Best ball pein?

[cwood3]

If you want a hammer for pounding, and metal forming, and don't need the "ball", this is a cool hammer.

Google up:

Estwing E340L Double Face Lineman's Hammer

It's a beauty.

 

[cwood3]

I meant "NOT metal forming"

 

[Outlawmws]

Quick question that I forgot earlier, but I have a 16oz BP that I got cheap, its a no name brand($5)...I've had the thing for a few years and the handle broke a couple months back. I saw a replacement handle at the hardware store for a couple dollars. Is it worth replacing the handle or should I just get another one to add to the rest of the hammers I have?

If you liked it before, then put a new handle on it. Be sure to look at the tree rings in the bottom of the handle; you want them in line with the swing of the hammer for maximum strength. Anymore they just spit them out of a machine and it's a **** shoot if you get one right...

 

[illmatyk]

If you liked it before, then put a new handle on it. Be sure to look at the tree rings in the bottom of the handle; you want them in line with the swing of the hammer for maximum strength. Anymore they just spit them out of a machine and it's a **** shoot if you get one right...

Could you explain a little about the tree rings? I'm not too sure I understand..

 

[RedFordTruck]

Estwing. It is the best because the whole body is one piece of steel. YOU NEVER HAVE TO CHANGE THE HANDLE OR FUK WITH IT IF ITS LOOSE!

X2

Ive always been a big fan of Estwing hammers. Very sturdy one piece construction, comfortable grips, and to top it all off, most Are USA made (Ive seen one mini hammer at HD that was Taiwan, rest USA)

 

[SLOCOBRAR]

i,ve always liked the proto hammers. the shape of the handle i guess. i,m gonna buy a couple more snap on deadblow also

 

[losabio]

Could you explain a little about the tree rings? I'm not too sure I understand..

I think you want the lines of the wood's grain to run parallel with the direction of the swing instead of perpendicular.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I like the craftsman ones (I beleive they are made by vaughan) I go for the wood handles, I like how they feel better, less shock, and a better feel overall IMO. But there are plenty of good manufactures out there. CMAN is just my favorite

 

[Outlawmws]

Could you explain a little about the tree rings? I'm not too sure I understand..

I think you want the lines of the wood's grain to run parallel with the direction of the swing instead of perpendicular.

Exactly.

Here are three example, from right to left; almost in line with the swing in use, middle had the rings set diagonally, and left completely 90 degrees out of kilter:

and the "correct" one from the side, (hopefully) showing how the grain would look as it shows an oval ring of wood ring on the curved part of the handle

There is a thread on how to re-handle a hammer that covers this in detail as well as proper handle attachment. Sorry I don't have the link, but someone else probably does

 

[jvitez]

Check out my Proto. Love 'em.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=869618&postcount=19

 

[Monte]

How about Habero/Gedore

 

[dandan111]

We used the nupla type in a foundry I worked in hitting risers off of castings. They are super strong ,if you miss and hit the fiberglass handle it won't break. They do splinter after getting beat up though.

 

[cgv69]

I like the craftsman ones (I beleive they are made by vaughan)

I just picked up a couple of Vaughan yesterday and after looking at them side by side with some Craftsmans I already had, there is no doubt in my mind that Vaughan does in fact make Craftsman hammers, at least their ball pein hammers.

 

[Engineered]

Estwing. . .One piece construction and a comfortable grip. It will last forever and one does not have to worry about replacing wooden handles.

 

[rodm1]

Snap-On dead blow or Cook dead blow.

 

[bulletpruf]

Great thread. Bringing it back to the top to see if anyone has any additional thoughts. I like the Estwing one piece construction and price is reasonable ($25 each at Harry Epstein for 16, 24, and 32 oz).

However, I can appreciate the feel of a wood handled hammer.

 

[atwageman]

I own Estwing ball pein hammers in each size they make. Got tired of screwing around with wood and fiberglass handles when they got loose or would split.

 

[n8n]

Red handle hammers are usuallty Plomb

I think that Vaughn is the OEM for Snap-on for the Blue Point line of hammers.

Wouldn't surprise me, I've held a Vaughan and Blue Point right next to each other and couldn't tell any difference whatsoever.

 

[BK13]

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing....

I plan to get some Estwings, some Proto Antivibes, and the Trusty Crook DBBPs...

Hey, it's the GJ way, if one is good, thirteen are better...

 

[Hpozzuoli]

SK makes a nice balanced one. Snap On makes a great deadblow one. The good thing about snap on is they don't bounce.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Mac/Proto Antivibes and never look back.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Also, someone said that Trusty Cook does not make the hammers for SO. Right from theior home page:

Initially, Trusty-Cook, Inc., invented and developed the original line of polyurethane Dead Blow Hammers. Over the years, we expanded our hammer model line-up to include Dead Blow Sledgehammers, Ball Pein Hammers, Bossing Mallets and Slimline Dead Blow Hammers. Due to our commitment to quality and manufacturing efficiency, our innovation has been put to work developing private branding relationships with companies such as Estwing Tools, Armstrong Tools, Cornwell Tools, Matco Tools, Snap-On Tools and SK Tools. In addition, we continue to deliver our Dead Blow Hammers to the industrial and retail market under the Trusty-Cook and Trusty Hammers brands.

