Author: Marija Glasnovic | Updated 1:53 PM, September 8, 2021

I have spent many years relying on my tools to make a living. No, I don’t mean leaning on a shovel or workbench when everyone else is working. What I mean is to rely on these tools to do what they are supposed to do. They need work, otherwise I cannot complete my work. One of the brands I learned to rely on is Estwing.

Estwing makes compelling tools-and high-quality tools. You can find frame hammers, rubber hammers, roof axes, drywall axes, sledgehammers and other percussion tools from this brand at almost any job site. The reason is that merchants respect their reliability and manufacturing quality. But is this all hype?

I got a brand new Estwing hammer and compared it with other brands to find out. I want to know whether the manufacture of the hammer is important, and whether this hammer is really all of it. Read on to understand what I think and see if this is the best hammer for you.

Obtain the Estwing hammer at:

The Estwing hammer is a one-piece all-steel hammer. The handle (or handle) extends from the head of the tool to the bottom of the handle. The handle surrounding it is a durable rubber material that can absorb vibrations and is suitable for all-day use.

The surface of the Estwing hammer (the part that hits the nail) is smooth and round, so it is suitable for general purposes such as framing, finishing work and even drywall. The claws (the part where the nails are removed) are straight, which makes them useful for getting under stubborn nails, as well as for separating frame wood, prying off objects, and other general purposes.

The length of the Estwing hammer from the bottom of the handle to the head is 13.75 inches, and the head itself weighs 20 ounces. Its size and weight are very suitable for general use, because the weight of the hammer is enough to drive the frame nails, but it is light and short, and can be controlled to complete the work.

If you haven't mastered it yet, the Estwing hammer is a universal all-purpose hammer. Estwing does make other hammers specifically for frame or light work, but this model is a universal hammer that covers all bases.

Like any hammer, the ease of use of the Estwing hammer depends on the user. For people with insufficient upper body strength or weak wrists, a 20-ounce hammer may be too much. But for most people, this may be ideal.

The 16 ounce and 20 ounce hammers are considered the industry standard for all-round hammers. Lighter models are more difficult to nail frame nails, while heavier models (such as the one I tested) can be more challenging in awkward locations or hitting tiny veneer nails. Both can do any job, but this requires practice.

The Estwing hammer is excellent when removing nails or prying items apart. As long as the merchant uses a hammer, the argument between straight claws and curved claws will continue, but I prefer straight claws. For this reason, Estwing is better. I can push it into a piece of frame timber instead of bending to pick it up from the deck, but I can also wedge it between two boards nailed together to pry them apart. It is difficult to do with a curved claw hammer.

In other words, curved claws are easier to use in small spaces, such as stud brackets and cabinets, but this is indeed a matter of preference and learning to use the tool.

If there is one area where the Estwing hammer really excels, it is comfort. This hammer is a perfect combination of strength and cushioning, so it can be used all day long.

The Estwing hammer is not a new design. The company has been manufacturing this model for generations, and if you look at the old model (there are still many), the blue rubber handle is shiny and very hard. The newer Estwing hammer uses a better thick and heavy cushioning rubber design, which can better reduce impact.

Vibration damping is obviously very important for Dingding. It is well known that all-steel hammers do not perform well in this task, which is why so many carpenters use wooden handle hammers. However, the shock absorption effect of the Estwing hammer is very good. I have driven many nails with this hammer, and it is more comfortable than any other hammer I have tested.

Reducing impact is also important for nail removal. Sometimes, the leverage required to remove the nail cannot be obtained by pulling, and the only answer is to tap the handle of the hammer several times with the open palm. Without the rubber handle of Estwing, it would be very painful. Fortunately, using the Estwing hammer is a breeze.

I mentioned earlier that I found an old Estwing hammer model with a hardened rubber handle, and hinted that there are many remaining facts. The reason is that these hammers are very durable and of high quality. Estwing uses a piece of forged steel to make these hammers, which makes them very strong and durable. The neck of the hammer will not bend and the claws will not be deformed.

Will the face become deformed over time? should be. If you hit enough 16d frame nails with this hammer, scratches and fragments are likely to appear. But for ordinary DIYers, this is a long, long way to go. Deformation is normal for any hammer except the titanium model.

Older models do have rubber grip hardening problems, but newer shock-absorbing grips will not suffer the same fate. The rubber remains soft and continues to absorb shocks for many years.

And this hammer does not require much maintenance. The polished steel is rust-resistant, and the handle rarely slides or separates. There is also no wooden handle that can split, crack or shrink. In essence, this may be the last universal hammer that a DIYer must buy.

I am a big fan of this hammer. I'm already familiar with this brand, but I nailed a bunch of nails, pried open with my claws, and then used it for general work for several weeks. The question is: Is the Estwing hammer cost-effective for less than $30?

Consider this: a typical 20-ounce hammer costs about $20 to $25. All-steel models usually have hard rubber handles, and they do a poor job of absorbing shocks. Fiberglass handles are excellent at absorbing shocks, but they are not suitable for prying. The wooden handle will eventually crack, crack, chip, chip, shrink or break. If you have to replace the handle, it will cost $5 to $8. If you have to replace the hammer, you will have to spend another 20 to 25 dollars.

This does not happen with the Estwing hammer. The handle will not loosen and will remain soft for the next few years. There are cheaper and more expensive hammers on the market (I own many), but none are more durable than Estwing hammers. So yes, the Estwing hammer is definitely worth the money.

When I test a product, I like to think about who would want it or benefit from it. The idea is to use the tool, evaluate its advantages, and carefully consider the types of people who can use it. I usually think of three to four types of people and explain why the product is ideal for them.

This is not the case with the Estwing hammer this time-a clear answer may be all necessary.

If you need a new hammer, please seriously consider the Estwing hammer. Between its quality, durability and shock absorption, it is one of the best hammers on the market. This hammer can do almost any job, and there are so many businessmen relying on it for a reason: reliability.

If there is one aspect that might prevent someone from using an Estwing hammer, then it might be weight. Yes, the hammer head weighs 20 ounces, but the all-steel handle and thick rubber handle add some weight, which you cannot experience with a fiberglass or wooden handle hammer. Therefore, if you lack a little wrist strength, you can use an Estwing hammer to increase this strength, or buy another less heavy hammer.

For others, this may be the last universal hammer you bought, so please consider it.

Obtain the Estwing hammer at:

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