Estwing disappointment

[vhol5]

Been looking for a new hammer to play with and stopped by Home Depot.
Compared all the models they had; Husky, Plumb, Hart, Dewalt, to name a few. I loved the feel of a Dewalt and Estwing. They had 4 of the Estwings, with the magnet on top and the side nail puller. Got pretty excited, felt great in the hand AND made in USA!
Looking at the magnet, I noticed it was quite recessed. Pick up another one, and the magnet is completely gone! On number 3, the magnet was standing proud of its recess. Ok, one more to check. It was the only good one! I was very bummed.
Should I be disappointed, or should that small defect be disregarded?

The pictures aren't real clear, but you get the picture...

 

[sam.coll]

F*** the magnet that hammer is for hitting nails.

 

[redwrench60]

Put down the gimmick hammer and pick up a real leather stack handle 20 oz. Estwing rip hammer.

 

[vhol5]

Well, I know the magnet's not important, but I'm just wondering if that is a reflection of overall quality.

 

[woody 73]

Don't be showing this to woody...They look cool I hope the quality is not slipping!

 

[gatewaysysop]

Well, I know the magnet's not important, but I'm just wondering if that is a reflection of overall quality.

I've used the hell out of my Estwing hammers (not this particular model, but the same style/one-piece/all metal ball peen versions). I have about four or five sizes and they've never given me a lick of trouble. I even gave my old man a full set as a gift and he's beaten on those far worse than I have mine, loves them to death and not a single issue.

So long story short, I don't think it's representative of their overall quality, but that's just my $.02. I did buy mine a few years ago, so if they've gone downhill, I wouldn't know. Kind of hard to mess up a one piece design though, one of the many reasons I bought them.

 

[defektes]

Been looking for a new hammer to play with and stopped by Home Depot.
Compared all the models they had; Husky, Plumb, Hart, Dewalt, to name a few. I loved the feel of a Dewalt and Estwing. They had 4 of the Estwings, with the magnet on top and the side nail puller. Got pretty excited, felt great in the hand AND made in USA!
Looking at the magnet, I noticed it was quite recessed. Pick up another one, and the magnet is completely gone! On number 3, the magnet was standing proud of its recess. Ok, one more to check. It was the only good one! I was very bummed.
Should I be disappointed, or should that small defect be disregarded?

The pictures aren't real clear, but you get the picture...

I have that hammer in 15oz for paneling. I used it a lot for demo work and sheetrock also. (worked construction part time this year) and what makes that hammer a beast is the side nail puller. It is a good hammer, I've sunk thousands of nails with it, and not once have I used that gimmicky nail magnet. Shoot estwing a call or email with those photos they will make it right. I've still got my 28 oz estwing I bought as a kid, and my grandpas 26oz that things older than me.

 

[Outlawmws]

Did you try a nail on each? maybe one of those IS right.

But I agree, a gimmick...

 

[neophyte]

Well, I know the magnet's not important, but I'm just wondering if that is a reflection of overall quality.

Estwings skill is forging the one piece of steel the hammer is made from, hardening that steel forging, grinding the claw and face of the hammer, and then assembling the leather or rubber handle on to that single piece of steel.

Estwing probably forgot to hire an adhesive engineer to figure out the best way to glue the magnet into the hammer head, and probably just used superglue. $4 or less will buy you 100 magnets shipped directly from China.

 

[1982fxr]

Well, I know the magnet's not important, but I'm just wondering if that is a reflection of overall quality.

Estwing hammers rock. Fyi I worked in a factory that did QC on various drain plugs and things with magnets in them and they all had high rates of failure compared to the same or similar without magnets

 

[2oolhound]

I'm guessing they painted them THEN put the magnets in place. You could probably drill out the excess paint and sink the magnets to the right depth. Add some filler if the hole is too deep.

