Try as I might, I never much cared for the feel of a fiberglass handle, and a solid metal hammer can sometimes rattle your teeth. Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. This is a tool you’ll count on for the toughest tasks, such as driving chisels into brick, pounding nails into the hardest woods, light demolition, or driving stakes into the wood, ground, or other hard surfaces. If pounding in nails to hang picturesis just about the most action your hammer ever sees, there’s no need for a heavy tool made for more rigorous tasks.

Stanley FatMax Antivibe Brick Hammer 20oz (570g) | Toolstation

You’ll find claw hammers weighing as little as 8 ounces and monsters weighing as much as 32 ounces, but for the average DIYer, a tool that’s between 16 and 20 ounces is best. When it comes to weight, the Stubby is just right; at 12 ounces, it isn't too heavy, nor is it too light. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

Steel hammers are generally one piece of forged metal from handle to head, unlike fiberglass and wooden hammers, giving them excellent durability. There are different hammers out there, each with a specific purpose, although there can be overlaps among them. The hammer includes a hatchet and a milled front face that help users drive nails into drywall without damaging its surface.

AntiVibe All Steel Rip Claw Hammer 450g (16oz) FatMax® AntiVibe All Steel Rip Claw Hammer 450g (16oz)

Because fiberglass doesn’t conduct electricity, these hammers are a good choice if you’ll be working in an area with live wires. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home.

With its distinguishing blue grip, this OX Tools drywall hammer has a 14-ounce head with an attached milled face that grips and drives drywall nails. Steel hammer handles are the heaviest and the strongest, making them a favorite for demolition work. For example, a drywall hammer with a titanium head will be more expensive than one with a steel head. model to bust up an old steel door and while this didn’t provide much relevant test information, it was great fun. If you like to keep a complete set of tools at the ready, this is a worthwhile addition to your collection.