US Made Dead Blow Hammers

John in OH · Mar 25, 2015

After reading a recent thread regarding a GJ member's search for info on HF vs. "other" brand dead blow hammers:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285333

I began wondering if there is any significant differences between the more well-known US made dead blow hammers? It appears that Trust-Cook and Garland are the most common US manufacturers (Estwing appears to be made by T-C http://www.trustycook.com/hammers.php) so does anyone have any experience with these two and can anyone offer any observations, comments, pros/cons, etc.?

Garland

Trusty-Cook

Not interested in any more comments regarding HF as the above referenced thread already covered HF, or about SO as they only rebrand someone else's dead blows, unless someone knows who now makes the SO dead blow hammers.

arz71 · Mar 25, 2015

I have Snap-On mallets/hammers but after buying some MAC Compo-Cast I really like them.

The Compo-cast holds up really well and the grip of the handle is good.

Estwing 45oz for $29

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-45-oz-Dead-Blow-Hammer-CCD45/202183856?N=5yc1vZc992

Banjorear · Mar 25, 2015

I was going to recommend Estwing as well; especially for the price.

Wizzard · Mar 25, 2015

arz71 said:
I have Snap-On mallets/hammers but after buying some MAC Compo-Cast I really like them.

The Compo-cast holds up really well and the grip of the handle is good.

Estwing 45oz for $29

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-45-oz-Dead-Blow-Hammer-CCD45/202183856?N=5yc1vZc992

That 45oz Estwing is made by Trusty Cook. Trusty Cook also makes the gray handled Estwings as well. TC also makes the Armstrongs (lifetime warranty).

This is from TC's VP of Sales, he states who they make hammers for:

01-16-2014
Hello All - Jeff, VP Sales at Trusty Cook (Trustyhammers.com), and new to Garage Journal and glad to be here to clear up some confusion about the Dead Blow Hammer Market...... Trusty Cook of course offers all full line of DEADBLOW Soft Face, Sledge, Ball Peen and Metal Shaping Bossing Hammers (new to market and only deadblow bossing mallet in Industry) that can be purchased at Trustyhammers.com.

We are very proud to still be manufacturing ALL our hammers 100% in the USA at our Indianapolis, IN plant! We also are PROUD to private label a full line of Dead Blow Hammers for several BIG NAMES in the Hand Tool Arena - Armstrong Tools (Red Color), Cornwell Tools (Red Color), MATCO TOOLS (Only the Green Ones - the red and clack ones are imports and not made by Trusty Cook), SK Tools (Red), Estwing Mfg. (The Red CCD Models/CCD45 is in Home Depot and all the Grey Ones with blue rubber grips), and finally Snap-On Tools - We only make the Sledge Hammer Models branded as Blue-Point for them, their soft face and ball peens are an injected molded hammer they went to years ago.

I have also seen some confusion on hammer weights, particularly the Ball peens, the Part Number for our brand ends with the HEAD WEIGHT (not total weight) - example TCBP16 (head weight is 16 oz and total weight is 26 oz.) We did this years ago to comply to GSA (Military/Gov't) Contract Standards/Specs. Confusing I know, but the weights are accurate on our brand.

We do offer a 2 year warranty against manufacturer defects (on our brand only - private label brands control warranties on their products even if made by TC). Warranty outside 2 years is discretionary on a case by case basis, but we are pretty good guys who always like to hear from our customers with any feedback or stories about our Deathblows!

We recently won top dog ranking in Truckin Magazines Tool Test on Dead Blow Ball Peens...check out the January Issue for details...and please take a look at our full line at Trustyhammers.com or any of our Private Label Customers!!! Thanks again for the welcome to Garage Journal!

Boost Creep · Mar 25, 2015

tc is a member here. i've got several and i like em

rlitman · Mar 25, 2015

I don't have any Trusty Cook hammers currently. I used to own an orange Snap On that was made by TC, and it was one of the old ones that crumbled while sitting in a drawer. But I cannot comment on the currently made ones.

I own just about all the HF deadblow sizes (managed to break one that was happily replaced), and a decent selection of the SO sizes (also managed to break one of those, which was also happily replaced), so I'm not on the market for another deadblow, BUT

if I were buying new deadblow hammers today, I'd seriously consider Nupla.

