobe handle
• Hammer-ready strike cap
• Chrome finish
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: $14.99. This model will be available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer in May 2022.

Milwaukee 12-Inch Pry Bar (45-74-9212)

As a larger version of the last entry, the 12-inch pry bar shares many of the features of the 8-inch. It features an I-beam design and a tri-lobe handle with a longer shaft.

Additional Features:

• All-metal core
• Chrome finish
• Hammer-ready strike cap
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: The 12-inch pry bar will retail for $19.99. Look for it at your favorite Milwaukee retailer in May 2022.

Milwaukee 18-Inch Pry Bar (45-74-9224)

Bigger yet is the 18-inch pry bar from Milwaukee. It has many of the same features as the 8-inch and 12-inch mentioned before, like an all-metal core and a hammer-ready strike cap. It differs in size, being the second-largest pry bar released in this lineup.

Additional Features:

• Tri-lobe handle
• Chrome finish
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: This tool will retail for $29.99. Look for it at your favorite Milwaukee retailer in May 2022.

Milwaukee 24-Inch Pry Bar (45-74-9218)

Finally, the largest pry bar Milwaukee has is the 24-inch pry bar. It has the same features as the last three tools on this list, including an all-metal core and I-beam design for durability.

Additional Features:

• Tri-lobe handle
• Hammer-ready strike cap
• Chrome finish
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: The 24-inch pry bar will retail for $39.99. Look for it at your favorite Milwaukee retailer in May 2022.

Milwaukee 4-Piece Pry Bar Set

This four-piece pry bar set incorporates all of the pry bars that Milwaukee is now releasing individually. This four-piece set bundles the 8-inch, 12-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch in one set, giving you the best value if they’re all helpful to your work.

Additional Features:

• I-beam design for durability
• All-metal core
• Hammer-ready strike caps
• Tri-lobe handles
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: $74.97. This four-piece set is available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

Milwaukee Nail Pullers

There are three sizes of Milwaukee nail pullers that have various capabilities as far as size and performance. This gives you several options to choose from when considering which tool is best for the job.

Milwaukee 9-Inch Finish Nail Puller (48-22-9030)

The smallest of Milwaukee’s nail pullers, the 9-inch nail puller has beveled edges for a better grip on hard-to-reach nails. It has sharpened claws and an integrated nail removal feature that helps reduce damage to surrounding material when removing embedded nails. This size nail puller can remove nails from 6D to 12D in size.

Additional Features:

• SMOOTHPULL high-leverage head
• Wear-resistant grip
• SHOCKSHIELD grip for reduced vibration
• Corrosion-resistant

Price: $13.97. This tool is available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

Milwaukee 10-Inch Nail Puller (48-22-9031)

Featuring many of the same elements as the 9-inch nail puller, the 10-inch can pull nails from 8D to 16D in size. It also features a SMOOTHPULL high-leverage head and a wear-resistant grip. Additionally, the tool’s head has an integrated nail removal feature like the other Milwaukee nail pullers on this list.

Additional Features:

• Beveled-edge nail slots
• Low-profile claw
• SHOCKSHIELD grip for reduced vibration

Price: $17.97. This tool is available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

Milwaukee 12-Inch Nail Puller (48-22-9032)

Finally, we have the 12-inch nail puller. It’s the largest of the nail pullers from Milwaukee, able to pull nails sized 10D to 20D. Like the other nail pullers by Milwaukee listed previously, the 12-inch incorporates SHOCKSHIELD material into the grip to reduce vibration when struck. It also has sharpened claws and a nail removal feature, like the other models.

Additional Features:

• SMOOTHPULL high-leverage head
• Wear-resistant grip
• Beveled edge nail slot
• Low profile claw to reduce damage to surrounding material

Price: $19.97. This nail puller is available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer.

The post Milwaukee Pry Bars and Nail Pullers appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

If you swing. a hammer for a living, you know the titanium hammers vs steel hammers debate. It’s likely you’ve picked up a titanium hammer or perhaps you already use one. If, however, you’re unsure as to whether you should spend the typical $100+ price for titanium, this article may help.

Titanium Hammers vs Steel Hammers on Weight

Just about any framer, form builder or scaffold erector that has been swinging a hammer as part of his livelihood can tell you that, at some point in their career, they have suffered from joint and muscle pain in their hammering arm. The very tool of their trade can often be the culprit responsible for this discomfort. This situation first prompted us to compare titanium hammers vs steel hammers in the first place.

