Tips on buying a hammer

 

Buying a hammer will be one of the first hand tools you will need to add to your home tool kit.

When it comes to buying a hammer, the first thing you will notice is that there are many different types of hammers on the market. These include the common claw hammer, sledge hammers, tack hammers, framing hammers – in fact there is a hammer designed for just about any purpose. However, for the average handy woman wishing to undertake her own repairs this post is aimed at what to consider when buying a hammer – the claw hammer which is the most common hammer on the market.

When buying a hammer take into consideration the following points.

• Does the hammer feel comfortable in your hand and not too heavy or large

• Is there muscle tension in your arm after a few minutes.

• Will you be abel to use it for hours on end if necessary without getting an aching arm

The claw hammer commonly comes with a steel head and either a wood, fibreglass or steel handle. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of each for you to consider in arriving at your decision.

Buying a Hammer – Wood Handle

Advantages:

• Lighter – weight 16 – 20 oz (450grams to 500 grams)
• Cheaper $ 5 – 20
• Suitable for occasional use

Disadvantages:

• Wood expands and shrinks with changes in temperature- can split
• Cheap wooden handled hammers may come loose from the head of the hammer
• Need to keep a close eye on this – disgard if becomes loose.

Buying a Hammer  - Composite Handle – (Fibreglass, Graphite, Titanium)

Advantages:

• Unlikely to split
• Weight 16 – 24oz (450grams to 580 grams)
• Composite handle doesn’t expand or contract like wood

Disadvantages:

• Rubber grip can split may need replacing
• With heavy use head may dislodge from steel claw head

Buying a hammer – Steel handle:

Advantage:

• Handle and head all in one piece – handle cannot dislodge from head
• Suited to heavy long-term use

Disadvantage:

• Heavier than wood or composite 20 oz – 24 oz hammer

HOT TIP: Suggest you consider buying a fibreglass or composite material hammer around the $30 – $40 mark for long term use, as lighter than a steel hammer.

Buying a Hammer – other types of hammers

When buying a hammer you will also notice that there are a variety of other types of hammers – each designed for a specific job.  For example,  tack hammers (for use in covering furniture) sledge hammers (both short and long handles).  They usually have a wide steel head and because of the weight of the head are excellent  for driving in wood stakes and star pickets (steel fence posts)

The rubber mallet is used for whacking/tapping  blocks and tiles into place.  I have had mine for over 30 years and it is still going strong.

The wooden mallet is used in woodworking and is used for gently knocking tight joins into place.

If you plan on doing a lot of renovation work then buying a hammer with  either a fibreglass or steel hammer that feels comfortable in your hand will be a good long term investment.  If you spend in the range of $20 – $50 you should be able to buy a high quality fiberglass or steel hammer.

If you are looking at buying a hammer or other tools online click here to go to Tools-Plus

 You may find the following articles helpful too.

Tool Safety
Woodworking Joints

 

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