Odd Estwing Hammer

[Farmall 1066]

Used to have an old neighbor that had a really odd Estwing hammer. Probably 28-32oz framing style, but instead of claws for pulling nails, the claws were one solid piece, with a teardrop shaped hole for the nail head.
I asked him where he got it. He referred to it as a "California Framer" and said it had been his son's, who was killed in an auto accident.
Old Delbert passed away a while back, and I'd sure like to find one of these, to remember him by.

 

[jeremy v]

So if I am understanding you correctly, you are saying that the claw part of the hammer had a nail puller like the handy bars have instead of a regular claw? Interesting, I have never seen one of those before. I tried to help you out by doing a couple quick online searches but I found nothing like that.

I did find a hammer with a bottle opener on the back, so maybe you can get one of those instead and use it occasionally to pop a cold one and think about your late neighbor and his unique hammer.

As a side note, from what I understand a California framing hammer is just like a regular framing hammer except it has a hatchet handle instead of a regular hammer handle.

 

[2mJps]

I have saw this kind of hammer before and wondered that it was for. It must have a special use.

 

[PugetDude]

Used to have an old neighbor that had a really odd Estwing hammer. Probably 28-32oz framing style, but instead of claws for pulling nails, the claws were one solid piece, with a teardrop shaped hole for the nail head.
I asked him where he got it. He referred to it as a "California Framer" and said it had been his son's, who was killed in an auto accident.
Old Delbert passed away a while back, and I'd sure like to find one of these, to remember him by.

Contact Estwing... Even if it's discontinued, they might be able to provide you with a model number so you can search on Ebay...

 

[PugetDude]

As a side note, from what I understand a California framing hammer is just like a regular framing hammer except it has a hatchet handle instead of a regular hammer handle.

In addition to the wooden hatchet handle, a california framer is a weight-forward design, with a stubby nose, and a slot for a nail starter.

Estwing tried a new hybrid framing hammer design a few years ago, weight-forward, fiberglass handle, with a square waffled head. It was a disaster. felt unbalanced, the square head was awkward, and the fiberglass handle didn't feel like an Estwing. I got one as a gift ( I own ~20 Estwings) but gave it away to the first person who would take it (landscaper, he thought it would be good to leave in the back of his truck for pounding on rocks...)

 

[Farmall 1066]

Correct, no claw, just the nail puller. I know it was an Estwing, but can't find any information on it, anywhere.

 

[woody 73]

Some time back I found an older gentleman selling a few of his Fathers hammers, and one small hammer really stood out; something like the op's estwing but it had railroad markings and I have never seen any like it before now. He wanted an arm and three legs for it so I had to pass on that one.

 

[Exceller8]

Kind of hard to see in the picture, but this looks like it?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-25-oz-California-Framing-Hammer-MRW25LM/202183878#.Ue1tVVOvc7A

 

[Zeke]

This is a California framer:



A lot of times framers would put a 20' handle on them. The ax head wasn't needed. It was just there for balance and weight. I've been a carpenter for over 40 years and have never seen the Eastwing described.

The cool Eastwings have leather handles.

 

[jeffmoss26]

http://www.vaughanmfg.com/shopping/...z-Curved-Handle-California-Framer-Hammer.aspx

 

[TwoInch]

sorry zeke, that aint right. those hatchets were carpenters hatchets, or half hatchets. there were many designs.

 

[Exceller8]

http://www.vaughanmfg.com/shopping/...z-Curved-Handle-California-Framer-Hammer.aspx

Jeff, he is looking for a solid claw with a nail puller. I don't think the Vaughan is it.

 

[TwoInch]

Jeff, he is looking for a solid claw with a nail puller. I don't think the Vaughan is it.

jeff is showing zeke what a california framer is

 

[rancherbill]

I can't tell for sure without a pic.

In both framing and cribbing nails go in and never come out. with the exception of TWO HEADED nails that are used for temporary bracing etc. The tear drop shaped slot is perfect for this application. It's not not a big market for this type of hammer.

 

[jeffmoss26]

jeff is showing zeke what a california framer is

yep, Vaughan is always who I associate with the California Framer...

 

[Zeke]

sorry zeke, that aint right. those hatchets were carpenters hatchets, or half hatchets. there were many designs.

If you weren't walking the plate in your Laguna swim trunks in the 60's and 70's here in SoCal, then don't tell me what framers used originally. Standard uniform was 6" boots, swim trunks, long hair and 3 leather bags, one of each side and a big *** one in back. Nothing in front; that's East Coast. Along with the ax hung out back as well so the long handle always hits you in the back of the knee.