If the hammer is a means to an end, it makes sense to maximize the hammer’s potential. So how do titanium hammers make your job healthier? We’ve reviewed the Stiletto 12 oz Titanium Remodeler hammer and the Stiletto Titanium flat bars, so we wanted to know.

The Physics of the Swinging Hammer Action

This question had us turning to Joel Allen, Director of Innovation at Stiletto Titanium Tools for some input. He explained that the physics of titanium hammers vs steel ultimately comes down to energy transfer. In the motion of hammering, energy originates in your arm (particularly, your muscles & joints). This energy gets stored in the hammer’s head and is released upon impact with the nail.

A titanium hammer harnesses a full 97% of the energy garnered from that hammer swing and transfers it directly to the nail. For comparison, a steel hammer transfers only 70% of that energy to the nail. If you do some quick math you may wonder where the 27% loss of energy went on the steel head hammer.

For the most part, it gets transferred back to the user through the energy that is released in the recoil of the steel. Essentially, vibrations are sent through the hammer head, back down the handle, and into your arm. While some steel hammers have implemented some vibration-absorbing handle materials, at the end of the day, steel remains less efficient at transferring the strike energy to the nail.

Titanium Hammers Lighter vs Steel

In addition to its vibration properties, titanium is also roughly 45% lighter than steel. That means that you not only get a more effective transfer of energy, you also expend less energy swinging a titanium hammer. The lighter weight heads are similarly-sized as their steel counterparts, and so the reduction in weight doesn’t reduce the area of the striking face. So is this the best framing hammer type you can buy?

If Titanium Hammers are Better, Why Doesn’t Everyone Use One?

Joel laughed as I asked him this, but he quickly got serious. He told me that in his many conversations at job sites and trade shows, most guys are quick to say there is no point in owning a lightweight titanium hammer.

But then they get to use one.

For many guys, it is an eye-opening experience. What sells titanium hammers isn’t an end-cap display in a home improvement warehouse or hardware store, but getting the opportunity to actually swing one. You have to put one in a tradesman’s hands and let them experience the difference. Take Stiletto, for example. Since they started selling titanium hammers back in 1997, word of mouth has been their biggest marketing asset. People that use titanium hammers realize their benefits and have done an amazing job spreading the word.

The biggest deterrent or excuse for not purchasing a titanium hammer is its cost. In its raw form, titanium is about five times more expensive than steel to produce. In addition to the high raw material costs, it is also more difficult to make titanium tools due to the manufacturing process. For this reason, a titanium hammer can easily be four to ten times more expensive than comparable steel hammers.

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And the Final Reason to go Titanium…

The health benefits of titanium hammers vs steel hammers took a while to sink in. When they hit the market 16 years ago, facts seemed scarce. They now seem to show a significant rise in user comfort. If you factor in fewer pain pills, doctor visits, and other muscle or joint injuries, the additional cost of a titanium hammer versus a steel hammer quickly pays for itself. The greater efficiency and the reduction in weight help reduce the potential for carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. In the end, that means less downtime, more productivity, and (most importantly) less pain while working.

If you use a hammer all day long, anything that can make your work easier and promote better health is something worth taking a look at. But don’t just look at it—pick one up and give it a swing!

Special thanks to Joel Allen, Director of Innovation at Stiletto Titanium Tools for speaking with us about titanium tools.

The post Titanium Hammers vs Steel Hammers Compared appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Hand Tools Make Challenging Jobs Less Challenging

Coming this fall, Milwaukee Tool will grow their hand tool solutions even further with a 3 lb Drilling Hammer, Nail Pullers, a Molding Puller, and Pry Bars. Milwaukee looks to provide better versatility, accessibility, and durability to these tools. They seem specifically designed for demolition and remodeling work.

Milwaukee Drilling Hammer

Milwaukee designed the 3 lb Fiberglass Drilling Hammer to offer better versatility on the jobsite. It features both a smooth face and a milled face. While the smooth face is designed for general demo and driving applications, the milled face provides additional grip on chisels, punches, stakes, and spikes.

