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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Which hammer do you use?

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BigRed

04-12-2005 10:11:23




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I am thinking about buying another hammer and I wanted some suggestions from people who use hammers on a regular basis. My current good hammer is a 16oz. Stanley Anti-Vibe. Unfortunatly at the time I bought it the store only had curved claw, and I wanted a rip claw so that it sticks in the end of a fence post easily. I use it every Saturday to build fence. Just wondered what are some other good hammers out there.
BigRed

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Sbogusta

04-13-2005 12:49:00




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
I like a straight claw Estwing 20oz



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mikeinWA

04-13-2005 09:27:41




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
I agree with the other posts regarding Estwing and Vaughn. Estwing is especially nice if you are pulling nails because of the steel construction. I however have begun using "Fat Max" hatchet handled framers. The hatchet handle feels better and drives better, I also think a wood handle transfers less vibration than the Estwings. Lots of nail bangers in this area have switched to Magnesium heads, but at $70 a hammer you can buy the fat maxs all day long. Heres another staple trick, hold the staple like you would a cigarette, with the head toward the palm of your hand rather than between your thumb and pointer finger, that way when you miss or while your starting you tap the palm side of your fingers, hurts a hell of a lot less than hitting your thumb. This works well for roofing too.

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Larry in Pa.

04-13-2005 07:07:07




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
Technically speaking, curved claw hammers are "finishing" hammers, for trim and fine type work. Straight claw hammers are framing hammers, and as mentioned, for roofers afraid they may slide off a roof.



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Vern-MI

04-13-2005 06:09:51




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
20 oz. rip, framing or as last resort a claw hammer with either a wood or fiberglass handle for comfort. The metal handle between the grip and the head usually tear up my hands but are good for longevity.



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Gary in Colorado

04-12-2005 21:45:47




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
My brother asked me for a wrench once, I said, what size? His response was "it don't matter, I'm gonna use it for a hammer anyway".



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BigRed

04-12-2005 18:29:29




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
Yeah, I agree that a curved claw is nicer to pull nails, but in fencing there aren't any nails pulled. If a staple needs pulled, out come the fencing pliers. As I stated above, I like the staight claw because I can stick it in the top of a fence post easier, similar reasoning as the roofer. This is the first time I have heard about using a checkered face for pounding staples, and the guys that I build fence with have been doing it professionally for over 25 years now. I guess you learn something new every day. Thanks for all the information.
BigRed

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wdtom

04-12-2005 17:57:30




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
I have two craftsman carpenter hammers, a 16 oz and a 20 oz. framing hammer with a straight claw. I perfer cruved claws, they pull nails better. These two hammers both have orange fiberglass handles and feel the best of any hammers I have tried. I carpentered for a living for a few years about in the late 80 and tried a several different hammers belonging to others and these felt the best to me. Don't know if they make them anymore. The only justification I ever heard for a straight claw was if youwere roofing and started to slide down/off the roof you could ram the claw into the roof and save yourself, maybe if you were lucky. Ever try and pull a nail with a straight claw?? Curved works way better.

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Glenn F.

04-12-2005 15:41:23




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
Can someone tell me the pros/cons of curved jaw vs. straight jaw hammers? Thanks, Glenn F.



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dr.sportster

04-12-2005 19:26:59




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Glenn F., 04-12-2005 15:41:23  
When your sliding down the roof you will wish the curved claw was a straight claw.



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Scott Green

04-12-2005 18:22:02




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Glenn F., 04-12-2005 15:41:23  
I use a hammer most every day of the week. And have for many years. I've tried many brands in early years. In my opinion , Estwing makes a good , rugged , well balanced hammer. You will find that many well seasoned professionals use Estwing. Most the supply houses also carry Estwing. There's a reason for that. Now , as far as your question of straight claw / curved claw goes , here is my opinion. Although I do own one curved claw hammer , I hardly ever use it. Two reasons I can see for curved claw hammers are: You can nail in tighter places , & you won't accidently stick the end of the claw into your face. With a straight (rip) claw , you can possibly stop yourself from going off a roof by barrying the claw into the roof deck. you can use the claw as a pry bar. You can use it for ripping things apart , also use for setting nails. When hammering nails in , drive the nail all the way. Then , without missing a beat , spin the hammer in your hand , and set the nail. Now , as far as hammer weight , I use a 16 ounce for just about everything. If I get into framing work , I step up to 20 ounce. For the serious framer , you can step up to 24 ounce. I do agree with the other post when it comes to hammering things like fence post staples. Checkered head is nice.