JUNK-MAN · Mar 25, 2015

I have to say Estwing, good hammers.

vintage nut · Mar 25, 2015

I usually use lead hammers I cast myself, but I'm planning on picking up a deadblow soon. Probably either an estwing or a nupla

you can never have too many tools

Jarhead0408 · Mar 25, 2015

I've got three Trusty Cook hammers and so far they well....Trusty!

No complaints so far.

Conductor562 · Mar 25, 2015

I use the Proto/Mac Compocast. Couldn't ask for better dead blows

rcjoy · Mar 25, 2015

Stanley Compo-Cast are made in USA.

Kaane · Mar 25, 2015

How about some German Made Wiha's?

Well priced and excellent construction with removable faces.

arz71 · Mar 25, 2015

Conductor562 said:
I use the Proto/Mac Compocast. Couldn't ask for better dead blows

I changed to them as well after using one in the shop. Really like the Compocast myself. They seem to be more resilient or pliable not sure how to put it.

Super Sport · Mar 25, 2015

Don't forget Nupla! I have Nupla-made Craftsmans because I wanted a warranty. I've been happy with them!

Adam.C · Mar 25, 2015

John in OH said:
After reading a recent thread regarding a GJ member's search for info on HF vs. "other" brand dead blow hammers:

Not interested in any more comments regarding HF as the above referenced thread already covered HF, or about SO as they only rebrand someone else's dead blows, unless someone knows who now makes the SO dead blow hammers.

Jesus will the misinformation and Snap On bashing on GJ never end? How many times do people need to hear it to believe it. Trusty cook USED to make SO hammers. They still make the SO sledge hammers. Snap On make their own hammers. They are not hot cast urethane like TC. Stanley compocast are older trusty cook designs.

The Snap On hammers are frequently on sale or on special deals such as free with other items. They are very good hammers that you can use for the rest of your life. Plastic faced dead blows are for hitting parts directly. You may only need one, the 32oz. The dead blow ball peen hammers are also very nice and pack a whallap. Use them for driving steel punches, drifts etc. The 16oz is very nice. I'd like a 32oz.

There's something different about the stuff inside a snap on hammer. I don't know if they are filled with sand or just finer shot, but they have a crisp blow. The handles are also very nice. They are long and feature 2 position soft grips.

I have a Stanley compocast slimline which I use for carpentry. The longer head gives you a little more space to hold what you are striking. The handle is thin and square. Okay if you are wearing work gloves.

rlitman · Mar 25, 2015

Super Sport said:
Don't forget Nupla! I have Nupla-made Craftsmans because I wanted a warranty. I've been happy with them!

I'm pretty sure the Nupla branded hammers have a lifetime warranty too, just not as easy as walking into a Sears to get a replacement.

Kaane said:
How about some German Made Wiha's?

Well priced and excellent construction with removable faces.

Well, removable faces are a plus, but the exposed painted metal is a minus. If I want a soft faced hammer, its a bonus for me that the entire thing is non-marking. Now for a deadblow ball peen, that looks like a nice option.

holt2ton · Mar 25, 2015

Just got a new Trusty Cook to replace one that the handle broke on...it lasted 15 years or more....I didn't think twice about which brand to get. Trusty Cook all the way!!

PugetDude · Mar 25, 2015

Nupla or Estwing Dead blows are made in the US.
I like the looks of the Vaughan, but it is made in England.

PugetDude · Mar 25, 2015

Adam.C said:
Jesus will the misinformation and Snap On bashing on GJ never end? How many times do people need to hear it to believe it. Trusty cook USED to make SO hammers. They still make the SO sledge hammers. Snap On make their own hammers. They are not hot cast urethane like TC. Stanley compocast are older trusty cook designs.

The Snap On hammers are frequently on sale or on special deals such as free with other items. They are very good hammers that you can use for the rest of your life....

There's something different about the stuff inside a snap on hammer. I do know if they are filled with sand or just finer shot, but they have a crisp blow. The handles are also very nice. They are long and feature 2 position soft grips.
.