The Milwaukee Drilling Hammer features a high-strength fiberglass handle with reinforced overstrike protection. Pros typically either love or hate fiberglass handles. We find that it significantly reduces vibration. They often introduce additional fragility near the head—particularly if you miss the target. In this case, Milwaukee seems to have mitigated that somewhat, placing additional material right underneath the striking head.

Milwaukee also precision-balanced the hammer for more forceful blows with less effort. Now we just have to hope for a titanium model!

The 3lb. Milwaukee Drilling Hammer hits shelves in July 2020 with a retail price of $17.97.

Nail and Molding Pullers

Milwaukee’s Nail Pullers and Molding Pullers are designed to remove nails quickly and efficiently. They feature a SmoothPull High-Leverage Head for maximum leverage.

On the nail pullers, a wear-resistant grip helps reduce vibration when you smack the cats paw end (Milwaukee calls it a “whale tail”) to remove an embedded nail. The claws feature precision-beveled edges designed to give these pullers a secure grip on nearly-headless nails.

For wedging and prying in tight spaces, the Milwaukee Molding Puller comes with a whale tail claw.

The 9″ Finish Nail Puller comes with 6D-12D nail slots. The 10″ Nail Puller and 10″ Molding Puller are optimized with 8D-16D nail slots. The 12″ Nail Puller features 10D-20D nail slots.

The Milwaukee Nail and Molding Pullers will be available in September. They will range from $12.97 to $18.97.

Milwaukee Pry Bars

The Milwaukee Pry Bars look built to withstand the toughest job site conditions. They’ve been induction-hardened for added strength—meaning they should hold an edge longer. They also feature ShockShield grips for vibration reduction when you strike them.

Both of the available models, which come in 12″ and 15″ lengths, feature high-leverage heads for easier prying.

The Milwaukee Pry Bars will retail for $10.97 and $12.97 respectively. You can pick them up beginning in September 2020.

Milwaukee Drilling Hammers – Available July 2020

• 48-22-9310                 3lb Fiberglass Drilling Hammer – $17.97 

Nail and Molding Pullers – Available September 2020

• 48-22-9030                  9” Finish Nail Puller – $12.97
• 48-22-9031                  10” Nail Puller – $16.97
• 48-22-9032                  12” Nail Puller – $18.97
• 48-22-9033                  10” Molding Puller – $16.97 

Pry Bars – Available September 2020

• 48-22-9034                  12” Pry Bar – $10.97
• 48-22-9035                  15” Pry Bar – $12.97

The post Milwaukee Drilling Hammer, Nail Pullers, and Pry Bars appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Having already reviewed the Stiletto titanium remodeler hammer and the Stiletto fiberglass handle hammer, new models always pique our interest. This week, Milwaukee Tool announced new Stiletto TiBone 3 titanium hammers.

Stiletto TiBone 3 Hammer Details

Near as we can tell, the only difference is the new anti-rotational face and redesigned magnetic nailset. The new Stiletto TiBone 3 hammer face should prevent face-shifting or loosening of the removable milled or smooth face. The new nailset includes a more robust magnet to hold nails more securely than before. Stiletto wants you to be able to truly set a nail with the hammer without fear of the nail falling out of the indent.

Like the TiBone 2, the new Stilleto TiBone 3 titanium hammer features a durable overmold that provides grip while reducing vibration. Milwaukee Tool is offering the new models in curved handle design only for now.

The TiBone 3 hammers use titanium construction with low recoil and less weight over comparable steel hammers. In fact, these hammers weigh 45% less than a steel hammer and hit like a 28-ounce framer.

The new Stiletto curved handle TiBone 3 titanium hammers come in both as milled and smooth face from select distributors.

Note: Check out our article on Why a titanium hammer may be more healthy

What to Expect

We think these new Stiletto framers address some of the issues that plagued the TiBone 2. The design suggests nails should stay more secure in the magnetic holders, the grip should hold up for a good long time, and the face won’t prematurely release itself. All those are excellent improvements. If you think the price is too rich for a framing hammer—you probably haven’t used a titanium hammer from Stiletto. These may not be right for the casual user, but once you’ve swung a titanium hammer day in and day out, it’s hard to go back to steel.

