Quality ball peen hammers.

rodsnratfinks · Apr 25, 2015

I know this has come up before, but I have been wanting to replace/acquire some new ball peen hammers. I'd like to get new 8oz and 12oz versions, since those are what I use the most, and maybe a 24oz or 32oz. My current ball peens are a 12oz Craftsman and a 16oz Blue Point (Vaughan). I use lighter ones for metal work and heavier models for suspension work and persuasion. I would like the 8oz and 12oz to be precision. I do favor wood handles, but am open to other materials. The large guy will probably be a dead blow from Snap On or Trusty Cook. Anyway, I've been looking at Vaughan, Estwing, Nupla, Wilton Bash, Wiha, Mac/Stanley antivibe, would like to check out Proto... What brand(a) do you like in a small ball peen, and why? Also, what's the deal with Estwing? I never saw so much love for that brand until I came to this site. I've had a 20oz claw hammer by them for years, but I've mostly used my Vaughn framer instead. I was looking at their ball peens at HD and they seemed nice, but...

vjquan · Apr 25, 2015

Craftsman, made by Vaughan. Seen them on local deals for 1/2 off.

Adam.C · Apr 25, 2015

People don't seem to understand hammers anymore. I think pros don't much use hammers. Without a demanding, discerning professional customer, manufacturers have slipped on quality.

If you want a really great ball peen, buy an old rusty pos on ebay preferably with a broken handle. Look for the old names like plumb pexto, etc. The heat treating is usually exquisite, the peen ends are typically better than modern hammers, the faces are nicely crowned and not perpendicular to the handle.

Make or buy your own handle, polish and repaint the heads and you have better hammers than you can buy.

For dead blows, Snap On remain my favorite, but I haven't used everyone's hammers. I just picked up the 24oz ball peen dead blow on special. It's as big a ball peen as I would ever want. I use the 32 oz soft face, but it has a different balance. The ball peen is pretty head heavy. The 16 oz SO ball peen are nice too. Highly recommended. I like dead blow hammers for metal work. I use the soft face dead blows for carpentry. I wrote a mini review elsewhere.

rodsnratfinks · Apr 25, 2015

So, you are saying that the face should not be parallel with the handle? Why is that?

rodsnratfinks · Apr 25, 2015

I agree with you on old hammers. Here's a great video of a Proto Professional a guy restored:

tcsalvage · Apr 25, 2015

I also agree with old hammers being a lot better than new ones, get them at yard sales and auctions when I can and replace the handles. You will have a hammer that will last you a lifetime if not abused, just look for Made in USA and good brand names on the head.

Tim37 · Apr 25, 2015

Aww come on there's nothing better than a HF hammer throwing chips in you eye.

In The Doghouse · Apr 25, 2015

It seems here is the mother lode of old hammers. At their current price they're about $3 each.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/L2289-Lot-o...937?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58c32fe8b9

bcradio · Apr 25, 2015

I would get the craftsman set if I were in the market now.

Adam.C · Apr 25, 2015

rodsnratfinks said:
So, you are saying that the face should not be parallel with the handle? Why is that?

My point exactly. When you swing a hammer, do you think the handle is perfectly parallel with the surface you are striking? Usually, your hand is slightly below the surface, in which case the face is ground at at angle leaning toward the **** of the handle. That is called a closed face hammer. Most carpenters hammers are like this. Sometimes (rarely) specific tradesmen need open faced hammers or square faced hammers.

The face of the hammer also has to do with the way we swing it. Hammers don't fall directly on nails or surfaces. They strike down but also across. The closed face hammer will just about always be more effective.

So if you buy an old ball peen hammer head, it will have a top and a bottom. Also the eye is different top and bottom (wider at the bottom).

The faces should be smoother and free of nicks or even scratches, as these can telegraph onto the surface you are hitting (if sheet metal) and they also weaken the face. Most faces are soft enough to stone smooth or possibly file. If they file easily they are most likely shot, or could be specialty hammers for auto body work ( but probably shot).

d.mcfarland · Apr 25, 2015

Adam.C said:
So if you buy an old ball peen hammer head, it will have a top and a bottom. Also the eye is different top and bottom (wider at the bottom).

I thought the wider part should be at the top so that when the wedge is placed in the opening of the handle, the wood expands and holds the head onto the hammer?

Youngguns · Apr 25, 2015

d.mcfarland said:
I thought the wider part should be at the top so that when the wedge is placed in the opening of the handle, the wood expands and holds the head onto the hammer?

That's what I thought too. The larger end usually lines up properly with the name as well. I've never paid much attention to the face of my ball peins. I have noticed most are slightly rounded, as opposed to being flat-faced.