I wouldn't say the magnet is a gimmick though, back when I was doing carpentry I really would have liked that feature and look here you old geezers, you can't tell me you've never lodged a nail in the crotch of the claw while placing the head tight against the shaft to enable you to start a nail higher than you could reach. I'd have used that feature 7, 8, 9... maybe even 10 times a year or more if I'd had it there.

 

[jeremy v]

I honestly see more substandard tools at home improvement stores than anywhere else. I think you end up with a high concentration of them on the rack over time due to the way inventory flow works. Most people look through a few hammers and pick the best one when buying, so for the most part only the good ones leave the rack. When the racks start getting low more hammers are stocked and an occasional substandard new hammer enters the mix. Over time even when the rack is fully stocked you end up with a couple good (recently stocked) hammers and several substandard hammers that have probably been there a while. If you just looked at that small selection you would think that quality control is terrible, but in reality you are seeing possibly the worst unpicked hammers out of the last 200 or more that sold in the last couple months.

 

[pendragon1998]

I got an Estwing drilling hammer with a minor defect (handle was slightly bent) and Estwing shipped me a brand new one for no charge. They asked for a photo beforehand and told me I could just dispose of the old one.

 

[BikerDad]

I honestly see more substandard tools at home improvement stores than anywhere else. I think you end up with a high concentration of them on the rack over time due to the way inventory flow works. Most people look through a few hammers and pick the best one when buying, so for the most part only the good ones leave the rack. When the racks start getting low more hammers are stocked and an occasional substandard new hammer enters the mix. Over time even when the rack is fully stocked you end up with a couple good (recently stocked) hammers and several substandard hammers that have probably been there a while. If you just looked at that small selection you would think that quality control is terrible, but in reality you are seeing possibly the worst unpicked hammers out of the last 200 or more that sold in the last couple months.

This.

 

[vhol5]

Jeremy V, I like your explanation...

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Go get a Bostich hammer. That's all I use every day and love them. Same one Mac calls the antivibe. I am in construction so auto needs might be different.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Put down the gimmick hammer and pick up a real leather stack handle 20 oz. Estwing rip hammer.

+1 Gimmicky hammer probably invented for the "oh **** I need a hammer" appartment dweller crowd...

While I personally dont like/care for the Leather Handled Estwing, I prefer the feel & grip of the same hammer but just with the Blue Rubber handle. Best hammer in the world. Why or how a person or company could improve on such a design is beyond me. Apparently the only way is to add stupid features. I'm suprised they didnt include a bottle opener or nail file on it? Maybe add some markings to the shaft so it could double as a 6" ruler?

 

[vhol5]

To be honest, I think the magnet feature could be helpful in my case, as I have limited overhead mobility in one arm...
Anything to help would be an advantage.
I love the feel of the Bostitch also, but unfortunately isn't available with the magnet gimmick!

 

[scw1991]

I was looking at these hammers the other day at Home Depot and I thought for being Made in USA, the fit/finish was less than desirable. The striking face of the hammer was skewed and wasn't even machined flat.

 

[TomB19]

I collect hammers and have a bunch of brand new Estwings, all ordered from online tool retailers.

The fit and finish of these hammers is exemplary.

It's interesting to read of disappointments in Estwing quality. I tend to believe the explanation that customers are shopping the inventory for the best hammer so you're seeing the dregs.

By the way, the 28oz Estwing framer is the stupidest hammer I've ever seen. Unless you are Paul Bunyan, that hammer is entirely ornamental.

... and it's my favorite hammer in my collection. When my Dad is helping me frame, I like to pull it out and say, "I'm a little tired today. I think I'll step down to a 22oz." lol! ... and then swap it for the smaller hammer.

I am a network analyst. I'm in OK shape but suffice it to say, I will not be swinging a 28oz framer any time in the near future.

 

[Cope]

Go get a Bostich hammer. That's all I use every day and love them. Same one Mac calls the antivibe. I am in construction so auto needs might be different.