Stiletto TiBone 3 Hammer Quick Specs

• Model: TB3MC (milled face) or TB3SC (smooth face)
• Handle material: Titanium
• Head material: Steel
• Handle: Curved
• Side nail puller
• Rubber grip
• Magnetic nail set
• MSRP: $219-$259

The post Stiletto TiBone 3 Titanium Hammers appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The new DeWalt XP Hammer series focuses on “More Swing, Less Sting” vibration dampening designs. According to DeWalt, the XP series gets its advantage from the grip, reducing vibration by 35% while improving the durability of the material by 25%.

The shaft design helps out as well with a geometry that dissipates vibration better than standard designs. The combination promises to reduce overall fatigue during hammering tasks and make your hammer last longer.

All of the DeWalt XP Hammer models will also feature a side nail puller. There will be 6 total hammers in the XP line.

DeWalt XP 22-Ounce Steel Hammer: A 2018 Pro Tool Innovation Award Winner

Here’s what our judging team has to say about the XP’s award-winning 22-ounce steel model:

“One-piece steel framing hammers offer an outstanding combination of durability and cost-effectiveness. However, they are not the most comfortable hammers to use since steel is so good at transferring vibration. We love that the new DeWalt framing hammer optimized the design to reduce how much of that strike force gets back to your arm.”

DeWalt XP Hammer Line

• DWHT51379 16-Ounce General Purpose Hammer: $23.74
• DWHT51380 20-Ounce General Purpose Hammer: $32.49
• DWHT51381 22-Ounce Framing Hammer: $29.99
• DWHT5183 18-Ounce Wood Framing Hammer: $25.97
• DWHT51135X 12-Ounce Mig Weld Hammer: $44 .99
• DWHT51138X 14-Ounce Mig Weld Hammer: $49.99

Other New DeWalt Hammer Models

• DWHT51438 12-Ounce Steel General Purpose Hammer: $17.99
• DHWT51048 16-Ounce Steel General Purpose (Rip) Hammer: $19.97
• DWHT51439 16-Ounce Steel Curve Claw Hammer: $19.97
• DWHT51054 20-Ounce Steel General Purpose (Rip) Hammer: $22.80
• DWHT51064 22-Ounce Steel Framing (Milled) Hammer: $24.99
• DWHT51452 22-Ounce Steel Framing Hammer: $24 .99
• DWHT51453 28-Ounce Steel Framing (Milled) Hammer: $26.99
• DWHT51387 20-Ounce Steel Camper’s Axe: $32.99
• DWHT51388 3-Pound Drilling Hammer: $24.99
• DWHT51389 20-Ounce Bricklayer Hammer: $30.99
• DWHT51385 21-Ounce Framing Hammer: $29.99

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The post DeWalt XP Hammer Highlights 14 New DeWalt Hammer Models appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The new Milwaukee Hickory Hammer is a welcome addition for many Pros who just want that classic style. Hickory handles are popular thanks to their vibration dampening abilities. That comfort level often trumps the extreme durability that you get with a steel framing hammer.

Other options like composite handles and titanium heads are fantastic, but drive up the price as they drive in nails. This hammer will only set you back around $25.

The head features a magnetic nail starter and an anti-ring claw design. Two options are available: either a milled or smooth face. Both weigh in at 19 ounces and have 16-inch handles.

Overall, there’s not much that Milwaukee seems to have changed on the surface level. However, there’s no reason to ignore modern design techniques and Milwaukee tells us they’ve engineered a perfectly balanced hammer.

The precision of the design is the foundation of their claim that the Milwaukee Hickory Hammer will give you a more fluid and easy swing than the competition. There’s also mention of a “hybrid handle design”. A closer inspection reveals that they’re talking about are elements of an axe handle design bleeding through.

With the price set where it is, it’s not a huge investment to give it a shot and find out for yourself if the balance and handle design make a difference in your work.

The release date on these is set for October, so you should see the new hammers showing up at your favorite retailer soon.

Want More Hammers? Check Out These!

Stilleto Framing Hammer

Stiletto Titanium Poly Fiberglass Hammer Review

Estwing Framing Hammer

Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer Review

Which Hammer is Right for the Job?