No doubt that SnapOn makes some nice tools, but I believe that a lot of the GJ angst around them stems from the fact that unless you're working full-time in a bricks and mortar repair facility, they really don't want to sell you their products and certainly don't want to deal with you on warranty issues. The average joe doesn't have time to chase an elusive tool truck all over town trying to buy something or get a broken tool warranted. Keep in mind that not all of us are working full-time in a dealership or service center where the SnapOn popsicle truck pulls in semi-regularly with deals, discounts and financing... the website prices are much higher....how are we supposed to get excited about legendary SnapOn quality?

fivespdcat · Mar 25, 2015

I have Garland's and the TC made Estwing from Home Depot. Unfortunately I don't have that much time on the Garlands. The feel of both of them is top notch and the pliability is awesome on both. You can feel the difference relative to the HF hammers, which I also have.

Either way it's all in how you look at it and what you want to do with the hammer, for hitting brakes and car stuff, I don't mind busting out the HF. It works and if it gets chewed up on a sharp edge who cares. For the other stuff like assembly and giving my DIY wood projects a light tap the Garland or Estwing comes out. They're not really mixed at any point, since the HF one is dirty from the automotive side of things and I keep my others for cleaner projects.

If you have any specific questions, I'll try to help out.

arz71 · Mar 25, 2015

Adam.C said:
Jesus will the misinformation and Snap On bashing on GJ never end? How many times do people need to hear it to believe it. Trusty cook USED to make SO hammers. They still make the SO sledge hammers. Snap On make their own hammers. They are not hot cast urethane like TC. Stanley compocast are older trusty cook designs.

The Snap On hammers are frequently on sale or on special deals such as free with other items. They are very good hammers that you can use for the rest of your life. Plastic faced dead blows are for hitting parts directly. You may only need one, the 32oz. The dead blow ball peen hammers are also very nice and pack a whallap. Use them for driving steel punches, drifts etc. The 16oz is very nice. I'd like a 32oz.

There's something different about the stuff inside a snap on hammer. I do know if they are filled with sand or just finer shot, but they have a crisp blow. The handles are also very nice. They are long and feature 2 position soft grips.

I have a Stanley compocast slimline which I use for carpentry. The longer head gives you a little more space to hold what you are striking. The handle is thin and square. Okay if you are wearing work gloves.

People are jealous of the fact people have something they don't.

I was taught at a very early age, buy good quality USA made tools, there is a difference and it makes sense to buy a tool 1 time.

Quality over Quantity.

If quantity was the solution to everything then our country would not be in the mess it is in.

Tanro · Mar 25, 2015

PugetDude said:
No doubt that SnapOn makes some nice tools, but I believe that a lot of the GJ angst around them stems from the fact that unless you're working full-time in a bricks and mortar repair facility, they really don't want to sell you their products and certainly don't want to deal with you on warranty issues. The average joe doesn't have time to chase an elusive tool truck all over town trying to buy something or get a broken tool warranted. Keep in mind that not all of us are working full-time in a dealership or service center where the SnapOn popsicle truck pulls in semi-regularly with deals, discounts and financing... the website prices are much higher....how are we supposed to get excited about legendary SnapOn quality?

Then you don't need snap on.

John in OH · Mar 25, 2015

Geezzz, guys .... let's try to stay on topic! The original question here was essentially regarding a comparison of Trusty-Cook vs. Garland. Let's not go off on a tangent about inferred slights to Snap On tools. No bashing was intended as I was under the impression that SO re-branded some other brand ... sorry for my misunderstanding.

I'm still interested in the comparison of US-made dead blows such as T-C vs. Garland or, perhaps, Nupla and Stanley's Compo-Cast. It does appear that Wright's dead blows are re-branded Nupla.

PJNJ · Mar 26, 2015

John in OH said:
Geezzz, guys .... let's try to stay on topic! The original question here was essentially regarding a comparison of Trusty-Cook vs. Garland. Let's not go off on a tangent about inferred slights to Snap On tools. No bashing was intended as I was under the impression that SO re-branded some other brand ... sorry for my misunderstanding.

I'm still interested in the comparison of US-made dead blows such as T-C vs. Garland or, perhaps, Nupla and Stanley's Compo-Cast. It does appear that Wright's dead blows are re-branded Nupla.

