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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Harbor Freight Hammers

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Glenn FitzGeral

03-22-2007 09:24:34

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About three months ago I lost my favorite mechanic's hammer--an 8oz balpein. I have not looked at Snap-On, etc. but am unable to find anything less than 12oz at our local Fleet Farm, CO-OP, etc. I see 4 sizes if balpein hammers in the latest HF flyer. Some people say a hammer is a hammer. However I have seen the head (not handle) break off some forign hammers.

Does anyone know if the HF balpein hammers are any good? I'm not looking to save money.

Thanks, Glenn F.

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cb in wisc

03-24-2007 20:08:46

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I don't know anything about HF hammers. I do work as a blacksmith and I get my hammers from Centaur Forge in Burlington Wisconsin or I pick up hammers at flea markets.

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Stan in Oly, WA

03-23-2007 17:31:15

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Hi Glenn,

At the local Community College welding shop I've seen lots of HF hammers---mostly ball-peen and hand sledge---which have broken during use. In every case I've seen it's been the handles breaking; I haven't witnessed or been shown a hammer where the metal has come apart.

I bought a set of five wooden handled ball-peen hammers from HF and had 2 of the handles break in what I would consider normal use---and not too much of it. I later bought a set of five fiberglass handled ball-peen hammers there. While I haven't had one break yet, a co-worker did so I don't hold high hopes. Using one to hit a metal punch recently, I hit the punch with the top of the handle right below the head with a fair amount of force. It did more damage than I'm used to when that happens with a Stanley carpenter's hammer, for instance. I wasn't impressed with the crumbly look of the damaged spot either.

I don't agree that you get what you pay for in the sense that if you pay top dollar you're sure to get high quality, and if you pay little you're sure to get junk. I wish life were that simple. I'm sure I could provide dozens of examples of paying a high price for a supposedly good brand and getting junk, and fewer examples of the opposite happening, but still a few. There's no easy way to go through life without paying attention---well, there is, but not with good results.

All the best, Stan

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Roy Suomi

03-23-2007 14:10:05

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I have yet to go there and buy anything...I'm trying to be tactfull.....J-U-N-K

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Kent in KC

03-23-2007 08:01:34

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Just remember to spray it with...

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CRUSADER

03-23-2007 07:18:34

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Glen, seems we both have something in common when it comes to hammers. I will grab, swing, etc. hammers(carpenter or mechanics) before buying one. The last ones I bought were at ACE Hardware (Claw Hammer) and Sear's (Ball Peen). Give them a try, you may find what you're looking for there.

Jim

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IH2444

03-22-2007 20:18:57

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I usually buy used hammers at the flea markets. Pretested for flaws :)

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jeffcat

03-22-2007 20:46:03

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to IH2444, 03-22-2007 20:18:57

You are SO right! Found a Mac and a Snapon at the flea market for VERY good prices. People don't under stand that the old handle can be replaced and I end up with a REAL good hammer. Jeffcat

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Glenn F.

03-22-2007 17:35:48

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Thank you for your responses. I'm gonna check out Craftsman.

Glenn

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rgvtx

03-22-2007 17:01:37

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Sears has them, I would feel better using this one over a HF one. Something about swinging a chunk of iron that was made in China scares me.

8 OZ. Sears BP Hammer

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jeffcat

03-22-2007 20:43:16

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to rgvtx, 03-22-2007 17:01:37

Remember- it came from here as an old car or sumpthin. haha jeffcat

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Dave Sherburne NY

03-22-2007 16:29:49

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

JD Tex is right , they do have a nice handle on them

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jmixigo

03-22-2007 13:51:42

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I really like the Snap On hammers, but I can't justify the price. As a mill wright I use lots of different hammers all day at work, often use them very hard too. I mostly buy EastWing, American made Craftsman, or Stanley hammers. They are good tools for the money.

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Glenn F.

03-22-2007 15:24:35

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to jmixigo, 03-22-2007 13:51:42

Do they have an 8oz ballpein?