Which Hammer Type Should I Buy? A Pro’s Guide to Hammers

Full Feature Set

• Magnetic nail set
• Forged head
• American hickory handle
• Anti-ring claw design
• Hybrid handle designed for balance

Milwaukee Hickory Hammer Specifications

• Milled Face: 48-22-9419
• Smooth Face: 48-22-9519
• Weight: 19 ounces
• Handle Length: 16″
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Price: $75.80

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The post Milwaukee Hickory Hammer Blends Classic Style with Modern Design appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

You may have seen some of the dead-blow hammers and mallets running around. When you strike an object, especially something hard, shot inside deadens the blow. This is in contrast to the vibration and bounce back you get from a traditional model. Now we have the Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer. This is a different application than we normally see, but is it going to be the new premium hammer everyone wants to get their hands on?

Material Choices

We hear a lot about titanium with Stiletto framing hammers and the power to weight ratio they offer. It certainly pretty incredible. But as nice as those hammers are, even with their poly fiberglass handles, one of our favorites is still the Powerstrike Framing Hammer. Like the Powerstrike, Estwing opts for aluminum. This is much the same rationale as the bicycle industry – aluminum offers high strength and lighter weight than steel, though steel has better vibration dampening properties in general.

Thanks to the forging process and the alloy Estwing goes with, it’s claiming to be even lighter than titanium. That’s not a claim we can validate since titanium hammers go with a different material for the handle. Estwing’s aluminum, however, makes up both the handle and head.

Design

In an ideal world, we’d be able to forge an entire hammer around whatever core we wanted. However, that’s not the case. Estwing has a few possibilities here: design a removable face to insert the shot to the core, go in through the top, or go in through the claw. The Estwing AL-Pro Framing Hammer uses a rear insert method, given away by the fastener location.

That doesn’t make it the sleekest-looking framing hammer the world has ever seen. But as we have experienced before, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Features

The features of a framing hammer are pretty basic once you get past the material choices and, for Estwing, the shot head. Framing hammers come as either a smooth or milled face. And in this case, you can choose whichever you like.

Moving to the back, you have a claw. The Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer follows convention here, but you’ll notice the space between the claw doesn’t go as deep as most. So while the channel is shorter, it keeps the offending nail further away from the pivot point and claims to offer better leverage. I didn’t feel an appreciable difference between this setup and my Stiletto. But it’s comparing a 16″ and 18″ handle, which isn’t entirely fair.

Because this Estwing hammer has a full metal build and not a wooden handle, you get a vinyl grip. That’s a must have on any metal handle thanks to the vibration that will still come through. The grip reduces what vibration makes it to my hand and offers a pretty comfortable yet secure grip. The grip is a nice step up from my other premium hammers. The handle also has just enough curve to fit well in hand.

And, of course, every premium framing hammer should have a magnetic nail starter. You’ll get one on this model that works well in this class.

As far as missing features go, some Pros prefer a side nail puller but the AL-Pro doesn’t have one. That’s far from being a deal-breaker.

A Shot in the Dark?

The Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer obviously takes its cues from its dead-blow counterparts. But with a strikingly different application, does the concept still work?

As far as deadening the blow goes, there’s a little less bounce back once you get the nail flush, but not much. The main claim to fame is vibration reduction, though. On that end, there is definitely less vibration compared to my cheaper hammers. But when it comes to premium wood or poly-fiber handles paired with titanium heads, it sits comfortably among them as their peer.

Where titanium still stretches ahead in this class is weight. It’s a pretty obvious difference just picking up the two styles side by side. Add a third – the steel hammer – and you’ll clearly feel the weight reduction with the Estwing’s aluminum construction. So the build is a happy medium between the two.

Hitting the Nail on the Head

It all comes down to striking the nail. You can toss the cheap hammers out after just a couple of nails with each. The Estwing AL-Pro is clearly superior. Things got a little muddier when I invited Stiletto and Powerstrike to the party, though. Striking power is similar between the two aluminum hammers and I give Estwing the edge thanks to a more comfortable and secure grip.

Stiletto’s titanium still has an overall better feel, especially as the day gets longer. It’s not just the lighter weight, but the additional length in the handle also serves to improve the power delivery. Estwing can benefit by offering an 18″ handle option next time around. Even with the extra length, it’s going to be awfully tough to beat out titanium in the premium hammer class.

The Bottom Line

When you start talking about dropping $100 or more for a framing hammer, it darn well better be a good one. The Estwing AL-Pro jumps away from standard hammers with a solid gap in performance and vibration control to join the other premium hammers on the market. It does a very nice job fitting in, but titanium models are still going to cover the upper echelon.

