How to Choose The Best Claw Hammer
Construction material
Claw hammers are generally made from steel. The best ones are forged from a single piece of steel that will probably last you a lifetime.
Profile
The best claw hammers are well balanced and aerodynamic, and designed to reduce fatigue when used for long periods. The head has a smooth face for finishing work. Some claw hammers feature a magnetic head that allows for one-handed, fast and accurate nailing.
Weight
Claw hammers come in different weights for a range of applications. For general use and finishing work a 12 oz claw hammer or 15 /16 oz claw hammer is ideal, whilst a 20 oz claw hammer is ideal for heavy-duty work such as framing.
Grip
The grip of a claw hammer is an important consideration as it optimises comfort and reduces fatigue. Leather grips are comfortable and make for a lovely-looking traditional hammer. Vinyl grips offer excellent shock absorption and are comfortable to hold.
Claw Hammer FAQs
What is a claw hammer used for?
Claw hammers are generally used for nailing, extracting nails, prying up boards, light demolition work and splitting wood. The claw hammer is an essential DIY kit item and can be used for a range of tasks such as putting together flat-packed furniture, hanging a picture, building a garden arbour or fitting skirting boards or architrave.
What weight claw hammer do I need?
For general nailing and DIY use a 12 oz claw hammer. This type of hammer is heavy enough to put together furniture, hang pictures and perform general woodworking tasks such as fixing skirting boards and architrave. If you are fairly strong you could go for a 15 or 16 oz claw hammer. If you generally do lighter but more repetitive work or prefer a lighter hammer to reduce fatigue, a 12 oz claw hammer might be better.
A claw hammer is an essential tool for many trades and DIY. If you choose a good quality hammer and look after it, it will last a lifetime.