I didn't read your initial post as "bashing" Snap On. And I absolutely don't think you need to apologize to anyone. It appears no matter how carefully or nicely you word your initial post, someone is going to get worked up/upset/enraged/nutz or in a dither. And it seems it always involves Snap On and Harbor Freight or USA made vs. China/Taiwan. Most of these threads quickly go off the rails. I hope that it gets back on track and we see an actual comparison as you asked about. :beer:

vintage nut · Mar 26, 2015

I really like the look of the vaughan deadblow. The kbc catalog in front of me says made in usa, but it appears to be a Relabled thor, which is made in England. I'm just as happy buying british as american myself, canadian made is the only one that gets a real preference for me.
Anyways, its similar in design to the lixie, but a lot more affordable. Head and handle are cast aluminum, with screw on nylon faces. One deadblow that actually could last a lifetime, as the only plastic is replacable. Could also make new faces on a metal lathe. I'm a real fan of delrin faced hammers, but you could also make brass or copper faces, or even wood!

you can never have too many tools

Adam.C · Mar 26, 2015

PugetDude said:
No doubt that SnapOn makes some nice tools, but I believe that a lot of the GJ angst around them stems from the fact that unless you're working full-time in a bricks and mortar repair facility, they really don't want to sell you their products and certainly don't want to deal with you on warranty issues. The average joe doesn't have time to chase an elusive tool truck all over town trying to buy something or get a broken tool warranted. Keep in mind that not all of us are working full-time in a dealership or service center where the SnapOn popsicle truck pulls in semi-regularly with deals, discounts and financing... the website prices are much higher....how are we supposed to get excited about legendary SnapOn quality?

OMG buy online or call a real American on the phone toll free. Tools get 1 or 2 day shipping, usually free. If you need warranty service, call them on the phone. Chances are they will have you in their system for years to come. They often send out tools free shipping 1 or 2 day and don't ask for returns. Even when they want the old tool back, they send the new one immediately.

Horror stories about snap on warranty here are either BS or cheap bastards wanting free replacements for flea market tools.

vintage nut · Mar 26, 2015

My snapon truck guy is great. I have his number and can call him any time to see where I can meet him. He is happy to warranty flea market tools that he knows I bought used because they are 30 years older than I am. Heck, I even had a ratchet they didn't make a kit for anymore, and on his own time he actually took the closest kit he had, modified it with a dremel to make it work, and gave my ratchet back no charge.
A guy I know called snapon and asked about buying some new bits for an interchangeable tip snapon screwdriver. Two days later an entire new screwdriver showed up in his mailbox, and they didn't even ask for proof he owned it, let alone ask for it back!

you can never have too many tools

vintage nut · Mar 26, 2015

In fact I'm going to be getting a set of each metric and imperial hex T handles, and torx, and I wouldn't even consider anything but calling my snapon guy, because each set is only about 10 bucks more than bondhas, and I won't have to drive across the city to get a replacement if one ever breaks

you can never have too many tools

PJNJ · Mar 26, 2015

Oh well - off the rails and back on the :soapbox:

OP - better luck next time. :beer:

Adam.C · Mar 26, 2015

PJNJ said:
Oh well - off the rails and back on the

OP - better luck next time.

If you want to know about trusty cook and Stanley hammers, entitle your thread "trusty cook and Stanley dead blow question". If you entitle your thread US made hammers, then post misinformation about one of the manufacturers then decide you only want to talk about 2 or 3 manufacturers...

Back to the subject, the Lixie and Thor hammers are well respected by industrial mechs and machinists. But they are functionally similar to the plastic dead blows minus the outer coating. But that outer coating is pretty important when you work on cars. It protects the finishes on the vehicle.

Ironically, a lot of the machinists on practicalmachinist.com prefer the snap on 16oz ball peen dead blow.

BTW, I totally get that Snap On is unaffordable for many here. I guess I just object to people rationalizing the tool purchase they can afford by running down the better and more expensive tool. I guess my only point is- if you do a lot of work with tools. Buying the best now and getting free replacements for the rest of your life may be cheaper in the long run. Ask me about wrenches, which I will never wear out in my lifetime, and I'd have a different answer. But hammers, screwdrivers? Snap On could be the cheapest and best option out of all US made hammers and screwdrivers (and probably pliers).

John in OH · Mar 26, 2015

PJNJ said:
Oh well - off the rails and back on the

OP - better luck next time.

Yeah, I don't get it. I asked a simple question about US-made dead blow hammers other than SO, and the thread turns into an off topic SO hug-fest.

