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Hammers: Uses, Types, Selection, and Safe Handling

Hammers serve many tasks, from carpentry and nail pulling to upholstery and metal shaping. Choose the right design, inspect it, and use eye protection.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Choose a hammer for the job, not as a one-size-fits-all tool. Hammers are used for carpentry and nail pulling, but also for furniture work, upholstery, metal shaping, and masonry. Pick a comfortable hammer of suitable size and weight, inspect it before use, and wear eye protection.

What are hammers used for?

Different hammers are designed for different tasks. Common uses include general carpentry and pulling nails, as well as cabinet making, furniture assembly, upholstery, finishing, riveting, shaping metal, and striking masonry drills or steel chisels. The task determines which head shape and hammer type are appropriate. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) lists these uses in its Hand Tools – Hammers guidance, confirmed current on December 14, 2023.

How do you choose the right hammer?

Start with what you need the hammer to do, then consider its head shape, size and weight, and how comfortably you can hold it. CCOHS advises choosing a comfortable hammer with a size and weight suited to the job. No single design is best for every task.

  • For general carpentry or pulling nails: A claw hammer is a common option; choose a size and weight that suit the work and feel comfortable.
  • For other tasks: Cabinet making, furniture assembly, upholstery, finishing, riveting, metal shaping, and masonry work may call for different hammer designs. Use a hammer intended for the specific task rather than substituting a general-purpose one.

How do you inspect a hammer before use?

Check the hammer before each use. A damaged head or handle can make the tool unsafe.

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#1 Best Overall
IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)
  • Forged steel head for superior durability
  • ProTouch grip for maximum comfort even after prolonged use
  • Smooth face leaves fewer marks on surfaces
  • Fiberglass construction absorbs vibration and reduces fatigue
  • Hybrid handle design is rounded for more comfort and fit with a curved base to prevent slippage and a hardened end cap
  • Make sure the head is firmly attached to the handle. Do not use the hammer if the head is loose.
  • Do not use a handle that is loose, cracked, or splintered.
  • Discard a hammer with a chipped or mushroomed striking face, or cracks around the claw or eye.

For U.S. construction workplaces, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.301 says, “Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.” It also requires impact tools such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels to be kept free of mushroomed heads, and wooden handles to be free of splinters or cracks and tight in the tool. This is a construction workplace standard, not a universal consumer rule. See OSHA 29 CFR 1926.301.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)
IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)
Forged steel head for superior durability; ProTouch grip for maximum comfort even after prolonged use
$11.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz. (CMHT51398)
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz. (CMHT51398)
Durability: overstrike protection where fiberglass handles are most prone to break; Improved grip during use: over mold grip
$12.98
Bestseller No. 4
YIYITOOLS Claw Hammer With fiberglass Handle – 16-oz, Red and Black (YY-1-003)
YIYITOOLS Claw Hammer With fiberglass Handle – 16-oz, Red and Black (YY-1-003)
Forged Hardened Steel Head with polished smooth face; Fiberglass handle with shock absorbing design
$8.25
Best Value
8/16/24oz Straight Rip Fiberglass General Purpose Claw Hammer
  • 【Package Include】- Package includes 1pcs 8oz claw hammer. This hammer is easy to use, enough to meet your daily needs.
  • 【Multifunctional Hammer Head】- The hammer head is made of forged high-carbon steel, which can quickly hammer nails into the ground/wall. The surface of the hammer head is finely polished and very smooth.
  • 【Straight Rip Claw】- The claws are multifunctional. The claw can be easily pulled out of the nails, prolonged the stubborn wooden board and performed precise demolition work.
  • 【Rubber Covered Handle】- This hammer has an ergonomically designed handle, the handle is especially suitable for holding in winter and will not slip during use.
  • 【Wide Application】- This hammer has a wide range of application scenarios, such as carpenters, camping, family maintenance, DIY projects, etc.
Rank #4
YIYITOOLS Claw Hammer With fiberglass Handle – 16-oz, Red and Black (YY-1-003)
  • Forged Hardened Steel Head with polished smooth face
  • Fiberglass handle with shock absorbing design
  • Ideal for construction, home improvement, general repairs and maintenance, woodworking, art hanging, and more
  • Contoured fiberglass handle provides a comfortable grip and dampens strike vibration, reducing stress on your body
  • Balanced weight for comfortable use on most general purpose jobs
Rank #3
Sale
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz. (CMHT51398)
  • Durability: overstrike protection where fiberglass handles are most prone to break
  • Improved grip during use: over mold grip
  • Driving and pulling nails
Rank #2
ESTWING Rip Hammer, 16oz Smooth Face, Shock Reduction Grip, E3-16S
  • RIP CLAW VERSATILITY – Estwing hammers are ideal for pulling nails, prying boards, demolition work, and more. The longer handle provides increased striking power making your job easier.
  • BUILT FOR THE PRO – The optimal claw hammer for framers, roofers, carpenters, contractors, tradesman & serious DIYers.
  • FORGED IN ONE PIECE - Forged using one solid piece of American steel. This means no poor quality castings or welds to fail. The result is the most durable, longest lasting striking tool available.
  • PATENTED SHOCK REDUCTION GRIP - Reducing impact vibration by 70%, Estwing's molded shock reduction grip provides optimal slip-free comfort, durability and superior grip in all jobsite conditions
  • MADE IN THE USA – Since 1923, our tools have been proudly American made in Rockford, IL using only the finest American steel.
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What are the safety tips for using a hammer?

  1. Protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses or goggles. A face shield should be worn with eye protection, not instead of it.
  2. Set up a clear swing area. Look behind and above you before swinging, keep other people clear, and make sure you have secure footing.
  3. Strike squarely. Keep the hammer face parallel to the surface being struck. Avoid glancing blows, which can cause the hammer to slip or send material flying.
  4. Use the right tool for the job. Do not use a hammer for a purpose it was not designed for, strike one hammer against another, or strike with the side or cheek of the head.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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