The 5 best hammers of 2021

Best hammer overall

An affordable price, rubber handle, and lightweight construction make the Irwin 1954889 16-Ounce Claw Hammer a great option for all-around use at home.

Pros: Sturdy rubber grip, affordable price

Cons: Not rugged enough for heavy-duty demolition

The Irwin Claw Hammer has been my go-to choice for years, and when I lose or lend it to someone else, I always purchase the same model. It has a nice solid construction, with a stainless steel head and fiberglass handle that keeps it lightweight. At 12.75 inches in length, this hammer is large enough to generate enough power for most carpentry tasks, while staying small enough to easily wield without fatiguing your arm. This size also makes it convenient to fit into your toolbox or bag during transport. 

Its rip claw is straight enough to be really effective when it comes to both prying up boards or pulling nails. My favorite part of the Irwin hammer is the heavy-duty rubber handle. It runs nearly 6 inches up the shaft of the hammer and features a textured design that provides a solid and sturdy grip. 

The bottom of the handle has a nice end cap to give you even more grip, as well as reduce the chance of it slipping out of your hand mid-swing. This hard end cap also adds to its durability, reducing the chances of damage if dropped.  

Despite this manageable size, the Irwin is still large enough for light demolition, and at just 1 pound in weight, it’s light enough to swing easily. Even though the Irwin Claw Hammer isn’t rugged enough to realistically stand up to full-time framing or construction projects, its low price makes it a great choice for anyone to keep as a backup option in your toolbox or glove compartment. 

I’ve also used several other Irwin brand hand tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and clamps and have always found them to be reliable and durable products.

Best soft-sided hammer

The versatile Estwing DFH-12 Rubber Mallet features two plastic striking faces, and at just 12 ounces — about as much as a can of soup — it is comfortable to hang on your belt all day. 

Pros: Includes two different faces to choose from, hickory wood handle

Cons: Not suitable for use with nails

As a commercial and residential carpenter, I’ve used this exact hammer for years on all my projects that require a non-marring tool. Its dual striking faces allow for more versatility than a traditional rubber mallet, and the lightweight design lets you swing it just as hard as a traditional hammer.  

By providing two different faces, the Estwing DFH-12 can be used for a variety of tasks on a range of materials. The softer red side is ideal for more delicate surfaces, while the harder yellow face is better suited for more rugged work. I will say, though, this difference isn’t as broad as I’d like. 

The solid construction of the Estwing rubber mallet is also a big reason why I prefer it over similar options. It has a solid hickory handle with an ergonomic design, and the triple-wedge process that attaches the handle to the head gives the whole unit a nice, solid feel.  

Though it isn’t suitable for use with nails, it can be used for tacks or other fasteners that have large heads. If you need a tool for use on nails, you’ll need to purchase an additional hard-faced hammer. That said, if you’re intent on sticking with a regular hammer, you can achieve the same non-marring result by wrapping it in a cloth or using a piece of scrap wood to act as a buffer when striking.

Best framing hammer

Forged out of a single piece of steel, the Estwing E3-22S 22-Ounce Framing Hammer is durable enough to stand up to all-day framing jobs, with the length and weight to deliver impressive force with minimum effort.

Pros: More durable than fiberglass or steel-handled option

Cons: Heavier than most typical hammers 

If you’re a professional framing carpenter you probably already have your favorite hammer, but if you’re just starting out or just want a tool that can cover all your bases, the Estwing E3-22S 22-Ounce Framing Hammer is a great choice.  

Since framing hammers are meant to be used more frequently than other types, it’s important that they’re designed with maximum swinging efficiency in mind. You could probably get by with using a regular claw hammer for framing for a short time, but the inefficient design will quickly result in sore wrists and elbows. Fortunately, the 16-inch length of the Estwing makes it easy to generate the force needed to sink nail after nail without wasting precious energy. 

The solid steel construction of Estwing’s framing hammer makes it practically indestructible and perfect for smashing through heavy-duty demolition jobs. Its straight claw can be used for prying up floorboards, splitting wood, or cleaning up any protruding rough spots when framing.

It’s not the largest framing hammer on the market — I’ve used some that are up to 28-ounces — but I think the mid-range size of the Estwing is the ideal balance of size and strength for the average user. If you’d prefer a lighter or heavier model, Estwing offers a wide range of sizes to choose from. 

