Is there such a thing as a "professional grade" hammer?

[McSquishin]

You'll have to excuse my extreme ignorance. I've been a plumbers helper for a whopping two weeks and prior to that have had practically zero experience regarding tools. So as the title asks, is there such a thing as a "professional grade" or an otherwise higher quality hammer? If there is such a thing, would it be worth upgrading to from my banged up, brand unknown, "made in china" marked hammer I've had for years?

Since starting my new career path I've been trying to build up my basic plumbing tool kit, and the hammer I have in there is the only tool I already had that I was able to throw in there from my own pre-existing tool collection.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Get an all steel Estwing ball peen hammer. It will last your entire career.

Tommy

 

[kctyphoon]

Yes.. Look at Stilletto hammers.. They are made from titanium and run up to $300..

That said - I believe any decent hammer will work just fine, I'd focus more on the type then how expensive they are. Pretty much any well known brand should work fine.

 

[BD1]

Depending what type you want the Trusty Cook hammers are awesome ! The dead blow one's will save your ears for sure. Many to choose from too. TOP QUALITY and $$$ well invested !
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312505&highlight=trusty+cook

https://trustycook.com/

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Yes.. Look at Stilletto hammers.. They are made from titanium and run up to $300..

Pretty, but I wonder what anti-physics magic potion they used to make 12 ounces have the same mass as 21 ounces...

Tommy

 

[McSquishin]

Get an all steel Estwing ball peen hammer. It will last your entire career.

Are there perks to having a ball peen hammer over a regular claw hammer? From what I've seen the only thing the master plumber and journeyman plumbers I run around have used a hammer for is to drive nails into 2x4s to mount pex etc. Wouldn't I want a claw hammer to remove nails if need be? I've never used a ball peen hammer and beyond the quick wikipedia search I just did know nothing about their use.

Yes.. Look at Stilletto hammers.. They are made from titanium and run up to $300..

That said - I believe any decent hammer will work just fine, I'd focus more on the type then how expensive they are. Pretty much any well known brand should work fine.

Gotcha. I don't have the ability to spend that much on a hammer so it's reassuring to see that other presumably cheaper varieties would suffice. What type would you recommend, for plumbing especially, and why?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Kinetic Energy=Mass x Velocity. Their website makes the statement that you will swing a lighter hammer faster. That increased velocity will make up for the missing mass so you end up at the same kinetic energy total.

I know that, but try driving a nail with a balsa wood hammer. Try splitting a log with a hatchet.

With a little practice, I can sink a started #10 2" nail with 2 hits (sometimes 1) with a 21 ounce framing hammer. I can't with a 12 ounce finish hammer. Of course, I wouldn't try to do a job that way.

Swinging faster (harder) is more tiring. Letting mass work for you instead of speed is easier all day long.

Hey, I could be 100% wrong. It just seems like fuzzy logic at best.

Either way those Stiletto tools are very nice.

Tommy

 

[kctyphoon]

Are there perks to having a ball peen hammer over a regular claw hammer? From what I've seen the only thing the master plumber and journeyman plumbers I run around have used a hammer for is to drive nails into 2x4s to mount pex etc. Wouldn't I want a claw hammer to remove nails if need be? I've never used a ball peen hammer and beyond the quick wikipedia search I just did know nothing about their use.



Gotcha. I don't have the ability to spend that much on a hammer so it's reassuring to see that other presumably cheaper varieties would suffice. What type would you recommend, for plumbing especially, and why?

I'm not a plumber, so I really don't know the trade preferences.. Start off by asking what some of the experienced guys use and ask why.. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over this one though..

 

[McSquishin]

I'm not a plumber, so I really don't know the trade preferences.. Start off by asking what some of the experienced guys use and ask why.. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over this one though..

I plan to do just that once I show back up to work on Monday. I'm definitely trying to not over think stuff like this, I'm just trying to educate myself so that when I make my purchase it's a tool that'll be in my bag for a good long while. I know full well that my banged up hammer is probably fine for the foreseeable future, I'm just a fan of quality and have been trying to get quality tools for my bag.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

If you're doing stuff with nails, obviuosly a middle sized general claw hammer is what you want. A ball peen is what you would want for cracking old cast fittings apart or any other non-carpentry related work.