 

[Rummel]

estwing hammers are great all the ones I have had have been awesome, I have had 4, 3 were stolen. PLUS MADE IN USA!

 

[Trucky]

Also, someone said that Trusty Cook does not make the hammers for SO. Right from theior home page:

Look around a bit more.. you're missing some important details. Not to say that they didn't make them at some point, but to say that all SO dead blows are made by TC would be false.

 

[ken w.]

For me it depends on what your using it for. To pound drums off I prefer a longer wood or fiber handled hammer. For smaller work I like a hammer with a small neck area of the handle. They seem to be better balanced and nicer to use. I'll try to post a few pics later. I only find the smaller hammers at estate sales anymore.

 

[Outlawmws]

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing....

I plan to get some Estwings, some Proto Antivibes, and the Trusty Crook DBBPs...

Hey, it's the GJ way, if one is good, >100 are better...

Fixed it for you...

 

[BK13]

Better!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rtole]

No love for the wilton unbreakables? I have a 4 lbs one thats not a ball pein, but the 1000 buck if you break it was tempting. I have another 4lbs sledge that I put a fiberglass handle on that I love, but the wilton is dang nice. I was thinking of getting the ball peins to match. Steel through the handle and covered in rubber. Makes for a nice hammer in my opinion. I love the one I have.

 

[MattPersman]

The HBxx series snap on hammers are made by snap on. I believe the larger orange dead blows may be trusty cook still as well as the piston hammer. Not common sellers from snap on cheaper to outsource.

 

[cashishift]

I have an Estwing.. I own 3 of their hammers, very happy with all..

Except my framing hammer has that Estwing ring.. working on getting rid of it though!

 

[4xdog]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675296&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Pretty highly rated. I'm afraid if I try one I'll want it

When my old Blue Point dead-blow found-in-the-middle-of-the-road hammer gave up the ghost after about thirty years (the polymer cover turned to mush and cracked off), I got exactly that Snap-on. It's my go-to hammer and I can recommend it.

But I still liked that old Blue Point better -- didn't have the Coke-bottle handle of the HBBD16.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Anything I would use a ball pein for (I don't currently own one) I use my pipe hammer. Got the idea on here (in general) but adjusted the flavor. Probably cost me more than actually buying a ball pein but more durable. The head is around 5/8 an inch and square; I was going to use it for slugging in 1/2" but the adapters are too expensive and no detent (so iffy).

I was just sharing another option for guys that like to be against the grain.

My opinion on ball peins (and all hammers) is that you should always buy one piece if possible if you're going to use it a lot. Don't have to worry about the head flying off or the fiberglass shattering. Lots of companies make one piece hammers nowadays but they're kind of pricey.

 

[1950mercury]

After using dead blow ball peins i never use regular ones

 

[Outlawmws]

Anything I would use a ball pein for (I don't currently own one) I use my pipe hammer. Got the idea on here (in general) but adjusted the flavor. Probably cost me more than actually buying a ball pein but more durable. The head is around 5/8 an inch and square; I was going to use it for slugging in 1/2" but the adapters are too expensive and no detent (so iffy).

I was just sharing another option for guys that like to be against the grain.

My opinion on ball peins (and all hammers) is that you should always buy one piece if possible if you're going to use it a lot. Don't have to worry about the head flying off or the fiberglass shattering. Lots of companies make one piece hammers nowadays but they're kind of pricey.

Pic of your hammer?

 

[bulletpruf]

Proto/MAC AntiVibes look nice, but twice as expensive as the Estwings. Anyone use both and care to comment? I don't mind shelling out a few more $ for nice stuff, but don't want to throw $ away.

Scott

 

[Eric Commarato]

They now carry a variety of Estwing ball pein hammers at HD. Like the smallest one, I think it's the 12oz.

 

[finn]

I'm sort of partial to the one I found for $2.00 at the habitat store.

 

[DodgeMech]

An old timer trick for making paper and thin cardboard gaskets was to gently tap the outer periphery of the material against the gasket surface with the ball end, then do the holes, and then the inside of the pattern. the edge of the gasket surface would cut the paper/cardboard and you would have a perfectly fitting gasket.

It actually works quite well.

Besides that, even mechanics and definitely body workers need to form metal at times. Body hammers are great for metal repair but if you are dishing out a section of metal, it's hard to beat a good ball peen.

Lastly it used to be used for strain relief for metal parts. I never learned the details, but again another mostly lost skill.

I use the ball end to knock out ball joints...sometimes have to hit it with another hammer, though...

Mac/Proto Antivibes and never look back.

Or, go to Wally World and get the Stanley version for half as much...i have a Mac antivibe 4 lb mini sledge(or whatever the hell it's called) and I like the **** outta it...but I payed too much for it...

 

[radrush]

STOP LOOKING! Here are the "best" ball pein hammers!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-NOS-USA...60829937?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item2ed028caf1

NEW NOS USA CRAFTSMAN 5PC STEEL HANDLE BALL PEiN PEEN BLACK HAMMER SET RARE
$599

 

[Farmall450]

Is the cman made by Vaughn? I like the Cman wooden handles.

Yes, and that would be my first choice.