Steel-handled hammers don’t resist vibration as much as other materials, but the shock-reducing grip of the Estwing 22-Ounce Framing Hammer does an effective job of reducing hand fatigue. It also provides a sturdy, comfortable grip, which is especially important on demolition jobs that might require powerful swings.

Best sledgehammer

Light enough to handle but still large enough to tackle heavy-duty jobs, the Husky HD-SF8LB 8-Pound Sledgehammer is a great choice for those looking for a robust demolition tool.

Pros: Rubber grip increases control, light enough for all-day use, affordable price 

Cons: Black color can be difficult to find in a cluttered garage or job site 

I frequently used sledgehammers when working as part of a demolition crew and found that 8-pound models were the ideal size for general use. The Husky HD-SF8LB 8-Pound Sledgehammer has a lightweight fiberglass handle and forged steel head, perfect for crushing stone or smashing through demo projects. This low weight also makes it easier to control and is great for precision tasks like driving in stakes or tent spikes. 

The fiberglass handle of the Husky sledgehammer might not have that cool, classic look of hickory wood versions, but it is substantially more durable. This is especially important with sledgehammers, since so much force is involved. All it takes is a few inaccurate swings to damage the handle beyond repair. Even a small crack in the wood can result in the head flying off mid-swing.

Fiberglass handles are also waterproof and won’t be affected if accidentally left outside. If you do happen to swing a little too far and hit the handle of the hammer, the Husky has a thick rubber neck to absorb the blow and minimize overstrike damage. 

The all-black color scheme of the Husky HD-SF8LB Sledgehammer is the main drawback for me, as it can be easy to lose track of in a busy job site or in the back of the garage. If possible, I prefer high visibility colors like green or orange, but that’s a personal preference.

Best light-duty hammer

If you’re looking for a tool to use while hanging the occasional picture frame, the Stanley STHT51455 10-Ounce Wood Hammer is all you need for basic household tasks.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to store

Cons: Not for heavy-duty jobs

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to hammers. If you’re just doing light tasks around the house, a smaller model can sometimes be the most convenient option. The Stanley STHT51455 10-Ounce Wood Hammer allows you to maintain precise control while swinging, thanks to its light weight. 

The weight also makes it a great choice for beginners, kids, or those who don’t have the strength for a larger tool. I personally enjoy the feeling of a wooden handle, and the hickory wood of the Stanley provides that comfortable grip and old-school look.   

The Stanley STHT51455 is an ideal choice for jobs like tapping in picture-hanging hardware, like small nails and tacks. Like the Estwing DFH-12 Rubber Mallet, this hammer is also a good choice for those who put together a lot of Ikea furniture. Since most cupboards, cabinets, and dressers usually require you to hammer a back panel into place with small nails, this is the perfect tool for tasks like that. It’s also great for jobs that use smaller pins and tacks, like upholstery projects. 

Its size makes the Stanley wood hammer especially easy to store, though this does make it unsuitable for heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, its curved claw would be better suited to pulling nails than doing any kind of demolition or prying tasks. Don’t get me wrong; it can definitely handle regular hammering jobs, but for regular use, you’ll want a more rugged option like the Irwin Claw Hammer. 

Stanley tools have a great reputation, and I’ve always had a good experience with its other products, including a tool I always have on hand: the Stanley 25-Foot Tape Measure.

What else we considered

Efficere 8-Ounce Claw Hammer: This stubby little hammer isn’t useful enough for enough household jobs to make our list, but its small size could make it a great choice for anyone with limited space. It also has a convenient magnetic nail starter on that top, and its curved claw is perfectly suited for removing small nails. 

DeWalt 4-Pound Fiberglass Engineering Hammer: A smaller alternative to larger sledgehammers, the DeWalt 4-Pound Fiberglass Engineering Hammer is designed for both demolition jobs as well as driving tent stakes. It would be a great choice for those looking for more mobility and control than larger models. It also features a textured grip and overstrike protection on its neck.

Methodology

As a residential and commercial carpenter, I’ve used a variety of hammers in both furniture design and construction. This experience, plus several hardware store trips to test out a wider range of options, has helped me assemble this list of the five best hammers you can buy. 