I have both in my bag.

Tommy

 

[ryan20021982]

I am a big fan of Vaughan hammers plus they are made in the USA

 

[B_Bimmer]

Lots of styles for different jobs, pick what works for you but the answer was already given. Buy an estwing, it'll last forever. Professional grade if there ever was one, fairly priced, consistent quality.

 

[mires]

I'm a plumber as well. I've never met another plumber that used anything other than a good old fashioned claw hammer. In my opinion, 20 oz. is the perfect weight for what we do. Don't get the cheapest one you can find but don't spend a ton of money on it either. Focus on spending good money on plumbing specific tools. Buy a good torpedo level and tape measure. Don't be afraid to ask the other guys for recommendations.

 

[ryan20021982]

Here is a good thread about Estwing and Vaughan hammers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77126

 

[MW.]

I'll most likely be in the minority here but I've never cared for an Estwing hammer. The ones I've used seem poorly balanced with to much weight in the handle. I'd prefer a wood or fiberglass handle for the balance and grip. That said Estwings are excellent quality. Only seen one break and the guy tossed it over a fence onto pavement. You might try borrowing one for a minute to try if you have the chance.

 

[McSquishin]

Lots of styles for different jobs, pick what works for you but the answer was already given. Buy an estwing, it'll last forever. Professional grade if there ever was one, fairly priced, consistent quality.

I'm a plumber as well. I've never met another plumber that used anything other than a good old fashioned claw hammer. In my opinion, 20 oz. is the perfect weight for what we do. Don't get the cheapest one you can find but don't spend a ton of money on it either. Focus on spending good money on plumbing specific tools. Buy a good torpedo level and tape measure. Don't be afraid to ask the other guys for recommendations.

Looks like we have a winner then. I'll be getting this guy sometime in the next few weeks when I pick up the last few tools I need for my bag. For a torpedo level I have one from Craftsman, and for my tape measure I have a 35' magnetic Milwaukee that's probably overkill but has served me well for the past couple of weeks.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Kinetic Energy=Mass x Velocity. Their website makes the statement that you will swing a lighter hammer faster. That increased velocity will make up for the missing mass so you end up at the same kinetic energy total.

Your point is the same, but energy = 1/2 mass x velocity squared (mass x velocity = momentum, not energy)

 

[McSquishin]

For the OP, I would say pretty much any decent middle weight hammer (around 21 ozs) with a rip claw (straighter claw end) would be your best bet for a single hammer. Something like an Estwing E3-20 or E3-22. For rougher work where you won't see the finished product, a waffle (milled face) hammer will grab the head of the nail better when swinging. For more finished work a smooth faced hammer is better but you might have more issues with the hammer wanting to glance off the nail head if your swing isn't square.

If you can afford two hammers, getting one 16-18oz smooth faced hammer with a curved claw and a second 20-22oz waffle faced hammer with a longer handle and a rip claw would give you a very well rounded setup for nails small to large, rough in and finish work. Nail holding magnets, side pry notches, etc. are features that are sometimes nice to have, but they can become a hassle and/or get in the way and you can almost always get by just fine without them.

I may very well get a second longer waffle faced hammer like this one if I have enough room in my bag for it. I still need to get a full size copper pipe cutter and PVC cutter which is going to hog a good chunk of my remaining tool bag real estate, but I fully get what you're saying.

 

[ryan20021982]

I agree with you about Estwings, but I would never buy a fiberglass handled hammer because I don't trust epoxy handle connections over the long term. Estwing hammers do have more weight down in the handle, and they are not the best choice for long term constant use either. A professional framer would be happier with the better balance and vibration damping of a high quality wood handled framing hammer. For semi-regular use, driving a few nails at a time 5-10 times a day every day, for demo work, general toughness, never having to worry about the head loosening up, getting wet, glancing the handle accidentally off of hard objects without damage to the handle, that's where Estwing shines.

My dad has used fiberglass handled Vaughan framing hammers for 40 years and has broken the claw on a few but never had a head come off or a problem with the fiberglass handle, and he still has all of them he has ever bought, so that is your opinion about them. It may be a problem with cheaper fiberglass hammers but not Vaughan.