Stanley also calls it Antivibe. I bought one, and I hate it. Maybe I haven't given it a good test.

 

[rippered]

By the way, the 28oz Estwing framer is the stupidest hammer I've ever seen. Unless you are Paul Bunyan, that hammer is entirely ornamental.

When I was a framer the whole crew carried 28oz Estwings.

 

[Jim C.]

....... pick up a real leather stack handle 20 oz. Estwing rip hammer.

I've been wanting one of those for a while now. I almost bought one last week while I was at my local Home Depot. There were four on the rack, I looked at all four, and picked what I thought was the best one. Unfortunately, I still had to buy other things that I actually needed, and decided I'd save myself the $30. That leads me to the next quote from jeremy v.....

I honestly see more substandard tools at home improvement stores than anywhere else. I think you end up with a high concentration of them on the rack over time due to the way inventory flow works. Most people look through a few hammers and pick the best one when buying, so for the most part only the good ones leave the rack. When the racks start getting low more hammers are stocked and an occasional substandard new hammer enters the mix. Over time even when the rack is fully stocked you end up with a couple good (recently stocked) hammers and several substandard hammers that have probably been there a while. If you just looked at that small selection you would think that quality control is terrible, but in reality you are seeing possibly the worst unpicked hammers out of the last 200 or more that sold in the last couple months.

I think you're right about this. When I'm buying a hand tool, I'll look at EVERY single one of them on the rack and then pick out the one that I think is the best of the bunch. Of the four hammers I looked at last week, two of them had significant scratches/damage on the leather grips. Probably from previous careless shoppers, but nonetheless, I wasn't going to buy either one. So that left me with two to pick from. I didn't like the face on one of the two "finalists" and left me with the ultimate winner (which I didn't end up buying anyway).... I go through the same evaluation process every time I buy a tool. In my opinion, of the four hammers, only one had purchase potential, while the other three were duds/rejects. The rack would accommodate at least a dozen hammers. Those that were missing were probably the ones that were the best and consequently purchased. The two that were scratched and the one with the bad face have probably been there for a long time.

 

[Fugio]

I just got both of their tomahawks and the quality seems rather terrific! The double bladed one has the stacked leather handle and it's a thing of beauty indeed.

Also, the new DeWalt 12oz framing/claw hammer at HD has caught my eye. Felt REALLY good in my hand.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Is there a fix for the leather stacked handles if they have loosened up and the varnish is gone? I found an old Estwing hatchet last year that is in good shape except for the handle looking like it was left outdoors for a few years.

 

[rancherbill]

Should I be disappointed, or should that small defect be disregarded?

It's not a biggy, I've sued that feature on 2 or 3 nails out of hundred of pounds of nails I have driven.

The broader issue is that some worker thought that this was OK and shipped it. Next time the 'made in the USA quality' thing comes up this will be a good example that loyalty should be earned not given.

 

[Fugio]

Is there a fix for the leather stacked handles if they have loosened up and the varnish is gone? I found an old Estwing hatchet last year that is in good shape except for the handle looking like it was left outdoors for a few years.

No idea. But I know I've seen repair/replace tutorials online somewhere before.

 

[Parrothead]

+1 Gimmicky hammer probably invented for the "oh **** I need a hammer" apartment dweller crowd...

To be realistic, the apartment dweller crowd isn't buying Estwing hammers.

 

[Canoe50]

I just got both of their tomahawks and the quality seems rather terrific! The double bladed one has the stacked leather handle and it's a thing of beauty indeed.

Also, the new DeWalt 12oz framing/claw hammer at HD has caught my eye. Felt REALLY good in my hand.

I did the same....they are nice. Although our Home Depot carried the rubber handles like the link shows. Looks like it also comes in blue. I've always liked their hammers.
Jim C,
I can relate....I do the exact same thing till I find what I think is the best of the bunch.

http://www.atgstores.com/axes/estwi...gclid=COmY98TXgsMCFajm7AodbkwA-A&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[1foxracing]

When I was a framer the whole crew carried 28oz Estwings.