Glenn

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jmixigo

03-22-2007 15:55:02

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn F., 03-22-2007 15:24:35

I have an 8 oz ballpeen by Craftsman, (and a 6). I also have no idea how old it is. Go to any Sears store an you'll find that they will order most any thing that they don,t regularly stock.

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TimV

03-22-2007 12:01:10

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I've got several HF hammers that I've had excellent luck with, including a dead-blow, a set of body hammers, rubber mallets, etc. However, I have not been impressed with the low-end HF ball-pein hammers. I've had flying heads, handles with knots, and chipped heads, and none of the above are a good thing. Note that they seem to have a few different grades of hammers, and the better ones (not three-fer, four-fer or similar) seem to be no worse than a mid-grade name-brand at a third the cost, but the cheapies aren't worth even the little money they ask for them.

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souNdguy

03-22-2007 11:04:59

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I got about 9 hammers.. 2 'american' made framing hammers, and the rest are chinese .. assorted from sledge to maul, to framing to ballpeen. I'v replaced handles on 3 of them over the years, and have had 2 hammers break in the metal piece. one was a HF did happen to be a balpeen.. cracked area showed rust.. so it had been cracked when i got it apparently ).. and the other was the american framing hammer.. an 'ear' broke off of it.

Where does the leave me? The one broke american framing hammer cost me as much as 6 of the 7 chinese hammers added together that are all doinf fine.. so

I always wear eye protection when hammering.. so.. go get the size you need.. if it breaks.. get it replaced under warranty if possible.... if it breaks.. find a different supplier..

yes.. you do get what you pay for.. however.. sometimes a 5$ hammer will do the job just as good as a 30$ 'name brand' one...

Soundguy

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Slowpoke

03-26-2007 00:37:00

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to souNdguy, 03-22-2007 11:04:59

Discovery channel Mythbusters did an experiment dealing with a myth of hammer heads exploding when hitting hard metal objects. They smashed several hammers together face to face, but only the handles broke. Fiberglass, metal and wood handles. They didn't say what brand(s) of hammers they used.

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TexMac

03-22-2007 10:32:34

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I pay the rent at the local HF. LOL That being said, I now avoid anything cast from them. That includes hammers, chisels and jacks. Yes, they gave me refunds, no questions asked, but in cases of personal safety, you do get what you pay for. It is just not worth it. Buy those items from a reputable supplier. Those items need to be forged steel, not cast.

By the way, I do not buy edged tools from Sears for the same reason. I am just too old to be dodging the flying metal chips.

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Brad in WI

03-22-2007 10:10:53

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

I have a small ball pein HF hammer that I like. though I have only used it a dozen times or so. I also bought one of the 2lb mini sledge hammers and the head came off as I was swinging after the 5th or 6th time useing it. In my OPINION check into snap on, I have used my friends snap-on ball pein hammer and it is very comfortable and warrantied.

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Glenn F.

03-22-2007 13:31:40

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Brad in WI, 03-22-2007 10:10:53

That's what I need to do. Of all the balpeins I have seen so far at Fleet, Menards, CO-OP, etc., all have been foreign made--Mexico, China...

Glenn

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J-TEX

03-22-2007 10:01:33

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

Had a shop hammer from harbor freight once. the handle did not break but the head shattered, sent peices flying, good thing I had safety glasses on.
never again!!

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hay

03-22-2007 09:44:14

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to Glenn FitzGerald, 03-22-2007 09:24:34

it's been said many times and many ways....you get what you pay for. cheap prices and quality cannot and does not co-exist together.

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dan hill

03-23-2007 04:38:14

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Re: Harbor Freight Hammers in reply to hay, 03-22-2007 09:44:14

Just did a post on hammers.Went back to add info and the entire post was wiped out.In short a good Estwing hammer will cost 20.00 plus.How can any one sell a good hammer for 3.00?If a hammer chips your eyes are at risk.

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