 

[MikeinNorthWales]

Nobody is going to judge you. Just go buy a hammer.




I apologize for a less than helpful post, but holy cow, do we overthink everything here???

 

[mires]

Looks like we have a winner then. I'll be getting this guy sometime in the next few weeks when I pick up the last few tools I need for my bag. For a torpedo level I have one from Craftsman, and for my tape measure I have a 35' magnetic Milwaukee that's probably overkill but has served me well for the past couple of weeks.

Looks like a good one. It should last you for a long time. Just be sure to keep your old cheapie handy for those times when you don't want to abuse your Estwing.

 

[rick carpenter]

Looks like we have a winner then. I'll be getting this guy sometime in the next few weeks when I pick up the last few tools I need for my bag. For a torpedo level I have one from Craftsman, and for my tape measure I have a 35' magnetic Milwaukee that's probably overkill but has served me well for the past couple of weeks.

I have an Estwing and a Craftsman in this style and they work well for my all-around use, which includes some plumbing too. For plumbing work, you're not going to be using it all day every day so I wouldn't worry too much about anti-vibe. If you have the room, consider a 2-3 lb engineer's/drilling (small sledge-type) hammer. They're good for extra oomph when needed, as a backing weight when hammering into something light or wobbly, or for tight quarters demo.

 

[gmwelder86]

Spent a couple years of my apprenticeship plumbing. Vaughn framing hammer is most of the guys I worked around used. I've got a couple now that still see use around the house. American made good quality reasonable price. It's hard to beat.

 

[bwringer]

Nobody is going to judge you. Just go buy a hammer.




I apologize for a less than helpful post, but holy cow, do we overthink everything here???

Yeah, in fact, that kinda is what we do around here. Overthinker's sort-of anonymous, that's GJ.

That Estwing claw hammer will be the bee's knees, the arthropod's ankles, and the kitties *******. Not too expensive and available everywhere, in case he accidentally leaves it in some crawl space somewhere.

 

[Davefr]

In the spirit of overthinking, my preference would be a California Framer.

I'd take a wood handle over steel/fiberglass any day. And this model uses a hatchet handle. It'll likely feel way better then the Eastwing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z2X7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[WhiffySpark]

I agree with you about Estwings, but I would never buy a fiberglass handled hammer because I don't trust epoxy handle connections over the long term. Estwing hammers do have more weight down in the handle, and they are not the best choice for long term constant use either. A professional framer would be happier with the better balance and vibration damping of a high quality wood handled framing hammer. For semi-regular use, driving a few nails at a time 5-10 times a day every day, for demo work, general toughness, never having to worry about the head loosening up, getting wet, glancing the handle accidentally off of hard objects without damage to the handle, that's where Estwing shines.

I won't buy anything but fiberglass or molded these days. Especially after I had two sledge hammer heads take flight off a wooden handle. I've split a few ball peen handles as well

 

[Sloper0204]

Don't know how many people here have ever seen the Hand Tool Institute usage chart (pdf download link):

Appropriate selection of tool for the task will greatly improve the effectiveness of use, while reducing the risk of injury and/or damage. Tools must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. The Hand Tool Institute offers easy-to-follow, proper tool selection and use guidelines, by tool category.

On topic; if I were to choose a single hammer to have for the rest of my career it would be an Ampco ball peen.

 

[redwrench60]

I think you're focused on the right hammer with a 20 oz Estwing rip claw. It has that perfect mix of toughness and utility. Plumbers aren't Framers, you won't be doing any barn raisings. You don't need a giant waffle face framing hammer. You need a nearly indestructible hammer to drive a few nails here and there and for general persuading, prying and light demolition that comes with the territory. If it gets lost or stolen you won't be heart broken and you can get a replacement anywhere.

 

[RM209]

I'm a plumber as well. I've never met another plumber that used anything other than a good old fashioned claw hammer. In my opinion, 20 oz. is the perfect weight for what we do. Don't get the cheapest one you can find but don't spend a ton of money on it either. Focus on spending good money on plumbing specific tools. Buy a good torpedo level and tape measure. Don't be afraid to ask the other guys for recommendations.