Price is a determining factor here and you’re going to save money over titanium hammers with non-wood handles. Durability is another consideration with solid aluminum construction taking a lot more abuse than a poly-fiber or wood handle can take. So when it comes to balancing performance, build quality, and price, the Estwing AL-Pro has a compelling argument wrapped in a pretty innovative package.

Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer Key Features

• Forged aircraft aluminum alloy
• MV2 technology
• Counter-bored high strength alloy fasteners
• Lighter than titanium
• Vibration dampening shot technology
• Magnetic nail starter in head
• Perma-cap interface
• Interlocking claw
• Patented shock reduction grip

Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer Specifications

• Models: Estwing ALBK (Smooth Face),  Estwing ALBKM (Milled Face)
• Head weight: 14 oz / 393 g
• Overall length: 16″ / 406 mm
• Claw type: Rip
• Color/finish: Black and aluminum alloy
• Handle material: Nylon
• Price: $110.92 (ALBKM)

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The post Estwing AL-Pro Shot Hammer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Very often before the more refined work can begin on a job, the old stuff has got to go. The problem is that the old stuff wasn’t put in place to be temporary – it’s stuck there. So you need a tool to apply some brute force to “encourage” it to make way for new work. So today we get to try out two different sizes of the Honey Badger Demo Fork, no doubt named for the bizarre and hilarious viral YouTube video from a few years back.

If you haven’t seen the video, the point was that the Honey Badger is a tough and fearless opponent that can take on whatever comes at it and win. So let’s see if this tool can win at demolition.

First Impressions

There are two versions of this fork – the 40-inch and 56-inch – and I used the shorter version while I lent the larger version to a guy who does preparation work for a flooring company. I took his input and incorporated it into my own so you get a two-for-one perspective on this tool. Both forks have a thick steel head and four steel tines designed to pry, puncture, rip, break, and otherwise remove whatever needs removin’. The head and handle weld is reinforced with a steel plate that gives you the impression that the fork is nearly indestructible. The handle has a slight bend in it to give you some extra leverage for prying. Let’s break some stuff.

Stick A Fork In It

Admit it – there’s something cathartic about demolition and something empowering about a tool that helps you do it. We had to remove an old deck from a job, tearing up pressure treated lumber that had seen better days. I found that the Honey Badger Demo Fork is designed well ergonomically. The slight curve in the handle helped me get a good bite on the things I needed to pry up. Even when the deck screws wouldn’t come out the fork made quick work of wood. That reinforcing plate between the head and handle is tougher than nails – or a honey badger I suppose – so you can exert as much pressure as you can without fear that you’re stressing the fork.

Although I haven’t had the opportunity yet, I really think the smaller fork will excel in removing shingles on a roof or tile set in Durarock. Getting under the Durarock and lifting will quickly crack and remove the tile.

Surprisingly, however, we found the larger tines of the longer fork hard to work with, at least at the start of flooring removal. There’s no doubt that the longer fork gives you a lot of leverage, but the thickness of the tines are a bit of an impediment at the start. Don’t forget to eat your Wheaties in the morning of the day you use the larger one because it can start to feel heavy pretty quickly.

The Bottom Line

The shorter version of the Honey Badger Demo Fork gives you the best pound-for-pound utility of the two. You get a nearly indestructible demo tool that can pry, break, pound, beat, puncture, tear, and whatever else you need it to do to get the demo job done. Even the honey badger has to have a weakness, and it might be the thickness of the tines on the larger fork. Otherwise,  the Honey Badger Demo Fork does what it wants!

From a value standpoint, you’re looking at $100 and $130, respectively, at The Home Depot. Compare that to other demo and wrecking bars that start around $20, and you quickly see there’s a premium to pay for the fork design. The fork gives you four pry points in a much wider configuration, so you do work more efficiently. Keep that in mind as you consider the price.

Given the limitations of the larger demo fork, I’d recommend you start with the smaller version. If you find that it works well for you – as multiple user reviews we’ve read have – then grab the larger model for bigger demo work. As a one-two punch, you’re likely to boost your destructive potential. Or at least your efficiency. As the video’s narrator says, “It don’t care!” but once it makes your demo easier, you probably will.

