Body hammer set recomendations?

[zer0cell]

I am looking for a body hammer kit, of good quality, preferably made in the USA, yet reasonably priced. I ran across this set for under $200 and was wondering if it is a good buy at that price or if there are better alternatives... Let me know please. Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BHKZEI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jim Stabe]

You won't go wrong with Martin. You can Google Martin body tools and shop for the best price. If you aren't into display case tools like some here you can often get get great buys at swap meets by picking through the used tool sellers bins. Good body tools don't wear out and have a nice patina to them.

 

[Benw455]

I second Martin.

 

[countryroad82]

Martin are my hammer/ dollies of choice!!

 

[Machobuck]

Thats a good set for the money...I'm the type that thinks a low crown hammer is a low crown hammer so I'd but the set pick the hammer I liked the most - sell the other two- buy a high crown and reverse curve...

 

[zer0cell]

Thanks guys... its good to hear some feedback on this... The price actually dropped a bit further, now its down to like $185. I think I just might end up getting it

 

[vssjim]

You can also buy the Craftsman branded sets from Sears online because they are rebranded Martin. Sears does sell Martin and Craftsman online so compare the prices as sometimes they will put one or the other on sale and they are the same exact products.

 

[DonkDonk]

IMO the only 2 options are Martin & Snap-On. Some might argue that the Snap-On hammers are better, which I am not saying they are (I have both and they are both top quality), but IF they are better, it's damn sure not $350 better. That seems like a good price for the Martin kit too.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1766&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[afazz]

I personally like the hickory handles instead of fiberglass, but you can't go wrong with Martin body hammers. Those 3 dollies and the spoon in that kit are really useful and definitely the basics, I like the high-crown cross peen hammer (168HC) which isn't included. A reverse curve hammer is useful, as mentioned above, but I think the 152G is the closest they make and I wasn't able to find it in-stock anywhere.

 

[Hammer1963]

The price on that set is very good. The only issue I would have is the fiberglass handles. I prefer wood handles over fiberglass. Very little or no feedback thru the fiberglass handles.

Another great option is to purchase good quality used hammers and dollies and rework them yourself. Tools forged in the US or Germany are your best bet when it comes to Body tools. I have an abundance of extra hammers and dollies if you are interested.

 

[Tim Cowan]

Martin set for starter group looks great, but I would give second thoughts on the Eastwood set for $60.+shipping

 

[afazz]

That Eastwood set is trash; you're better off using a claw hammer. The dollies are approximately the correct hardness (i.e. don't dent and don't shatter), but both the hammers and dollies need a lot of rework before use. The hammers are dead flat which is basically useless, the dollies are all bumpy, and everything is clearcoated. A couple hours with a D/A sander can make it a useable set, but I would rather have 2 Martin hammers for the same price.

 

[Hammer1963]

That Eastwood set is trash; you're better off using a claw hammer. The dollies are approximately the correct hardness (i.e. don't dent and don't shatter), but both the hammers and dollies need a lot of rework before use. The hammers are dead flat which is basically useless, the dollies are all bumpy, and everything is clearcoated. A couple hours with a D/A sander can make it a useable set, but I would rather have 2 Martin hammers for the same price.

Agreed. You will find NO comparison in the quality of the 2 tools. Most people go into the Body tool market blindly. Fortunately you have come to the right place for information. My own preference is Snap-on, secondly the Martin produced tools offered by MAC, Matco, Cornwell and Craftsman. If you try an Octagonal handled hammer, you'll never go back to the oval handled tools. The control and feedback you get from the handles is very helpful in straightening a panel

 

[Machobuck]

Dagger has a set with 3 hammers and four dollies for 125$...If your new to body work and are really on a budget That is one way to go although their hammers arn't as nice (Good handles though) but you do get one more dollie and I can attest to their dollies being alright. It comes in a plastic case... Something to think about...My vote is still martin or swap meet it up.

 

[ZRX61]

I think the 152G is the closest they make and I wasn't able to find it in-stock anywhere.

TPtools.com?

 

[CHRIS LUCKYMAN]

Martin makes good hammers. One of my body guys has their hammers. I prefer wood handles, prefer Snap On hammers. For dollies, I have many and am not brand loyal... usually what is cheapest and needs the least work to perform. They need to be smooth, flat where you want them flat, and curved where you want them curved. Body hammers and dollies are two things where having too many is not possible. Kind of like locking pliers. And screwdrivers. And sockets. And drill bits. And wrenches.

 

[383 240z]

call TP Tools geat guys, great tools, fair prices, do like I did, build your own kit. The sell them ala cart. Also re-read Hammer 1963's post sounds like he was willing to set you up with a used set. Keith