Best Framing Hammer 2020

Last Updated on July 13, 2021 by James

A framing hammer is a powerful tool with stronger heads and straighter claws. Be it about building a house or furniture, or repairing it, with Framing hammers the job gets a lot faster and easier. Our reviews of the best framing hammer are designed to show you everything you need to know about each model.

However, everyone has their opinions on what makes a good hammer. Some prefer steel handles over fiberglass, titanium head over steelhead, smooth over textured grip to take the big powerful swings. The market is flooded with variety and variations of size, material, claws, making it difficult to make the right choice.

We have tested 30+ framing hammers in our shop and rated them according to their handle type, face and user fatigue.

Here are the best framing hammers ranked, in order:

1. Stanley FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Nailing Hammer

The first product that we have on the list weighs about 16 ounces and that is one of the best things. You can all agree to this that the weight is moderate when compared to the other products. So, you can easily carry the hammer anywhere for use without tiring yourself.

Apart from that, there is a particular anti-vibration technology that is used in the hammer which further decreases the shocks and the vibrations that happen. As a result of that, your body stays safe when you make the hits with the hammer.

There is a torsion control present in the hammer grip which means that the torque in the elbows and the wrists will be reduced considerably. This one-piece, steel hammer has a design which makes it pretty durable and long-lasting so that you can easily accomplish the task in hand without damaging the hammer in any way.

When compared to the other regular hammers, it has been found that the Stanley FatMax has got a strike face that is 75% larger. So, that means you can easily hit anything that you want and the power would be unbelievable.

There is a non-slip handle that comes with the tool so that you can easily get the grip that you want without it slipping off your hands.

Best Features:

The handle that is non-slip provides a very comfortable grip even if your hands are sweaty and slippery.
The moderate 16-ounce weight is not too much and you can carry it easily.
The length of the hammer is about 13 inches which is also a very moderate length.
Forged steel hammer provides an additional touch of durability.
There is a lifetime warranty on the product which makes it more reliable for the users.
The anti-vibration technology used in the hammer prevents it from transferring the shocks to the wrist and the elbows.

2. Dalluge 7180 Titanium Hammer

This particular hammer that we have in here for you is constructed with high-quality titanium which makes it a pretty good product for use. The durability and ease of use with the hammer is what attracts most of the users to the product.

The weight of the hammer is just 16 ounces which is quite a moderate weight. So, you can easily get the tasks completed without actually tiring yourself that much. The hammer has a milled face and that means the grip that it has on the nails is excellent.

The nails won’t slip off or roll away due to this quality of the happen. With the hickory handle, you can be pretty sure that there will be no shocks whatsoever and your body remains safe during the hits. The comfort that the users experience after using the product is another one of the best things about it.

The tool also comes along with a magnetic nail holder that can be used to store the duplex as well as the standard nails together.

So, you can easily get the task done without any problem. The hammer has got a proper overstrike guard which can be used for the protection of the handle and the hands along with the nail puller that is present on the hammer’s side.

There are claws that are reinforced in order to provide more and more leverage to the user when it comes to getting the stubborn pieces out.

Best Features:

The weight of the product is about 16 ounces which is pretty moderate.
There is an additional nail puller present on the side for extra efficiency.
The claws present on the hammer are reinforced and provide more leverage.
The hickory handle absorbs most of the shocks that are thrown to the user.
The nail holder is magnetic and is an added touch of efficiency.
The length of the material is 17 inches which is just perfect for power.

3. Estwing Framing Hammer

You will be able to get the Estwing Framing Hammer is the milled face and the flat face option and so you will be able to choose the type that you want. The product over here weighs about 22 ounces which is pretty moderate if not too much.

There is no doubt about the fact that the power that you get from the hammer will be unbelievable but at the same time, you can use it for a long time without actually tiring yourself. The hammer easily fits into the tighter spaces and hence is pretty compact. The one-piece steel hammer is long-lasting and durable as well.

The forging process here is pretty detailed which provides it with the durability. Made in the USA with the best quality American steel, it has got a proper grip that reduces the shock and doesn’t let it reach the hands.

The 16-inch length of the hammer provides it with the balance and the power that it needs to get the whole job done without any difficulty whatsoever. There is also an ergonomic handle that makes sure that you are comfortably able to use the tool. So, all in all, it is a pretty great product when it comes to power, comfort, and durability.

Best Features:

The total length of the product is about 16 inches which is quite moderate.
The American steel used in the construction of the product is high quality.
The rubber grip has an ergonomic construction which makes it pretty comfortable to use.
The one-piece forged hammer made of steel is pretty durable and long-lasting.
Different options for the hammer face.