+1, I have both the 22 & 28oz framers. I'm older now but when I was in my early 20's everyone used the 28oz Estwing.

Also, the new DeWalt 12oz framing/claw hammer at HD has caught my eye. Felt REALLY good in my hand.

A 12oz framing hammer?? that would be nice for framing a small dog house. My finish hammer is a 16oz Estwing.

 

[Casey69]

menards used to carry estwing's, but now they carry vaughan's. still usa made, but doesn't seem to be as recognized as estwing. any word on them?

i have a 16oz estwing, but i'd like to get a 20oz one.

 

[1982fxr]

menards used to carry estwing's, but now they carry vaughan's. still usa made, but doesn't seem to be as recognized as estwing. any word on them?

i have a 16oz estwing, but i'd like to get a 20oz one.

Vaughan is another kick *** hammer company, them and Estwing are pretty much the 2 big US names in hammers...

 

[1982fxr]

Stanley also calls it Antivibe. I bought one, and I hate it. Maybe I haven't given it a good test.

I have never hated a hammer as much as the anti-vibe a co-worker used to have that I used sometimes. Everyone who used it hated it

 

[TomB19]

When I was a framer the whole crew carried 28oz Estwings.

Yes sir.

PM me your address and I'll send you my lunch money.

 

[dutchgray]

Vaughan is as good as Estwing IMO, they have a much bigger USA made range and also do titanium hammers as well. They had almost no exposure over here but in the last couple years shops have started to carry them, Estwings are everywhere. I have several of both plus a few others.

 

[Fugio]

+1, I have both the 22 & 28oz framers. I'm older now but when I was in my early 20's everyone used the 28oz Estwing.



A 12oz framing hammer?? that would be nice for framing a small dog house. My finish hammer is a 16oz Estwing.

Yeah, I know. Weird huh? Honestly, if I'm gonna have to drive a lot of nails, my favorite hammer is a 16oz cheapo with a wood/hickory handle. All those high-tech ones just tire me out faster. I'm pretty strong for my size and age, but I still never cared for heavy hammers for driving nails. I do just fine at 16oz.
But the DeWalt says "drives like a 16oz hammer" or something like that. I imagine it does. Force is a multiplier of mass AND speed, so there's that.

 

[rlitman]

By the way, the 28oz Estwing framer is the stupidest hammer I've ever seen. Unless you are Paul Bunyan, that hammer is entirely ornamental.

... and it's my favorite hammer in my collection. When my Dad is helping me frame, I like to pull it out and say, "I'm a little tired today. I think I'll step down to a 22oz." lol! ... and then swap it for the smaller hammer.

I am a network analyst. I'm in OK shape but suffice it to say, I will not be swinging a 28oz framer any time in the near future.

I work in IT as well. For framing (when I'm not using my pneumatic), I too prefer the 22oz for sinking 16D nails (when I was a kid, I liked the 16oz, but now it feels like a toy when hitting framing nails). But for those times when I need to sink 20D and larger nails, the 28oz hammer comes out. The 22oz just seems to bounce off of them without doing anything.

 

[neophyte]

menards used to carry estwing's, but now they carry vaughan's. still usa made, but doesn't seem to be as recognized as estwing. any word on them?

i have a 16oz estwing, but i'd like to get a 20oz one.

Vaughan makes very good hammers. They're the OEM for a large number of the USA made Craftsman hammers. I presume they've also manufactured hammers for other brands since hammers are their main business. Vaughan has also been issued a large number of patents for hammer designs.

 

[jvitez]

A 12oz framing hammer?? that would be nice for framing a small dog house.

Best quote I've seen in a long time.

 

[rlitman]

a 12oz framing hammer?? That would be nice for framing a small bird house. My finish hammer is a 16oz estwing.

fify