7 Best Framing Hammers

Buying a Framing Hammer

If you’re framing out a tool shed, garage or deck, you’ll need a framing hammer.

These tools are longer than general-purpose claw hammers, and provide the leverage to drive larger nails into lumber with minimal effort. They also typically feature a straight claw instead of a curved one, useful for prying apart boards and other demolition tasks.

Framing hammers can be expensive, but the added productivity and ease of use are worth the price. When choosing the best framing hammer, consider these features:

• Weight: The lighter the hammer, the easier it is to swing, and the less work for your elbow and wrist. In my experience, a few extra ounces really add up and lead to nagging joint issues. While steel hammers are the most common, titanium are the lightest choice, although they will likely cost hundreds of dollars more. A 15-oz. titanium hammer can provide roughly the same driving force as a 22-oz. steel hammer. If you only pick up your framing hammer occasionally, weight is less of an issue.
• Handle: They’re either metal or wood. While steel and titanium handles are durable enough for heavy use, wood (usually hickory) provides a natural feel some users prefer. Metal hammers with rubber coverings provide a strong grip. Wood is comfortable to grip as well. But in my experience, if wood gets wet or you get sweaty, the chances of slippage increase, affecting accuracy.
• Face: This is the surface that strikes the nail. Framing hammers come with milled or smooth faces. Milled-face hammers have a waffle-style pattern with small ridges that provide extra texture for your nails. Smooth-face hammers have no texture. They require more practice to hit nails square, but you won’t leave unsightly waffle marks on the wood if you miss. If your wood will be visible, like when building a deck, go with a smooth face hammer.
• Extra features: Some framing hammers have a small notch to grab and pull nail heads, ideal for demolition projects and rogue nails. Magnetic nail starters are another convenient feature. The hammerhead keeps the nail in place for the first strike without endangering your fingers.

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