How to find the right hammer for the job

Hammers are a tool that any home needs to have. But most of us seem to buy them on the cheap when we need something to hang a picture, and thus are never really happy with our purchase. With a little smart shopping and some easy tips, you can buy a hammer that will last you longer than the deck you’re building! This guide will help you make sure that you get the best hammer for your money.

Types

As with any kind of tool, there are a variety of hammers suited to perform a variety of jobs. The selection can be daunting, however, and the first time hammer shopper doesn’t usually know where to start. The first part of your decision should take into account what kind of tasks you might be using your hammer for. If you’re counting on building a deck or shed, a nail hammer with a claw to remove nails is the best bet.

Some Nail Hammers

If you’re putting up trim in your house, or working with wood that’s a little more delicate than 2×4s, a finish hammer is a better choice. Most finish hammers don’t come with the nail removal claw, however, so be sure to plan ahead in case you need to remove an errant nail. While there are a variety of other kinds of hammers, such as roofing hammers, the average home user seldom has use for them, so it is best to buy them only when you’ll be using them. If you’re still unsure about what type of hammer to purchase, don’t despair. There are other factors to consider that might help you make your decision.

Hammer handles

For years now, a titanium head has been a standard feature of almost all hammers, but there are other options, include wood and fiberglass. Wood hammers are cheap and often as durable as titanium or fiberglass. Wood handles have a tendency to grow weak if used in the same way for too long, however, so for a job that requires a lot of force or if the hammer is going to be getting heavy use, you may wish to consider another material. Titanium hammers are the most popular choice, but they offer little as far as absorbing the force of each swing, so your arm can get sore pretty quickly. The best bet for a durable, high quality hammer is a fiberglass handle. Fiberglass offers the durability of titanium while being a little bit softer material that can absorb some of the impact that titanium transfers into your arm.

Hammer weight

So you’ve decided on the kind of hammer you need, and you know what material you want it to be made out of, but now you’re stuck with a decision that can be hard to make without some extra info: how heavy of a hammer to buy? Hammers come in as many different weights as there are kinds of nails. For driving big nails into sturdy pieces of wood, the heavier the hammer the better. Heavy hammers let you drive in a nail with two or three good strikes. A lighter hammer offers better precision, and is easier to use for many less experienced do-it-yourselfers. Resist the temptation to go to either extreme! You don’t need a sledge hammer to drive in a nail, and a tiny finishing hammer will never get most jobs done. Your best bet is a good medium weight, 16-ounce hammer easy heavy enough not to be inconvenient on large jobs, but light enough that there is little risk of damaging delicate wood provided that care is taken. Lighter hammers often don’t have the weight behind them to drive in heavier nails.

Construction

Another important consideration to make is the way the hammer is made. Many cheaper hammers are made using very shoddy techniques. Many are little more than a metal head glued on a wooden handle. These hammers can be had for quite cheap, but are only good for a job or two before they become unusable from the head coming loose. Slightly more expensive hammers are built a little sturdier, with a piece of the handle running through the head. Again, while these might cost less money, you’ll find yourself making this decision again after a job or two. There are two ways in which a hammer can be assembled that makes sure it’s as durable as possible, and luckily both are common and relatively cheap. The most durable hammer is a one-piece hammer, such as a titanium handled hammer, in which the head and the handle are forged from the same piece of metal.

One-Piece Hammers

With no weak joint at which to break, these hammers are virtually indestructible. Another common method of assembly is for a fiberglass handle to be crafted around the head of the hammer. Again, with no weak joint, this kind of hammer is amongst the most durable. While not quite as sturdy as a titanium hammer, the added benefit of the fiberglass handle is enough to sway most contractors and other professionals towards the use of fiberglass hammers.

Fiberglass Hammers

When selecting a hammer, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money to ensure quality. Most households only ever buy one or two hammers, so getting a good one the first time can save you both money and future aggravation. By taking into consideration what you’ll be using the hammer for, as well as making sure you get one that is well constructed from good material and of a weight that you feel comfortable with, buying a hammer will be a breeze.