10 Best Framing Hammers in 2021

A framing hammer is an important tool in jobs such as construction and carpentry. They are different from the basic hammer that we all know. Framing hammers were made to make framing easier. A framing hammer is a strong tool with a strong, heavy weighted head, straight claws, and a sleek body. They weigh more than the general purpose hammers. They help in heavy duty tasks such as building a house or repairing furniture; they make your work much easier and faster.

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Framing hammers differ in their construction and the material used in their balancing; some are made with steel or fiberglass handles; others have steel heads or titanium heads. The differences might make it seem like it is impossible to get the best framing hammers, but with this guide, you will be able to choose the right hammer for yourself.

BUYER’S GUIDE

When you go through the reviews on the best framing hammers, you will find a lot of options that come in various shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one from the list might seem like a hassle, but it is best to understand what is suitable for your needs. Read through this buying guide section that will tell you all the important things you should consider before purchasing a framing hammer.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A FRAMING HAMMER

HEAD WEIGHT: The weight of the framing hammers head is an important feature to consider. It is the part of the hammer that will be doing all the work. Having extra ounces in the hammerhead will give you more power when driving nails in, but do not pick a hammer that is too heavy; the weight of the hammer head and the handle should be balanced. It is best if you go for a lightweight framing hammer that can drive nails well; the best weight for the hammerhead should be 16 to 20 oz.

MATERIAL: The endurance level of the hammer greatly depends on the material it is constructed from. If the hammer is too heavy, then you won’t be able to deliver an appropriate blow, but if the hammer is too light, then the impact will be weak. This means that you should get a hammer that is made from a material that is light enough for you to lift but heavy enough to deliver an adequate blow. Two strong metals can give you this, and they are titanium and steel. Steel is heavier than titanium, but it is liked due to its cost.

LENGTH OF THE HANDLE: The length of the hammers handle plays a vital role in proper balancing of the weight of the hammer so that you can lift it with ease. Most framing hammers have a longer handle than regular hammers. The longer the length of the hammer, the more leverage you possess; the most comfortable length is 13 inches. The longest handle you can find is 17 inches, but they are best suited for heavy duty jobs.

THE FACE OF THE FRAMING HAMMER: The face of the hammer is the most significant part; it is the part that comes in contact with the nails; you may not know this, but not all hammer faces are the same. There are two types of hammer faces they are the waffle face and the flat face. The waffle face is the most preferred hammer face among users, and its face type prevents slipping when you strike the nails, they provide you with more grip, but they are not recommended for woodwork because they might leave an impression on the wood. Most framing hammers are commonly made with a flat face, it is a smooth surface that is suitable for woodwork, but it tends to keep slipping.

HANDLE TYPES: There are different types of handles, and they are an important feature to consider before purchasing a framing hammer. If the handle of the hammer is weak, then it could break while you are using the hammer, and this could lead to an accident. The material used in constructing the handle will determine the strength of the handle; there are materials that are usually used in the making of framing hammers handles, they are;

• Steel: handles made from steel are the most durable, but they also transfer a lot of shock to the user’s hand. With a steel handle, you don’t have to put too much effort into pulling out a nail, but even with all these good qualities, the vibrations they send can affect the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. They are great for the hobbyist but not for professional use.
• Wooden: The wooden handle prevents your hand from receiving shock, and they are easy to use. They are not as durable as steel; you might find cracks in the handle after an extended period of use, and they might end up snapping during use, and this may cause an accident. Still, if you don’t mind changing the handles every once in a while, then a wooden handle would be great for you. Also, framing hammers are mainly used outdoors; the wooden handle may not be able to withstand the harsh environment.
• Fiberglass: This kind of handle is better than the wooden ones when it comes to durability, and they also provide adequate balance when in use. It is known as the middle alternative between steel and wood. It also absorbs shock, which makes it better than steel, but it is not as durable as steel. Fiberglass handles are the best in between handles; they provide you with durability and can absorb shock.

No matter the type of handle you choose, ensure you get one that has a comfortable handle and, importantly, one with a non-slip grip. Most modern framing hammers come with perfectly fitting handlebars that don’t slip; make sure you consider this when making your choice.

THE BUDGET: The final factor to consider is your budget. There are different prices of framing hammers that are available in the market. Some cost about $20 while some are more expensive and will cost you about $200 and above; the most expensive ones usually come with some extra features. The range of price for these hammers is dependent on their quality, if you intend on using it once, then you can go for the cheap ones, but if you planned on using it for a long time or even pass it down, then you must be ready to stretch your budget. If you are on a tight budget, then it would be best to get a good quality but cheap framing hammer.

The above information should help you make a choice on the best framing hammer. This guide and list will get you familiarized with the available framing hammers and what features to look for in the best framing hammer.

Let’s check out the list.

We have listed some of the best framing hammers according to tools experts and users’ recommendations; we have also listed their specifications and features to give you an in-depth insight into the best framing hammers.