4. Stiletto Tools Framing Hammer

This titanium constructed product is another one of the best that we have on the list. The titanium used for the construction makes it a pretty durable product and provides the strength that it needs to get all the tasks done.

The weight of the product is about 14 ounces which means that it has got the ideal weight. Also, there is a feature that prevents the shocks that happen from affecting the body of the user.

The hickory handle that it has is ergonomic and provides more comfort to the users. Not only will you get a magnetic nail holder but you will also be impressed to see that the handle is curved. This way you can get maximum leverage with every single swing that you make.

The hammer can be a bit long for some people as it is about 18 inches in length. Also, it needs more space due to the not-so-compact design. But then you will be getting more strength so that is a great thing.

Best Features:

More power is provided to the user because of the long handle.
The total weight is not that much and it makes it easier to carry the tool around.
The hickory handle is comfortable and curved for more leverage.
A magnetic nail holder is a good option.
The system of the hammer is completely balanced.
The wooden handle is best for the absorption of the shocks.

5. Irwin Tools 1954890 Wood California Framing Claw Hammer

The IRWIN 21 oz California Framing hammer features a 16 oz forged steel head that allows for superior strength and durability. Made from high carbon steel material, it is quite strong and durable. The product weighs about 21 ounces which is decent enough.

The 15.5″ axe style curved hickory handle offers the strength and impact suitable for most framing applications. The curved handles increase the user’s swing leverage, and the long handle extends the operator’s reach that makes it capable even for heavy-duty projects. The handle is extremely comfortable, has been curved for control and is undoubtedly one of its best features.

The nose of the hammer has a magnetic start feature. It has a milled face that prevents slippage when striking a nail head. The rip claw ensures easy removal of nail and haps in prying applications. Its Magnetic nail holder is a blessing. It allows hands-free versatility as you can do one-handed nail settings while setting a nail. Genuinely priced, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Overall, this super durable hammer is the perfect combination of everything.

Best Features:

The handle is impressive and offers unparalleled strength and control.
This hammer provides extended reach and swing velocity which allows it to handle heavy-duty projects with ease.
The head of this hammer is quite versatile.
The magnetic nail holder allows hands-free versatility.

6. TEKTON 30325 Jacketed Fiberglass Magnetic Head Rip Hammer

Weighing 22-Ounce, this Tekton 30325 features a 16-inch long framer-style handle that allows you significant swing velocity. On top of it, this axe-inspired handle is anti-slippery in nature so that you can easily get the grip that you want, without it slipping off your hands. The chisel ends are sharpened enough and easily gets into tight spaces for prying applications, demolition and slides under nail heads to pull them out.

It has got 22 oz hammerhead, the kind of length and intensity that is required by professionals. Made of highest grade steel, it is solid and durable and can bear all the damages.

It has a milled face that avoids nail slipping and features a magnetic nail-starting slot. Another impressive feature is its fiberglass handle that lends ultimate control and reduces the vibrations that can happen. The exterior poly jacket ensures you can easily hit anything that you want and saves from missed strikes.

The head-to-handle epoxy bond will not loosen over time. Given the features and pricing, this one is quite affordable and ideal for all kind of users.

Best Features:

Made of highest grade steel that is highly durable.
The fiberglass handle provides utmost durability and decreases the vibrations that happen.
Sharpened straight claw gets into tight spaces for prying, demolition and pulling nails
Cross milled face grips nail head to reduce glancing blows.

7. Fiskars IsoCore 22 oz Milled-face Framing Hammer

With 22 oz hammerhead, this hammer is ideal for big framing jobs and heavy-duty tasks. Featuring a total length of 16″ and an aggressive milled face, this hammer is explicitly aimed at framers. The dual-layer handle and an insulating sleeve dampen and isolate the vibration, so less of it reaches your hand. It features the company’s patented IsoCore™ Shock Control System that reduces shock and vibration by 4X.

This rugged, powerful framing hammer is made out of forged premium steel that is finished with a rust-resistant coating and features a perfectly balanced design. It has a milled face that grips nail head to help prevent the hammer from sliding off the nail when striking. The A magnetic nail starter helps you to start nails with one hand in toughest places, and a rip claw pulls nails quickly and easily.

The Softgrip handle easily fits the natural shape of your hand and features textured small and large dimples that ensures maximum grip and prevent blisters. While making precision strikes, its extended grip lends you the added control. Decently priced, it comes with a full lifetime warranty.

Best Features:

Head has been optimized to withstand the toughest work environments.
It is made of high-quality steel that is durable and delivers excellent performance.
IsoCore shock control system absorbs strike shock and vibration.
Strategic texturing helps improve grip while reducing blisters.