PJNJ · Mar 26, 2015

Adam.C said:
If you want to know about trusty cook and Stanley hammers, entitle your thread "trusty cook and Stanley dead blow question". If you entitle your thread US made hammers, then post misinformation about one of the manufacturers then decide you only want to talk about 2 or 3 manufacturers...

Back to the subject, the Lixie and Thor hammers are well respected by industrial mechs and machinists. But they are functionally similar to the plastic dead blows minus the outer coating. But that outer coating is pretty important when you work on cars. It protects the finishes on the vehicle.

Ironically, a lot of the machinists on practicalmachinist.com prefer the snap on 16oz ball peen dead blow.

BTW, I totally get that Snap On is unaffordable for many here. I guess I just object to people rationalizing the tool purchase they can afford by running down the better and more expensive tool. I guess my only point is- if you do a lot of work with tools. Buying the best now and getting free replacements for the rest of your life may be cheaper in the long run. Ask me about wrenches, which I will never wear out in my lifetime, and I'd have a different answer. But hammers, screwdrivers? Snap On could be the cheapest and best option out of all US made hammers and screwdrivers (and probably pliers).

I get it. You really like Snap On. Ok. I'm sure you are a good guy. But the moment any thread mentions SO in a way you don't like, you come out swingin'. The OP didn't didn't throw any shade on SO but that's the way you read it. And went after him. He didn't deserve it. In the process you ran the topic right off the tracks. Now it's a little late to try and get it going again. :beer:

Wizzard · Mar 26, 2015

While we're off the tracks :3gears:

What about German made. I just ordered a Wiha 29.9 oz for $40 shipped, steel body and the ends are replaceable when they wear out: http://www.wihatools.com/800seri/802serie.htm

Steve_P · Mar 26, 2015

I have deadblows by: wiha, stanley (USA), trusty cook, HF, Nupla. I really like the Wihas best if I were to pick one brand. The handles on the Trusty Cook are too small in diameter and not comfortable-, this was a major design goof IMO. I wear a large glove; I have normal size hands for an adult male. Nupla is very nice, comfortable handle, can use steel, brass, rubber faces. Stanley is ok, handle is bigger than TC, but not very comfy- these may be made by TC? HF is fine, handle size is ok, better than TC.

Ckengine · Mar 26, 2015

I have nuplas for deadblow and Armstrong for deadblow ballpien. Very happy with both

Silentt · Mar 26, 2015

I love my trusty cooks but the handle can get very uncomfortable after a full day of work. My 53oz is going strong for a year and a half so far.

1950mercury · Mar 27, 2015

Williams dead blows....look like snap on nut yellow not sire if they are usa

John in OH · Mar 28, 2015

1950mercury said:
Williams dead blows....look like snap on nut yellow not sire if they are usa

The Williams may be a good hammer, but man, that yellow is **** ugly!

Not much feedback yet regarding the Garland Manufacturing dead blow hammers. Anyone know anything about them? Old family company supposedly in business since 1866!

dutchgray · Mar 28, 2015

I got a Garland dead blow sledge, as it was cheap of amazon its good but I haven't beat enough stuff with it to really know, also have one of their plastic mallets, great for wood chisels or when a rubber mallet isn't quite firm enough. I mostly have Thor soft faced hammers as they are what's easily available to me.

kythri · Mar 28, 2015

John in OH said:
Yeah, I don't get it. I asked a simple question about US-made dead blow hammers other than SO, and the thread turns into an off topic SO hug-fest.

That's actually not what you said:

John in OH said:
Not interested in any more comments regarding HF as the above referenced thread already covered HF, or about SO as they only rebrand someone else's dead blows, unless someone knows who now makes the SO dead blow hammers.

Relevant part of your statement bolded.

Adam wasn't defending Snap-On from brand-bashing, he was pointing out the oft-quoted inaccuracy of the claim that "they only rebrand someone else's dead blows" that you made.

Additionally, you added the qualifier that indicated that you WOULD be interested in SO dead blow hammers if "someone knows now who makes" them.

Adam answered your question as you posed it, and got jumped for it by multiple people.

Don't fault someone for your inability to properly articulate the native language. If you don't want to discuss Snap-On hammers, then make it clear that you don't want to discuss Snap-On hammers. Don't pass along inaccurate information, don't add qualifiers or conditions that allow for discussion of Snap-On hammers.

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