Hammers may seem like the most basic instrument in any toolbox, but not every job is designed the same, which means there isn’t one hammer that can handle each and every task. Depending on your project, having the right hammer can be the difference between an impressive finished product and a frustrating afternoon that ends with injured fingers.
What to Consider Before Buying a Hammer
What you’re using the hammer for is obviously an important consideration, and there are a wide variety of hammers to suit different job types. For around the house use, a claw hammer is a good option to get. These can be used to remove nails. There are different materials as well, ranging from wood to fiberglass to solid steel.
How We Chose the Best Hammer
While we included some specialty options on this listing, we started off with basic hammers for around-the-house use. Options include hammers with fiberglass handles, which are lightweight and shock absorbing. We also picked out some smaller hammers that can be worth adding to your toolbox.
We’ve rounded up some of the best options to buy online.
1. Estwing 16 oz. Straight Rip Claw Hammer
The Estwing is designed for construction sites and at-home renovation projects, with the hammer featuring a rip claw that can pull nails, pry boards, split wood, and take on most demolition jobs. Perfect for roofers, framers, carpenters and more, the Estwing has a patented shock reduction grip that decreases impact vibration by 70 percent. Made in the USA, Estwing has been making hammers for almost 100 years.
Pros: Forged in one piece for durability. Made in the USA.
Cons: Some options may be more economical for the average homeowner.
2. IRWIN Hammer
This hammer comes from Irwin, one of the most trusted brands for hand tools. It’s made from fiberglass, which is a lightweight material that has the added benefit of absorbing shock and reducing hand fatigue. The hammer also has a comfortable rubber grip handle with a curved bottom for a more secure hold. The hammer also has a claw as well, so it’s well suited for a variety of around-the-house tasks.
Pros: Comfortable, light grip. Fiberglass build keeps it light and reduces hand fatigue.
Cons: May not be ideal for very heavy-duty jobs.
3. EFFICERE 8 oz. Stubby Claw Hammer
The Stubby Claw Hammer has an alloy steel head that provides maximum striking power as well as sharpened and curved claw edges that make it easy to remove nails. The rust-preventative clear coating makes the hammer long-lasting, while the anti-shock plastic handle is comfortable and easy to grip, perfect for long jobs. The compact size of the hammer makes it a great addition to toolboxes and drawers of all sizes.
Pros: Magnetic feature to keep nails in place. Ergonomic grip.
Cons: Because of its small size, the Stubby Claw isn’t ideal for jobs that require a large swing space.
4. EFFICERE 22 oz. Rock Pick Hammer
Designed for personal use, including camping, hunting, and gardening, as well as professional use by geologists, archeologists, masons, miners, and contractors, the Rock Pic Hammer can chip brick, stone, concrete, rock and more. The 11-inch hammer is perfectly balanced with a power-to-weight ratio that gives force to each strike. Forged in one piece, the all-steel hammer has a rust-proof coating that also adds strength. The rubber grip is ergonomically designed and provides shock and slip resistance
Pros: Good for outdoor use. Sturdy steel construction.
Cons: May not be ideal for around the house use.