I think Mires is right on. The plumbing trade is hard on hand tools. Before long the tools are covered in pipe dope, PVC glue and other fluids. Look for a good quality mid-grade hammer; a used one from C-L or a garage sale isn't a bad idea.

Congrats on your new career.

RM209

 

[McSquishin]

Thank you to everyone who responded to this topic! I really appreciate the advice, 'cause Lord knows I need it. I'm loving my new career path and will be lurking this site trying to get my general tool knowledge up to par for a good long while I think.

 

[Roberts210]

Ditto Estwing. I've used them for many, many years. I've probably got 5 or 6 of them around along with an Estwing hatchet.

Ever try to drive a nail with a ball-peen? Hammers are made differently for a reason. I wouldn't try to peen a rivet with a carpenter's hammer either.

 

[Fedwrench]

Keep your selection simple. Think how does it feel in your hand as you swing it? is it durable? is it easy to warranty (CRAFTSMAN)? Is it well made, is the face perfectly flat or domed? How does the head attach to the handle? is it tight?

You have to balance the tool fanatic recommendations here with the real world. It's not easy sometimes.

 

[redwrench60]

I thought of this thread today when I picked up an Estwing 28 oz. smooth face rip claw framing hammer at the flea completely new with all the stickers still on it with just a tad of surface rust from sitting. Cost me $15. Hard to imagine there being a better all around hammer for smashing big nails in deep or performing general demolition tasks and repairs. Even at full price at Home Depot they're only about $30 so. A person would have to search hard to find a tougher hammer at a better price.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Another vote for Estwing if you haven't bought one yet. Vaughan seems very nice & is also affordable but I don't have any personal experience with them. Like a couple other people said ask around at work. Nobody will look down on you for it & they'll know what would work best but for plumbing those brands should be all you'll ever need & won't break the bank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gahrajmahal]

My main gripe with my old Eastwing hammer is the grippy surface is now hard and slippery and is the same diameter. I picked up an anti-vibration hammer with a hatchet style grip (bigger at the end) so after long hammer hours I don't have to grip the thing so hard to keep swinging it. Plus the rubber grip stil seems to be grippy now after about five years.
The Harbor Freight hammers are pretty good and throw away cheap.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

My goto hammers are both Estwings: a 20 oz framing rip claw and a 16 oz curved claw… the traditional blue-cushioned grip ones. My dad has a few of them that are over 25 years old and built/remodeled a couple homes.

If I'm doing a lot of framing (my recent remodel) I'll use a pneumatic nail gun… not that the 20 oz won't do a few 3.5" sinkers. Combine the effort and time saved, plus toe-nailing the pneumatic is just better. HF framing nailer did over 6000 nails and still going, not the quality of a Bostitch I borrowed for a bit… but I don't use them for a living.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Then again, the cheapo Plumb hammer I've had never let me down either…

 

[KamiCrit]

It's been said but I thought I'd throw in a picture:

Show me where the handle is going to go lose.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

I always like the estwing hammers, I got them all, rip claw , curved claw and the long handle ones 16,20,22 oz. the one I use the most is the 20 oz rip claw. how long has estwing been around? I remember my dad having one . It was so old the handle is now green. I still have it, he used it back in the 60s when he was in construction. I always wondered why estwing doesn't come out with an anniversary edition or something and have a red handle . I bet they would sell like hot cakes. Bcd

 

[Muzzy]

I suspect that starting out in any skilled trade, money is tight with all the specialty tools to buy. If you have a hammer that works, save your tool budget until you lose that one. By then you'll have gained more insight into your common hammering tasks and know better what will work for you.

Hammer selection is a very personal choice. The various replies on this thread reflect that.

For my vote, I like Vaughn hammers, probably because my first hammer, which is sill my go to, is a Vaughn made Craftsman 16 oz fiberglass handle claw hammer that my dad gave me when I was about 5.
Epstein's carries Vaughn factory seconds as Grayvik brand. Slightly cheaper, same feel. I have a couple, and no complaints.

Good luck on your new career!

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/tool-brand/grayvik.html