There are a lot of hammers on the market, and the competition is pretty tough. So, it’s sort of a big deal when an iconic publication like Popular Mechanics takes notice and chooses three Estwing hammers for “The 9 Best Hammers for Residential DIY and Professional Jobs” list on popularmechanics.com.
The article’s author, Alex Rennie, a former residential and commercial carpenter, consulted tool review sites and message boards to determine the hammer categories considered to be the most helpful to a wide range of users. He then rigorously tested several dozen hammers before selecting the top nine.
#1 – Best Overall Hammer
Estwing 16 oz E3-16S
“If you’re looking for a hammer that you can drop off the roof, bash through rough demo tasks, yank out nails… look no further. Forged from a single piece of steel, this Estwing hammer is practically indestructible,” Rennie wrote.
Like most fans of this multipurpose hammer, the author cited its well-balanced feel and shock-absorbing nylon grip as stand-out characteristics.
“Its 16 oz. weight is versatile enough for light-duty household tasks, as well as all-day hammering projects that require a bit more oomph… Or, if you’re interested in something a bit beefier, a 20-ounce model is also available,” Rennie said.
#7 – Best Heavy-duty Framing Hammer
Estwing E6-24TM 24 oz. Hammertooth
The Hammertooth claimed this title thanks in part to its one-piece metal construction, large milled face, shock-reduction grip and, of course, its celebrated hammertooth.
“This beast of a framing hammer doesn’t just look cool— its one-piece steel construction and heavy weight also make it practically indestructible,” Rennie said. “As long as you’re strong enough to comfortably use it (it also comes in a 22 oz. version if you’re not), this well-balanced hammer is equally effective for efficiently driving framing nails as it is for smashing through demo projects. The hammer’s impressive length enables maximum momentum for powerful swings.”
#9 – Best Soft-face Hammer
Estwing DFH-12 Rubber Mallet
The Estwing rubber mallet was chosen for its lightweight construction, curved ergonomic handle, and two different softness levels.
“You might assume that this soft-faced mallet won’t get used too much, but I’ve found that it’s actually much more versatile than a traditional hammer when it comes to applying force,” Rennie wrote. “With two soft faces — one slightly harder than the other — it can be used on a wide range of materials and surfaces, from tapping in dowels and tight carpentry joints, to shifting stubborn furniture pieces into place during assembly, and even automotive components that could be damaged by a metal face.”
Visit www.popularmechanics.com to see the full list.
