Antivibration hammers. options?

[makemake]

Hello,
I'm having a tennis elbow issue and need something that is anti-vibration. I'm a little bit cautious about using proper striking form due to vibrations. Personally I like the grip of the blue est wing and wooden hammers in the past as well is they don't chafe over time. I'm going to have to retire my estwing hammer that I love so much. I'm thinking about something in the 12 to 16 ounce area. mostly use inside the shop

But the best antivibration is now top priority.

Do hammers with rubber or high density plastic Heads reduce vibrations?
what anti-vibration hammers in this category have you used?

thanks

 

[JradM]

How about a Stanley or Proto anti-vibe?



I think it depends on what type type of vibration you’re combatting too. From others with tennis elbow I hear “The best” is probably a Martinez or Stiletto. “Good on a budget” is the Dewalt mig weld.

I actually own and use the Stanley antivibes, so that wasn’t just because they’re called “anti-vibe”. I like them a lot. I don’t have tennis elbow though.

 

[CS454]

Steel faced deadblow. Mine is a short handled "flat-flat" from Trusty Cook (sold by Matco). That said, Tekton all the way to PB Swiss make options.

I have Mac "Anti-Vibe" hanmers, they still vibrate. The deadblow is all I use now, zero feedbak into my arm.

 

[Zewnten]

Stanley fiberglass handle antivibe were my go to. I didn't like the rubber and steel versions as the steel shank ended almost 2" above the end of the handle and the rubber ripped free there on every hammer I saw.

 

[KnurledNut]

@makemake
What kind of hammers are we talking about?

 

[DemoFly]

Lightweight titanium head, wood handle.

Buy a Stiletto. The 10oz is no joke. I don't know what your hammering but it sounds like your driving nails.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you're driving nails there truly is only one solution: TITANIUM. Martinez is the best and Stiletto (basically first generation Martinez) second best. Rob a bank if you have to but if you're driving nails seriously you've got to go titanium.

 

[makemake]

not driving nails anymore. I sorta gave that up a few years ago and moved to electric or air tools for that. easier on the body

. Now I would say general-purpose odds and ends around the shop such as a metal centre punch ( recently). something always comes up. slightly tighten up or loosen my vice, as I've lost some strength.

I got burned pretty bad last year in a hard hammer strike that went back up my arm. I never want to experience that again, even a little bit.

so it seems there's a few different approaches. A dead blow hammer that has no metal in it other than the face, titanium, or tuning fork style.If the titanium and tuning fork meant for driving nails only? meaning is a dead blow hammer better?

Zero Feedback Sounds Really Good From the Dead Blow.

 

[tyyost]

I did a floor project a few years ago before my rotator cuff surgery and the subfloor nails were killing me. I bought a DeWalt mig welded hammer that was supposed to be lighter to swing and anti vibration. It made a world of difference. I‘d also consider gel gloves if your issues are severe. Obviously, power driving nails is a good idea when possible, but I didn’t have the budget or local options for titanium.

 

[DemoFly]

Titaniums real advantage is that it's so hard that it transfers the force to the object, and is lightweight so it saves your arm. It would be overkill if you're not swinging hammer for a living.

A good deadblow is a must have. For anything else, my advice is steer way clear of anything that has a metal or fiberglass handle. Wood is superior, it has the best vibration dampening and I believe it's also the lightest.

 

[CS454]

not driving nails anymore. I sorta gave that up a few years ago and moved to electric or air tools for that. easier on the body

. Now I would say general-purpose odds and ends around the shop such as a metal centre punch ( recently). something always comes up. slightly tighten up or loosen my vice, as I've lost some strength.

I got burned pretty bad last year in a hard hammer strike that went back up my arm. I never want to experience that again, even a little bit.

so it seems there's a few different approaches. A dead blow hammer that has no metal in it other than the face, titanium, or tuning fork style.If the titanium and tuning fork meant for driving nails only? meaning is a dead blow hammer better?

Zero Feedback Sounds Really Good From the Dead Blow.

Ball Peen Dead Blow Hammers | TEKTON | Made in USA

Shop high-quality dead blow hammers with polished Cr-Mo steel faces, and durable polyurethane jackets. Available in sizes: 26 - 50 oz. Free Shipping.

www.tekton.com

Best bang for the buck. I hope this helps.

 

[Meursault74]

How about a Stanley or Proto anti-vibe?



I think it depends on what type type of vibration you’re combatting too. From others with tennis elbow I hear “The best” is probably a Martinez or Stiletto. “Good on a budget” is the Dewalt mig weld.

I actually own and use the Stanley antivibes, so that wasn’t just because they’re called “anti-vibe”. I like them a lot. I don’t have tennis elbow though.

I have one of the Stanley Antivibration Hammers. I also have "tennis elbow". When I use that hammer to drive in nails, my arm doesn't get aggravated.

I also use a dead blow hammer/mallet when I need to separate pieces of wood. That also help.