No nail guns, Skillsaws only with the guard not blocked, but clean off the saw and a 20' cord with a twist lock. Right down to the leather laces on the boots.

The uniform.

Oh, and you're right about the brand. Not Plumb, but I couldn't find a pic of a Vaughn ax. In fact, I think we bought Vaughn handles for the rigging head.

 

[TwoInch]

im not saying guys in california didnt use those style axes, but they are not california framer hammers, swim trunks or not.

carpenters hatchets have been around long before you were using them in SoCal in the 60s. they aint california anything, and because it was happening in the 60s doesnt mean it was original either. like i said, those hatchets, and carpenters/framers have been around long before you started.

 

[TwoInch]

also, FWIW, i have that exact plumb hatchet you used for your picture. although i rehandled it 3 weeks ago.

edit - i cant imagine anyone using a half hatchet as their main whammer on a framing gig. the nail puller on them are completely useless, and the balance thing just aint true. they are terrible as a hammer in general, but the hatchet side is top notch.

 

[Exceller8]

jeff is showing zeke what a california framer is

Ahh... Thanks!!

 

[Quack]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=453110871391139&set=o.116687131710075&type=1&theater

Looks like this

 

[Farmall 1066]

Thanks for posting that... It's exactly like what I'm trying to find.
Any more info on it?

 

[Quack]

Just what the guy posted on that post. They were made until 1973. It looks just like the one the guy gave me, except mine is not a waffle head, and mine is a little darker in the handle

 

[Farmall 1066]

I know this might sound crazy, though not to a lot of us here, but I have wanted one of these since I first saw it, at about 14-15, and I turn 40 on Wednesday.

 

[Quack]

Trust me, that doesnt sound crazy at all

 

[zer0cell]

Would the hammer with the hatchet on the other side of the striking face not be used for a carpenter who was cutting wooden lathe back in the day for plaster walls?

 

[bonacker]

My grandfather was in heavy construction all his life. His company mostly did pan and dome concrete work and they used a hammer like the OP described. The "enclosed" nail puller was for the duplex nails and the "solid" claw was to lift up the edge of the metal pan when striping forms. Don't remember the brand of the hammers though.

 

[chrisa7164]

off topic but that half hatchet is what they call a "rig builders hatchet" in most of the tool catalogs. It is longer than a traditional half hatchet.

 

[bob15]

This is a California framer:



A lot of times framers would put a 20' handle on them. The ax head wasn't needed. It was just there for balance and weight. I've been a carpenter for over 40 years and have never seen the Eastwing described.

That isn't a California hammer...what you are showing is a Carpenter's hatchet.

this is a California framer (http://www.estwing.com/ss_california_framing_hammer.php):

 

[dandan111]

California hammers aside I'm not sure what benefit a nail puller head instead of a claw would be? Maybe it was made to market with that double head nail but that just seems like a advertising waist of time. A claw pulls those doubles just fine.

 

[c.ortiz]

Hello all. I came across this thread today as I was trying to research the same hammer. I notice that the thread is a bit old. If the original poster or anyone is interested, let me know.

 

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Paging Farm All 1066. Here's your hammer buddy!

 

[Farmall 1066]

Wow...Thanks for posting that! Been over a year, and I still haven't found one.
Is yours for sale?

 

[c.ortiz]

Thanks for the reply. Sometimes old threads just die off. If you are interested in it, you are welcome to make me an offer. I am new at posting in threads so I don't know how to use the site or give out info safely. Let me know. Thanks.

 

[Farmall 1066]

C.ortiz, I sent you a PM on this. Let me know if you got it.

 

[c.ortiz]

Recieved and replied. Thanks.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Reuniting someone with a long lusted for hammer - Im getting teary eyed over here.

Farmall better post a picture if he gets this quest completed....

 

[brickG-man]

[QUOTE. A lot of times framers would put a 20' handle on them.QUOTE]

Wow, you can get some good leverage with that!

 

[Farmall 1066]

C.ortiz, I sent you another PM...been on vacation and away from the web.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Been a few years but I finally got one of these over the weekend, for $5, at an auction.
The guy above ended up putting his on EBay and went way out of my price range, around $75, IIRC.
Mines pretty in pretty tough shape, compared to the one above, but plenty serviceable yet.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Google vintage estwing hammer. Use images and a hammer like you describe pops up real quick.