The Best Hammer

Hammers are versatile tools, not just for driving nails but also for prying, adjusting, and even demolition work. A well-made hammer can last for generations, with every scuff and scratch adding to its story. In a world filled with disposable products, that durability stands out.

After testing over 25 hammers, we’ve found the 16-ounce Estwing E3-16C, with its steel handle and curved claw, to be almost perfect for any household task—a favorite among carpenters.

The Estwing E3-16C excels by offering ideal heft without being bulky, a comfortable grip with minimal vibration, and a curved claw perfect for pulling nails. Its clear line of sight and single-piece steel construction make it nearly indestructible. At around $25, it’s a lifetime tool, perfect for both home and professional use.

If the Estwing E3-16C is unavailable, we recommend the Ox Tools Pro 16-Ounce Claw Hammer. It’s a solid steel hammer with a grippy handle, but less comfortable due to a raised logo, which also collects dirt. While the Ox Tools model is good, the Estwing offers better value and is easier to find, so we only suggest the Ox if you need one quickly.

For an easier swing or lighter touch, the 12-ounce Estwing E3-12C is a great option. It’s a smaller, lighter version of the E3-16C, offering the same balance, durability, and comfort. Favored by female testers, it’s ideal for small tasks but less effective for larger nails, making the 16-ounce version more versatile overall.

For bigger projects or if you prefer a heavier tool, we recommend the Estwing E3-20S. It’s longer and more powerful than our top pick, with a straight claw for demolition and prying. It shares all the excellent features of Estwing hammers and is popular among carpenters.

If you want a noticeably lighter hammer that delivers more power with less strain, consider the Stiletto 10oz Trimbone Smooth/Curve Titanium Hammer. Weighing about as much as a 12-ounce Estwing but an inch longer, it features a well-designed side puller and customizable grip. Titanium hammers, favored by framing crews, transfer more swing power into the nail while reducing arm impact. Though comfortable and effective, this hammer’s price of nearly $300 makes it essential to try before buying, as value isn’t primarily based on cost.

Here’s what we considered while researching various hammers:

• 16-ounce hammer: This size strikes a balance between power and weight, making it versatile for most tasks. Carpenter Mark Piersma uses his for nearly everything. Larger hammers can be awkward for lighter tasks like hanging pictures, while smaller ones may struggle with bigger nails or projects like building raised beds. We evaluated a range of sizes to cater to different abilities. (Fun fact: The listed weight only refers to the head; our tests showed that 16-ounce hammers can weigh between 1½ to nearly 2 pounds.)

• Curved-claw hammer: This design provides excellent leverage for nail removal, making it ideal for household use, while straight-claw hammers are better suited for prying and demolition.

• All-metal hammer: Known for durability, these hammers are made from a single piece of steel, preventing separation of the head and handle. However, they offer less shock absorption compared to composite or wood handles, which may be a concern for frequent users.

• Price range of $25 to $30: This target reflects a good investment for a durable tool. While some hammers cost as little as $5 with inferior handles, high-end titanium models can reach up to $330, offering benefits like weight and shock absorption. Most are intended for framing, but smaller options, like the 10-ounce Stiletto Trimbone, are also available.

To test the hammers, we spent hours pounding, pulling, bending, and prying nails of various sizes, from 3¼-inch framing spikes to thin picture hanger nails. We also had non-professional carpenters use several models to gather their feedback on suitability for DIY tasks. Since our first selections in 2014, we’ve continued testing and using our recommended hammers at a rural property with ongoing projects and renovations.

After extensive testing, we confidently recommend the Estwing E3-16C as the best hammer for household use. It’s nearly perfect, with a straightforward design that avoids gimmicks.

Carpenters hold Estwing hammers in high regard, with both professionals we interviewed using them daily as their primary tools. I’ve relied on various Estwing hammers for nearly 25 years, tackling projects from replacing floorboards to building shelves. They’ve consistently performed well, showing no signs of damage, except perhaps from extreme measures like cutting with an angle grinder.

It’s challenging to find flaws in an Estwing hammer. Initially, it undergoes a “molting process” where the factory finish wears off, exposing the steel. This may look unappealing, but it’s nothing to worry about. Over time, the finish completely wears off, giving the hammer a well-loved appearance.

The Ox Tools Pro 16-Ounce Claw Hammer is similar to the Estwing E3-16C, featuring a solid metal design. However, the raised logo on its handle makes it less comfortable to hold, and the carved “OXGRIP” on the neck collects dirt. While it performs well for driving nails, Estwing hammers are more readily available at hardware stores and online. We recommend the Ox Tools hammer as a backup option if you need one quickly and can’t find an Estwing.

For light-duty tasks like installing picture hangers or assembling knockdown furniture, a 12-ounce hammer like Estwing’s E3-12C is a great choice. It’s smaller and lighter than the E3-16C but still effective for small jobs. However, it may struggle with larger nails or more ambitious projects, like building a swingset. One tester noted, “The bigger one wasn’t as heavy as I thought, but I prefer the smaller one for better control on small tasks around the house.”

Using the smaller hammer for tougher tasks trades off tool weight for extra effort. On average, it took four swings with the 16-ounce hammer to drive a 16d framing nail (3½ inches), while the 12-ounce model required at least five swings, making the work more strenuous. A longer framing hammer can drive the nail in two swings. Additionally, with the smaller hammer, your knuckles are closer to the target, increasing the risk of injury from overstrikes or misses.

If you’re ready to take your DIY projects up a notch or need a hammer better suited for demolition, consider the Estwing E3-20S. This model is approximately three-quarters of an inch longer and 2 ounces heavier than the E3-16C, requiring a bigger swing but delivering more power with each strike. Its straight claw makes it ideal for tougher tasks, such as pulling up flooring, removing trim, or prying apart 2-by-4s. With its claw design, it can even function like a mini pickaxe, allowing you to bury the claw between boards and twist the handle to pull them apart.

Like other Estwing hammers, the E3-20S boasts a simple design, comfortable grip, and balanced feel. Made from a single piece of steel, it promises long-lasting durability. I purchased my Estwing E3-20S in 2000, and 24 years later—10 of which were spent in the trades—it’s still performing excellently and remains my go-to hammer.