A compression sleeve for the arm/elbow is also good to wear. I usually put one on just in case. It seems to help me from re-injuring my "elbow". when I'm doing work.

 

[dnschmidt]

If it's not for driving nails then the Trusty Cook Ball peens are really nice. Dead blow with steel caps on the head for both the flat and the peen ends.

 

[seber]

Dead blow ball peen has saved me from quitting the shop. The only down side is they have a service life.

 

[Dave455]

Most of the “Anti Vibe” hammers you see are steel shafted hammers that are, by their nature, prone to transmitting vibration and shock anyway. The “anti vibe” features are a way of reducing that shock, but I wouldn’t say there is less vibration than the alternatives.

Personally, I’d get something like this. This is a Snap On, but there are other choices. These really do reduce the shock, and the hammer does all the work, so you don’t need to hit so hard anyway.

 

[Ton ton]

Are you interested in a wood handle hammer? I do have a dead blow too. I personally am a believer in wood handle hammers. You can even get stiletto brand wood handle hammers. Also Douglas brand is supposed to be available. Is there a budget to stick to? How about a Japanese hammer? Keep your options open. I would love to see this discussion continue.

 

[JradM]

Just curious, are there any deadblow framing hammers?

Maybe a deadblow mechanism would compromise the strength too much for prying. Seems like someone must have tried it though.

 

[Ton ton]

Just curious, are there any deadblow framing hammers?

Maybe a deadblow mechanism would compromise the strength too much for prying. Seems like someone must have tried it though.

I have seen a dead blow Estwing advertised in an older tool catalog. Yes, it was a claw hammer. But when I showed up @ the tool store, I was unable to find this dead blow claw hammer. I guess I am adding to the mystery. I believe it had an aluminum handle, definitely a different kind of claw hammer.

 

[makemake]

Are you interested in a wood handle hammer? I do have a dead blow too. I personally am a believer in wood handle hammers. You can even get stiletto brand wood handle hammers. Also Douglas brand is supposed to be available. Is there a budget to stick to? How about a Japanese hammer? Keep your options open. I would love to see this discussion continue.

I do like wooden handle feels, however it is a Semi rigid material. it would make sense to me that something with more cushion in the handle should help. being a scientist myself, I can't say for certain if it matters a little or a lot. a lot of marketing **** Out there.

I think the most important thing is, if you state which hammer you use, it might be a good idea to list use case for it. There is something to be said about driving nails as mentioned before. and for the weight to do the work. I was shocked years ago when the first time I used a sledgehammer to disassemble stuff with nails. I had to do essentially no work and just lift the thing and let it drop.

so here are the questions. I wish I asked this at the beginning of the thread:

1. state to hammer you use
2. how heavy is it?
3. what do you use it for?
4. do the vibrations reduce
   1. little
   2. a lot
   3. or gone
5. for single strikes, do you use proper form or let the weight of the hammer just drop.

I've never owned a hammer heavier than 16 or 18 ounces and don't know what to use it for.I can't tell you how many people I see on the YouTube with bad striking form, even coming from my favourite YouTube creators.This is not a you don't need it if you don't know what to use it for moment. the issue is often the wrong hammers and the wrong striking form is used for a particular application. I'm guilty of the Former

 

[Ton ton]

Makemake, you could go to the local harbor freight store to swing some hammers. Or the local lumber yard. Maybe you could ask an employee if you could bring a scrap 2X4 to beat on to give you an idea of which hammer has the least vibration. I have a used a used stiletto brand with a titanium handle that is horrible for vibration. I mean this seriously. I hope that the Martinez hammers have the vibration taken out of them. Just my 2 cents . Have fun shopping for hammers.

 

[PBCampbell]

Just curious, are there any deadblow framing hammers?

Maybe a deadblow mechanism would compromise the strength too much for prying. Seems like someone must have tried it though.

Nupla used to make a framing dead blow hammer. I just did a quick search and it appears they discontinued it, but there are some pictures of it.

 

[JradM]

Nupla used to make a framing dead blow hammer. I just did a quick search and it appears they discontinued it, but there are some pictures of it.

Thanks! I looked it up - sure is goofy-looking! I suppose that wouldn't help it sell. Now that I know I can't have it, I want it.



It's a 28oz milled-face too. I would totally rock this for fencing duties. I might have to scour the web and see what I can find...

 

[JradM]

I have seen a dead blow Estwing advertised in an older tool catalog. Yes, it was a claw hammer. But when I showed up @ the tool store, I was unable to find this dead blow claw hammer. I guess I am adding to the mystery. I believe it had an aluminum handle, definitely a different kind of claw hammer.

I'm googling but haven't been able to find it. If anyone has an image I'd love to see it.

Edited:

I think I found it. I presume it's this one? Much better looking!

It's the Estwing "Al-Pro" (which I've seen before but didn't know it was a deadblow). It says the head is hollow and contains shot to dampen vibration and provide a dead blow.

 

[Ton ton]

That's it , JradM.