Tips for Choosing a Claw Hammer

Of all the tools in a standard toolbox, the hammer is probably the one that gets used the most. While a hammer can obviously be used for pounding nails, it is also handy for any number of other jobs around the home that require breaking, smashing, pounding, prying or straightening. Because a hammer has so many different uses it is important to choose a good quality hammer that will last, that is comfortable to work with and that will be able to tackle any job you need to use it for. Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a hammer.

Many people are under the impression that a hammer is just a hammer. However, there are a wide variety of different options when it comes to hammers which can make choosing the right one a little overwhelming. There are different hammer weights, handle styles and claw shapes that can all contribute to finding the hammer that is right for your needs.

The most common type of hammer is the claw hammer. This is likely the hammer that you are most familiar with and picture in your mind when you think of a hammer. The standard weight for a claw hammer is 16 oz., which works well for just about any job that you will need to tackle around your house. For lighter jobs you can choose a lighter weight hammer, or if you are doing heavy duty work you can use a heavier hammer. The weight of the hammer will be stamped somewhere on top of the hammer head. Try holding several different weights of hammer to see which feels the most comfortable to you.

Your next choice when it comes to hammers will be what type of handle you want on it. Typically hammers come with graphite, wood, fiberglass or steel handles. Hammers with wooden handles have been around for years, are comfortable to use and have decent shock absorption. However, wood handled hammers are not the most durable choice and the handle will likely have to be replaced at some point down the road. The head of the hammer can work its way off of the handle and in some cases the handle can crack during use.

Fiberglass and graphite hammers are a good choice because the handles help to absorb the blow when you pound a nail which can lessen the strain on your hands. An added benefit to fiberglass handles on hammers is that they can also be used by electricians.

For the ultimate strength in a hammer, steel hammers are great because the head of the hammer and the handle are all one piece. However, steel hammers can be hard on your wrists because the handle passes the shock from pounding a nail directly into your hand rather than absorbing it. Many steel hammers have a very cushioned grip to help combat this problem.

For safety and for comfort it is a good idea to look for a hammer that has a rubber coating or shell on the handle of the hammer. This will give you a better grip and keep the hammer from slipping out of your hand when you use it.

The most important factor for a hammer is that it feels comfortable to you when you use it, so don’t be afraid to try holding several different styles when you are at the hardware store shopping. Having a great hammer can make your projects easier and help protect your wrist from repetitive motion problems in the long run if you do a lot of hammering.