Fedwrench · Apr 25, 2015

My favorite 8oz ball pein hammer is a Proto antivibe model right now.

When I get new cars in, I have to stamp 6 digit numbers on three brass tags per new car. The antivbe hammer makes it less of a chore to do the work. They are Taiwan made though if that's an issue for you.

I also have a 24oz version that is my go to persuader. It performs flawlessly.

I also have some trusty cooks that are nice to use. :beer:

Wizzard · Apr 25, 2015

I did some research and got an Armstrong 32oz ball peen dead blow for ~$60. The 32oz size is very versatile. Trusty Cook makes the Armstrong (same exact hammer) except that Armstrong offers a lifetime warranty versus 2 years for the Trusty Cook branded hammer. It was not worth it for me to pay almost twice as much for the Snap On when I compared.

woody 73 · Apr 25, 2015

Thought maybe you might like this video on hammer handles, although Mr. Sorby is pushing his product; still a fun look at making oval handles for replacement :thumbup:

.

Scout Driver · Apr 25, 2015

My favorite ball peen hammers are my old Protos. Flea markets, garage sales and auctions are the best places I have found to buy them on the cheap.

Buying new, I do like Vaughn or Grayvik. Epstein's has good prices on them.

Scott

Adam.C · Apr 25, 2015

d.mcfarland said:
I thought the wider part should be at the top so that when the wedge is placed in the opening of the handle, the wood expands and holds the head onto the hammer?

No. It isn't always easy to tell tho. The cross sectional shape is like an hour glass. But the bottom will be flared a bit more. The top is often flared only in one direction, so a single wedge, placed roughly perpendicular to the face, will fill the eye. You don't need much wedge action to hold your handle in place. You really just need good pressure top and bottom. Nowadays they fill the head with some kind of resin, then wedge the wood. If you want to try that, use polyester, not epoxy, which is too brittle.

You can use wood or metal for wedges. Good hardware stores stock them. You can also make one. A bone dry hickory handle is best, tho I've used many different woods. Ash works well, as does white and red oak. Beech is good too.

d.mcfarland · Apr 25, 2015

Eh, I'm still almost positive that the larger opening is for the top. You're right about the two shouldn't have that much of a difference. However, as with most striking tools, the head can become dislodged from the handle very easily if not installed correctly.

ZRX61 · Apr 25, 2015

Another vote for finding some something old.

Adam.C · Apr 25, 2015

d.mcfarland said:
Eh, I'm still almost positive that the larger opening is for the top. You're right about the two shouldn't have that much of a difference. However, as with most striking tools, the head can become dislodged from the handle very easily if not installed correctly.

I'm sure you are right and there are some like that. They are called "adze eyed" as adze handles are run thru from the top or rely on glued in wedges. But these handles won't be hour glassed as I described and I don't think they are typical of old ball peens.

Yes, you guys are right, usually the lettering tells you which way to install the head. Forget I was here, that's the best way to get it right.

Ok take away message: hammers are pretty sophisticated tools

Coach James · Apr 25, 2015

Around here, flea markets and yard sales have rusted, broken, chipped junk for tools. If I waited to find something old, I would never buy any hammers.

I bought the C-man set and it has done everything I have needed it to do.

Earlier this year, I inheritated my dad's tools. His ball peens are 50+ years old and still look in excellent shape despite years of use. Some have the original handles.

Coach

rodsnratfinks · Apr 25, 2015

Dang. Now I'm going to have to hunt for them. I had high hopes for the Nupla or Wilton variants. I may try to buy something current as a placeholder. Something like these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UMC3LI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UMC3KE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

LUKE221 · Apr 25, 2015

I have an old Blackhawk and it is excellent. I do always look out for old hatchets and replace the handles.

GTA Matt · Apr 25, 2015

I have 7 Proto antivibes from 8oz to 48 oz. Zero complaints. The handle on the 8 oz is rather large for a small hammer, almost looks out of proportion compared to the size of the head, but it fits your hand great.

SantaAna12 · Apr 25, 2015

You might check the older Mac prices on auction over at Ebay.

rodsnratfinks · Apr 25, 2015

Well, I stopped into the local warehouse thrift store and checked for potential projects. I only found one ball peen in the sea of junk tools, an ancient 24oz job that said (after I scraped rigorously with a nearby wire brush):
BAKER
Hand Made

The guy let me have it for $2.

defektes · Apr 25, 2015

Tim37 said:
Aww come on there's nothing better than a HF hammer throwing chips in you eye.

