Hit the Nail on the Head: Which Hammer is Right for You?

18/09/2024

When it comes to DIY projects or professional construction work, having the right hammer can make all the difference. At UK Tool Supply, we offer a wide range of hammers from top brands like Estwing, PTI, US Pro, Neilsen and Milwaukee. But how do you know which hammer is right for the job? Let’s break it down.

Claw Hammer

The claw hammer is a versatile tool that’s a staple in every toolbox. It features a flat face for driving nails and a curved claw for pulling them out. Ideal for general carpentry, framing, and home repairs, the claw hammer is your go-to for tasks like hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or building a deck.

Recommended Use: Driving and removing nails, light demolition, and general carpentry tasks.

Hammers: Estwing Curved Claw Hammer, Estwing Straight Hammer, Estwing Curved English Pattern Hammer, US Pro Curved Hammer, Neilsen Claw Hammer

Bricklayer's Hammer

A bricklayer’s hammer, also known as a stonemason's hammer, has one flat traditional face and a chisel-shaped blade on the other side. This design is perfect for cutting and splitting bricks or stones without the need for a separate chisel. The Estwing Bricklayer's Hammer is particularly popular among professionals for its durability and precision.

Recommended Use: Cutting, splitting, and chipping bricks, stones, and masonry units.

Hammers: Estwing Bricklayer's Hammer

Ball Peen Hammer

The ball peen hammer, often associated with metalworking, features a rounded peen on one end and a flat face on the other. It’s ideal for shaping metal, closing rivets, and driving punches and chisels. If you're working with metal, whether it’s automotive repair or crafting, this hammer is essential.

Recommended Use: Metalworking, riveting, and shaping metal.

Hammers: Estwing Ball Peen Hammer

Sledgehammer

For heavy-duty jobs, a sledgehammer is your best friend. With a large, flat metal head, it delivers powerful blows for demolition work, breaking concrete, driving stakes, and more. The Milwaukee Sledgehammer is known for its durability and ergonomic design, making tough jobs a bit easier on the arms.

Recommended Use: Demolition, breaking concrete, driving stakes, and other heavy-duty tasks.

Hammers: US Pro Double-Faced Sledgehammer

Dead Blow Hammer

A dead blow hammer is designed to minimise rebound and deliver controlled impact with minimal damage to the target surface. Filled with sand or lead shot inside the head, this hammer is perfect for precision work where you need to avoid marring the surface. It’s commonly used in automotive work and assembling delicate parts.

Recommended Use: Precision work, automotive repair, and assembling delicate parts.

Hammers: Dead Head Mallet

Club Hammer

Also known as a lump hammer, the club hammer is a smaller version of a sledgehammer. With a short handle and a heavy head, it’s perfect for light demolition work, driving chisels, and setting stones. It’s a versatile tool that packs a punch without being as cumbersome as a full-sized sledgehammer.

Recommended Use: Light demolition, driving chisels, and setting stones.

Hammers: Estwing 2lb Club Hammer, US Pro One Piece Steel Club Hammer

Tack Hammer

A tack hammer, or upholstery hammer, is a small, lightweight hammer designed for delicate work like driving small nails, tacks, and brads. It’s often used in furniture making and upholstery projects, where precision is key. If you’re working on fine detail work, this is the hammer you need.

Recommended Use: Upholstery, furniture making, and other fine detail work.

Hammers: Estwing Sure Strike Tack Hammer

Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet is a soft-faced hammer that delivers a softer blow, making it ideal for tasks where you want to avoid damaging the work surface. It’s often used in woodworking, assembling furniture, and adjusting parts into place without leaving marks.

Recommended Use: Woodworking, assembling furniture, and adjusting parts without damaging surfaces.

Hammers: US Pro White / Black Rubber Mallet

Milled Face Hammer

A milled face hammer, also known as a framing hammer, features a textured face that grips nails better, preventing slippage. The straight claw is ideal for prying apart boards and pulling large nails, making it a favorite among framers and construction workers.

Recommended Use: Framing, heavy-duty carpentry, and construction work.

Hammers: Estwing Milled Face Ultra Series Framing Hammer, Estwing Milled Face Straight Claw Framing Hammer

Lineman's Hammer

A lineman's hammer, also known as an electrician's hammer, is designed for electrical and utility work. It usually has a heavy, well-balanced head and a long handle for extra leverage. The head may have a chisel tip on one side for cutting or chiseling.

Recommended Use: Electrical work, driving large nails, and utility work.

Hammers: Estwing 40oz Linesman's Hammer

Welding Hammer

A welding or chipping hammer is used to remove slag from welds. It has a pointed tip on one end and a chisel on the other, making it perfect for cleaning up after welding jobs. The spring handle is designed to absorb shock and reduce hand fatigue.

Recommended Use: Welding, slag removal, and metalwork cleanup.

Hammers: Welding / Chipping Hammer

Strike Thru/Strike Cap Hammer

A strike-through or strike cap hammer features a metal cap on the handle, allowing you to strike it with another hammer without damaging the handle. This is ideal for tasks that require a bit more force, like driving nails into dense materials or performing light demolition work.

Recommended Use: Heavy-duty nailing, demolition, and tasks requiring extra force.

Hammers: Estwing Steel Shaft Sure Strike

Toolbox Diaries Conclusion

Choosing the right hammer for the job not only makes your work easier but also ensures you get the best results. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, having the right hammer in your toolkit is essential. At UK Tool Supply, we’ve got a range of high-quality hammers from brands like Estwing, PTI, US Pro, and Milwaukee to suit every need.

So, next time you reach for a hammer, make sure it’s the right one for the task at hand. 

Happy hammering!