Things To Consider Before Buying…

We get it that choosing a particular framing hammer that is efficient in the tasks is something that can be a bit of a challenge for some people. This is especially the case when they have got no experience whatsoever in handling situations like this.

So, for those who need a little bit of help, here we have some of the factors that should be considered when buying a proper framing hammer.

The Handle Type

One of the most important considerations that you need to make when you are shopping for a framing hammer is the handle type that it has. This is where it gets confusing people. There are so many variable options for the handle types such as wood, steel, and fiberglass. Each one of these types has got some pros and cons.

1. Wooden Handles

The handles that are made of wood can be great because they are pretty easy to use and they absorb most of the shocks. However, they are not really that durable and often tend to snap off when used for a long period of time.

Sometimes, it so happens that the handle snaps occur while you are driving a nail or just pulling it out. This can be a problem for some people. For those who don’t mind changing their handles once in a while and prefer a less shocking option than the handles of steel, this will be a catch for them.

2. Steel Handles

When you are using a steel handle for the framing hammer, you will see that there are many differences between these and the wooden handles. You will get very high durability with the steel hammers. They don’t really snap or break at all which can be an advantage.

Apart from that, the steel handles make sure that you don’t have to put that much pressure when you are ripping a nail out. However, one downside of the steel handles is that they aren’t really that resistant to shocks. The vibrations in the steel are something that you will face with every single blow that you make.

These vibrations can affect the wrist, the shoulder, and the elbow as well. Some of the steel handles have a poly or rubber grip that helps in shock absorption to some amount but they are not better than the wooden handles in that case.

3. Fiberglass Handles

The last type of handle that we have in here is the fiberglass handle. This is the handle that is kind of in the middle of the wood and the steel. The handles that are made of fiberglass are the ones that are a bit tougher than the wood handles and have more durability as well.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are unbreakable. These handles might break but then they are more long-lasting than the wooden options for sure. Apart from that, the fiberglass handles have the shocks right in the center of the wood and the steel handles.

So, if you don’t want the handle of your hammer to break that easily and you want to avoid some of the shocks, then the fiberglass handles are the best shot for you.

The Length And Size Of The Handle

Another one of the most important things that you need to consider when you are looking for the perfect hammer is the length of the handle for sure.

If you are comfortable using the smaller handles that have got a 13-inch length or the longer handles that stretch up to about 17 inches in total, this is something that you need to ask yourself for sure.

With the longer handles, you will definitely get more power with every single blow that you make. The size of the hammer is also another consideration that you need to make. Having a standard framing hammer that has a weight of about 20 ounces is the best idea for sure.

User Fatigue And Shocks

Here we have another important factor for you to consider. Every single framing hammer will definitely have a certain amount of shock that travels to the hand of the users. While hammering, one of the most important things to take care of is the shock that the user gets from the hammer.

These shocks can often be harmful to the hands, the elbows and the shoulders as well. For those who do not like to have more shocks while hammering, using the wooden handles for the framing hammer is the best options for sure. This is one of the most important things that they need to keep in mind.

Also, you need to pick a proper framing hammer that makes sure that you don’t suffer from any fatigue whatsoever after a long time of using the hammer.

The Face Of The Hammer

Another important factor to consider is the hammer face that it has. Most of the framing hammers that you will see in the market will have an edged face or a waffle one.

The most preferable option for the hammer face is the waffle one as it provides more grip on the nails to the users and allows the nail to stay in place without slipping away.

However, there might be some options of framing hammer that have got a very smooth face but then they aren’t really that popular as well.

The Budget

When you are out buying a framing hammer for your projects, the price is one thing that can be a very important factor. There are different prices on variable framing hammers that are available in the market.

Some of these hammers would just cost you about 20 dollars and then there are some that take the price level up to a whopping 200 dollars in total. There are even more expensive options for those who wouldn’t mind paying additional bucks for extra features.

However, the range of the price in these framing hammers is dependent on just one thing and that is quality. Do you wish to have a proper quality tool that will last you for generations and you can pass it to the next people in line or do you just want a framing hammer for short-term use?

Well, it all depends on the amount of money that you are willing to part within the search of a proper hammer. For those who are on a budget, going with a proper quality but the cheap hammer will be the best idea for sure.

Conclusion

Those people who are currently looking for a reliable and high-quality hammer that has got all the features that are required for the tasks at hand can really rely on the framing hammers to make their jobs a little bit easier.

Choosing the best framing hammer won’t really be a challenge if you follow this buyers guide that we have for you. Make sure that you follow each and everything that we have for you here so that you can choose the best one for yourself.