Honey Badger Demo Fork Manufacturer’s Key Features

• Unmatched versatility, saving money by eliminating the need to purchase multiple demolition tools
• Great for siding, wood flooring, decking, trim, lath and plaster, fixtures, wood or metal sheeting, roofing, window and door frames, tile flooring, drywall, paneling and much more
• Steel head provides durability and strength, with tine spacing that allows straddling of lumber
• Blunt ends can be used as striking surfaces
• Long steel handle is gusset reinforced and designed to exert force in all directions, with tons of leverage for even the toughest applications
• Steel tines wedge, rip, puncture and tear into or under materials
• Engineered and designed with angles, weight distribution and pry points to maximize performance

Honey Badger Demo Fork Specifications

• Model Numbers:
  • HB40 – 40 inch
  • HB56 – 56 inch
• HB40 Dimensions
  • Depth: 2.5 inches
  • Height: 40 inches
  • Width: 8.5 inches
  • Bar Length: 40 inches
• HB56 Dimensions
  •  Depth: 3 inches
  • Height: 56 inches
  • Width: 11 inches
  • Bar Length: 56 inches
• Prices:
  • HB40: $109.99
  • HB56: $147.90

The post Honey Badger Demo Fork Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Crescent recently announced its new Crescent Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammers available in 16- and 20-ounce sizes.

The hammers feature a non-slip flared foot handle, nylon-jacketed solid fiberglass core, Permabond construction between the handle and lacquered head, magnetic nail starter for one-handed nailing overhead and in tight spaces, and a forged finish with contrasting polished strike face, poll, cheek pads, and claw.

“Professionals are looking for a hard-hitting, well-balanced hammer they can use all day long with less fatigue. This hammer delivers that with its specially contoured handle and flared foot.”

– Brendan Walsh, Senior Product Manager

Our Take

There are still some hand tools indispensable to the job. Take the claw hammer – no matter how many framing, roofing, and siding nailers are on a construction site, you’ll still see Pros with a trusty one slung in a tool belt. Now, hand tool manufacturer Crescent has taken a swing at it with the new Crescent Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammers.

Holding Out for the Best Framing Hammer?

The handle’s flared foot jumps out at us right away. To gain the most leverage on the 13.1- or 13.2-inch long handle (depending on the model), you need your hand near the back end. Add fatigue and sweat and it could become, well, a little hard to handle. The flare adds a measure of security to the fairly wide grip, as does the nylon overmold jacket. If you’ve ever held a hammer with a narrow grip, you’ll know what we mean.

The handle itself is a Permabond fiberglass, which is – save for abuse – relatively indestructible while being lightweight. It should also dissipate the shock of the strike to a large extent.

We like the magnetic nail starter – pretty much a standard feature on Pro level hammers these days. Unlike most, you have to set the nail in the holder rather than just butted up to it. We’ll have to see how this changes the mechanics of using it – most of the time we strike it in place and continue the process. Will this force us to pull back toward us after that first strike?

At $10 and $14, respectively, the fiberglass construction and standard steel rip claw head bring the price down. The trade-off is that fiberglass handles dampen vibration better than steel, but aren’t as durable. And of course, they’re heavier than the titanium models running around. There’s also no milled face model that’s at least an option on many framing nailers.

Steel Head Not Your Thing? Try Titanium!

The bottom line is that these new Crescent hammers look like solid general purpose models for both Pros and DIYers – if you like fiberglass handles. Like work trucks, there’s a lot of preference involved in making your decision and there are benefits to going for upgraded materials. Pros will note that the handles are on the short side for a framing hammer though. So far, users have had a positive experience with both models and for the price, they might be hard to beat.

Crescent Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammers Features

• Non-slip, flared foot handle
• Nylon-jacketed, solid fiberglass core
• Lacquered head
• Permabond construction between head and handle
• Magnetic nail starter
• Forged finish with contrasting polished strike face, poll, cheek pads, and claw

Crescent Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammers Specification

• Model numbers
  • 16-ounce: 11419C
  • 20-ounce: 11418C
• Handle length
  • 16-ounce: 13.1 inches
  • 20-ounce: 13.2 inches
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Available at the Home Depot
• Prices
  • 16-ounce: $12.97
  • 20-ounce $15.97

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