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Steve Elings

04-13-2005 08:04:32




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Scott Green, 04-12-2005 18:22:02  
I don't call them a serious framer using a 24 oz hammer I think thats what that women uses on that home show. A true framing hammer is a 32oz hammer lets you drive them in two hits why waste time and energy using a light hammer. and as far as a roofer they use hatchets.



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Actually...........

04-14-2005 04:39:54




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Steve Elings, 04-13-2005 08:04:32  
they now use air nailers.



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dr.sportster

04-14-2005 10:37:34




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Actually..........., 04-14-2005 04:39:54  
Ok then you gotta nail down your workboot real quick when you slide.Watch your toes.



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Galen

04-13-2005 05:20:15




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Scott Green, 04-12-2005 18:22:02  
Estwing makes good hammers, but I can't seem to get them to "feel" right. To my hand they are top heavy and out balanced. But a lot of guys use them. For fencing, I have an older "Cheapie" 22 oz rip hammer. The rubber handle came off, so I welded a piece of pipe over the metal stem. Works great, and if it gets lost - I'm not out $20+. I think I got it about 10-12 years ago at one of those "box" stores. My brother is a semi-retired frame/finish carpenter. He can go through a rack of 300 hammers of dfferent brands - and MAYBE find ONE he thinks is "just right".

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Dell (WA)

04-12-2005 14:48:41




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
Red..... ....I subscribe to the BIG HAMMER theory. 16oz'r are wimpy tackhammers. My claw hammer is 20oz fiberglass handle (my 10yo son lost my 24oz claw and I haven't been able to find another) and my frammer is 24oz fiberglass handle. My favorite fencing staple hammer is 3# doublejack with 9" wood handle, the short handle seems to be more accurate than my 2# doublejack with 18" handle, and a whole lot faster than enny of my claw hammers or fencing pliers. I have both 6# & 8# sledges and the 6# gitts the most use 'cuz the 8# tires my arms too fast and then I gitt inacurate. I have 6# & 8# firewood splitting malls and use the 8# more. (go figger?) I have a 2# 15" handle splittin' mall for kindeling but carry a 14oz HudsonBay hatchet when backpacking and a propane stove for cooking 'cuz open fires are outlawed..... ....Dell

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Mattlt

04-12-2005 11:35:53




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
I like my 16 oz Estwing. The steel shank is a lot harder to scuff up when I miss a nail. :-)



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IHC Red

04-12-2005 23:05:16




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Mattlt, 04-12-2005 11:35:53  
I'll second that on Estwing. I use a 20oz smooth face for most serious work. I don't like replacing handles. Menard's has the best deals I've seen on Estwing.



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ScottP

04-12-2005 11:26:14




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to BigRed, 04-12-2005 10:11:23  
BigRed
I use a 20 oz. Vaughn framing hammer with a checker face to drive staples. I doesn't slip off fence staples like a smooth faced hammer.

Scott



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ChrisH(IA)

04-13-2005 08:06:27




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to ScottP, 04-12-2005 11:26:14  
Hello Big Red. Like ScottP, I also use a Vaughn
20 oz. rip claw. I've been a carpenter for forty years now, and that wood handle has kept arthur(itis) away. I got to where I could change a broken handle in less than three minutes. Steel and Fiberglass vibrate too much for everyday use, but fiberglass can splinter if you overstrike the nail. HTH ChrisH(IA)



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Gravy

04-13-2005 12:54:31




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to ChrisH(IA), 04-13-2005 08:06:27  
Good discussion! I like 16 oz, curved claw, wooden handle. But it depends on the size and length of your arm and hand, and on the work you're doing. The wooden handle seems to reduce elbow problems and it also slides in and out of the tool belt easy...



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Brian in NY

04-14-2005 11:14:06




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 Re: Which hammer do you use? in reply to Gravy, 04-13-2005 12:54:31  
I picked up a heavy duty hammer (unknown brand) at a garage sale years ago. It is a framing hammer of some sort, checkered face, straight claw, and steel shank. It looks like a piece of junk. Grip is missing, replaced with plain ol 'lectric tape. That is the best hammer I have ever owned, and it is a mean brute, too.

I have some light claw hammers for light work, but the big ugly will always be my faithful friend.

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