True story, co worker got the HF deal with the multiple ball peins, next thing I know a hammer head flies past me on his first use while im doing some grinding in the shop.

Hammer1963 · Apr 25, 2015

Quality ball pein hammers do not have to be old. There are current products being offered that are of good quality. This coming from a guy who's favorite hobby is to restore old metal working hammers from resufacing striking surfaces, to making new handles. My choice for new hammers would be Proto octagonal wood handled models. These hammers have a great honest feel to them and are still available and come in every size you could want. My daily ball peins are older Proto/Plvmb that I have refurbed.

Ruger_556 · Apr 25, 2015

I have one of these red Proto's I really like http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...z.-Ball-Pein-Hammer---Industrial-Wood-Handle/

It's not nearly this clean anymore but you get the idea :dunno:

Dennis Leigh Henry · Apr 25, 2015

I've been lucky finding older Plumb hammers at flea markets, with original handles. They are quality and if their handle is in good shape, have many many more miles yet to go..

d.mcfarland · Apr 25, 2015

In all honesty, nothing beats a refurbished old hammer head for a general basher. With that said, working on any metal projects, a hammer with a clean face is obviously going to be the goal, new or used.

geekinsyde · Apr 26, 2015

just ran across a pile of hammers at an auction..I got the hammer lot for $12 and the rest of the tools that were in the toolbag for $16! Deal of the year for me so far! The 2 balls on the bottom are craftsman...

Adam.C · Apr 26, 2015

Ruger_556 said:
I have one of these red Proto's I really like http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...z.-Ball-Pein-Hammer---Industrial-Wood-Handle/

It's not nearly this clean anymore but you get the idea

I don't care for the hard chamfer on that head. One wayward swing and you can crease metal or cut into something. A good old hammer will have a carefully ground radius there instead. No sharp corners.

Also don't like paint on the business side of the head. That should be unpainted. Not looking to find fault but the handle looks like **** too. Look at the handles on the craftsman hammers. Near the head the handle should be quite thin. This is to absorb shock and provide a springy whip effect. The middle of the handle should swell in your palm. The **** should swell again. Snap On handles are nice with their double grips. You could try copying something like that in wood.

One nice feature is it looks like the grain orientation is good on that handle. I think I'd be inclined to tape the middle of that handle with tennis racquet grip tape to give it the shape I want.

SASORacing · Apr 26, 2015

I like the yellow composite HF ball peen set, its an incredible value at like 5 for ~$20 and I like the rubber grips.

rodsnratfinks · Apr 27, 2015

So, while I'm searching for the perfect antique hammers, what is a worthy brand for (potentially long term) place holder? Does anyone own any Nupla ball peen hammers? Thoughts?

Lotek · Apr 27, 2015

I like my Peddinghaus hammers, Pieh Tools are good people.

Adam.C · Apr 27, 2015

rodsnratfinks said:
So, while I'm searching for the perfect antique hammers, what is a worthy brand for (potentially long term) place holder? Does anyone own any Nupla ball peen hammers? Thoughts?

Without knowing what specifically you are working on, I would recommend picking up a dead blow ball peen. This will give you what you need in a hammer until you find old heads you like and rehandle them. Once you have restored a few beauties, the dead blow will continue to be helpful.

I don't think I would spend money on a new deadblow when used ones are so plentiful and cheap.

My favorite dead blow ball peen is the Snap On. There are several things I like about it- shape of the head and handle, quality of the dead blow. Only downside is the price. Where I currently live, the 24oz are on special. Might be worth asking the next truck you see.

Failing that, Trusty Cook make good ball peens. I have a Stanely Compocast which is an old TC model. Not great and not cheap, but better than HF (what isn't?)

16 or 24 oz are the handiest to me. I use the 16oz for punches and sets of all sorts. 24oz for chisels and drifts.

Dennis Leigh Henry · Apr 30, 2015

geekinsyde said:
just ran across a pile of hammers at an auction..I got the hammer lot for $12 and the rest of the tools that were in the toolbag for $16! Deal of the year for me so far! The 2 balls on the bottom are craftsman...

Nothing beats a deal like that.. imho of course... :beer:

d.mcfarland · Apr 30, 2015

Adam.C said:
One nice feature is it looks like the grain orientation is good on that handle.

Looks almost opposite of what is wanted in my opinion. The end grain should have lines running parallel to the hammer head length wise when looking straight at the end of the hammer's handle.

geekinsyde · Apr 30, 2015

I've used them so much already...amazing how much that weight can drive!

Quality ball peen hammers.

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

ALLIANCE MEMBER

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member