I made sure to include a variety of choices, so regardless of your skill level or job requirements, you’ll find an option that fits your needs.

Hammer FAQs

What type of hammer do I need?

There are several types of hammers, from claw hammers to sledgehammers. Which one you need depends on what type of tasks you’ll use it for. 

Claw hammer: Basic claw hammers are what you probably think of when you imagine a hammer; it’s the most common design you’ll find. They have a curved, pronged claw on the opposite side of the head, used for prying out nails. Their lightweight design makes claw hammers best suited for putting in nails. Heavier hammers are intended for striking hard, solid objects like metal or heavy lumber.

Framing hammer: While technically also a claw hammer, framing hammers have a straighter “rip” claw, making them better suited for prying things apart, like lumber that has been nailed together. Framing hammers are also longer than typical claw hammers, allowing carpenters to generate the necessary force to smack a high volume of nails into framing lumber. They can sometimes have a magnetic nail starter built into the head, which holds a nail in place and keeps your fingers free of the work area.

Soft-faced hammer: For tasks that involve working with delicate or decorative materials, soft-faced hammers allow you to apply significant force to wood, metal, or plastic without damaging the surface. Their plastic or rubber heads are most commonly used in cabinetry and other fine woodworking jobs, where they can tap pieces into place or pound in wooden dowels. They’re also good for upholstery work that uses small tacks or mechanical jobs that have small metal components. 

Ball peen: These are similar to claw hammers, but instead of a claw on one side, ball peen hammers have a rounded head. This round head — called a “peen” — is used to shape and deform metal, typically rivets when joining metal pieces together. These can also be used in more specific blacksmithing tasks. If you work with rivets and blacksmithing tools, you probably have a good idea of what makes a good ball-peen hammer, which is why I decided not to include one on this list.

Sledgehammer: Designed for delivering maximum smashing power, sledgehammers are almost exclusively used for demolition purposes. Their long handles and heavy heads allow sledgehammers to generate an impressive amount of force. These hammers come in a range of sizes, from smaller 4-pound models you can swing one-handed up to 20-pound tools that can do a lot of damage to whatever you need to demolish. 

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What type of handle should my hammer have?

The right type of hammer handle will depend on the job and, in some cases, personal preference. 

Wood: Wood-handled hammers are almost always made of hickory and give your tool that classic, old-school look. They also transmit much less vibration during use than any other material, making them more comfortable to use. The main drawback to wood handles is that they can loosen at the head and will need to be replaced over time. 

Steel: Since the entire hammer is made out of a single piece of metal, steel-handled hammers are obviously the most durable, making them a great choice for demolition work. Their heavy weight also makes them well-suited for heavy-duty tasks like shifting beams or posts into position. Steel handles don’t dampen vibrations nearly as well as wood or fiberglass, though. 

Fiberglass: Fiberglass shafts are lightweight and cheap and also reduce vibrations more than steel-handled models — though not as much as wood. They’re not ideal for heavy-duty demolition, but fiberglass options are a great choice for a good, overall hammer that won’t break the bank. Their low price also makes fiberglass hammers a smaller investment and less of a headache if misplaced. 

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What’s the difference between steel and titanium heads?

The majority of hammers on the market will have forged steel heads, a material that is certainly durable and rugged enough for both casual hobbyists and professionals.

That said, if you’re a tradesperson who does a lot of hammering or you just want a really nice hammer, titanium heads are just as strong as steel but only weigh about half as much. This low weight makes titanium hammers much easier to swing and can lead to less fatigue and overuse injuries. Titanium hammers are very expensive, though, costing up to five times as much as a steel-head hammer. 

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What’s the difference between a milled face and a smooth face? 

Hammers can have either a milled face — with small teeth to help grip nails and prevent the hammer from glancing off — or a smooth face. The drawback of milled-face framing hammers is that they can leave their waffle-like indentations on the wood surface. If you’re planning on using your hammer on delicate finishing projects, I recommend a smooth face. 

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How do I use a hammer safely?

Regardless of the hammer you choose, you’ll need to practice proper safety procedures. Before use, check the hammer head for any cracks or chips, and ensure that it is securely fitted to the handle. Cracked wooden handles should never be tied or taped together and should be replaced immediately. Remember to always wear eye protection when using a hammer, especially when performing demolition work.

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