
Last updated on May 4, 2022 2:38 am by the writer.
The best framing hammer if you are a serious builder is made from either Titanium or Aluminium.
If you are more traditional you might opt instead for a light wooden douglas fir hammer, however, Titanium and aluminum are also lightweight and are much more durable and stronger for tough working conditions.
Because of course, you want this companion to last for many years.
The brands you want to seriously consider can take a strong beating like the Stiletto, Estwing, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Dalluge range.
Best framing hammer
#1 Most powerful framing hammer
Stiletto TB15SS 15 oz, 18-inch handle, smooth-faced, titanium hammer
- Extremely powerful design with replaceable heads.
- Well-positioned side nail puller and magnetic nail starter.
- Weighs only 2 pounds.
- Has a durable grip.
- More pricey than others.
#2 Best aluminum framer
Estwing AlPro Black ALBK 14 oz, 16-inch handle, smooth-faced, aluminum hammer
- Very inexpensive and reliable.
- Weighs less than 2 pounds.
- Has a large head surface.
- Made in the USA.
- Best value carpenters hammer.
- Face is not replaceable.
- Shorter nail puller.
#3 Best steel framing hammer
Estwing Ultra Black EB-19S 19 oz, 15.5-inch handle, smooth-faced, steel hammer
- Smooth faces with a powerful strike.
- Forged in a single piece for maximum durability.
- Shock absorption grip.
- One of the best framing hammers on this list.
- No warranty.
- The side puller is not wide enough for bigger nails.
#4 Best Value steel hammer
Estwing E3-20S 20 oz, 13.75-inch handle, smooth-faced steel hammer
- Designed to be indestructible.
- Large but lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Has a nice shock-resistant grip.
- Available in both smooth and milled faces.
- Rings a bit too much on impact.
#5 Best heavy-hitting steel hammer
Estwing E3-22SM 22 oz, 16-inch handle, milled face, steel hammer
- Forged in a single piece for maximum durability.
- Shock-resistant grip.
- Available in both smooth and milled faces.
- Affordable price.
- Claw and face are not replaceable.
#6 An ergonomic framing hammer
Milwaukee 48-22-9022 22 oz, 15-inch handle, milled face, steel hammer
- This Milwaukee framing hammer has minimal. vibration..
- Good balance and grip.
- Short nail puller.
#7 A versatile framer from Dewalt
Dewalt DWHT51054 22 oz, 14-inch handle, smooth-faced, stainless steel hammer
- This Dewalt framing hammer has an excellent weight distribution.
- Sleek design.
- Suitable for almost every kind of job.
- The rubber on the handle can be damaged by chemicals.
- Costs a few extra bucks.
#8 DIY anti-slip framer
Vaughan and Bushnell RS17C, 17 oz, 13.5-inch handle, smooth-faced, steel hammer
- Forged using high carbon steel for extra durability
- Slip-resistant grip.
- Made in the USA.
- Costs a few extra bucks.
#9 The Stanley forged steel framer
Stanley Fatmax Extreme 51-167-22, 22 oz, 18-inch handle, milled face, forged steel hammer
- Magnetic nail-start feature.
- Excellent grip.
- Forged in a single piece for maximum durability.
- Slightly heavier than other hammers on this list.
- Small in size.
#10 A lightweight Stanley framer
Stanley Fatmax Extreme 51-163 16 oz 13-inch handle, smooth-faced, forged steel hammer
- Great design and weight distribution.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Costs a few extra bucks.
#11 Another Stanley striking hammer
Stanley 51-021 22 oz, 18.5-inch handle, milled face, graphite steel hammer
- Powerful handle that lets you strike hard.
- Heat-treated during forging for extra durability.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Slightly off-balanced.
#12 A shock resistant handle for DIY
Fiskars IsoCore 750241-1001 22 oz, 16-inch handle, milled face, forged steel hammer
- Milled face grip.
- Shock-resistant grip.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Extremely comfortable to use.
- Susceptible to rust.
#13 Powerful short-handled steel framer
Stanley FMHT51295 28 oz, 12-inch handle, milled face, forged steel hammer
- Minimal vibration on impact.
- Forged in a single piece with durable steel.
- Smooth face and straight handle.
- Doesn’t keep up with rough use.
#14 Short framing hammer for DIYer
Plumb SS20CN 20 oz, 14-inch handle, smooth-faced, solid steel hammer
- Made from solid steel.
- Magnetic nail starter.
- Excellent weight distribution.
- Some buyers may find it a bit small.
#15 Small durable framing hammer
Plumb SS20RN 20 oz, 14-inch handle, smooth-faced, solid steel hammer
- Sleek design that fits in your hand comfortably.
- Can keep up with rough use.
- Claws are somewhat blunt looking.
Best wooden framing hammer
#1 Best handling wooden framer
Stiletto Ti14MC 14 oz, 18-inch hickory, milled face, titanium hammer
- Weighs roughly 14 ounces.
- Titanium head.
- Good weight distribution.
- Issues with the handle coming off.
- Dull side nail puller.
#2 Best titanium-headed Dalluge framer
Dalluge 7182 16 oz, 16-inch handle, smooth-faced, titanium hammer
- Smooth face.
- This Dalluge titanium hammer packs a nasty punch.
- Side nail puller and reinforced claws.
- Minimal vibration.
- Made in China.
#3 Structured claw wooden framer
Vaughan and Bushnell Dalluge 7180 16 oz, 17-inch handle, milled face, titanium hammer
- Very powerful titanium hammer.
- Shock-resistant design.
- Side nail puller and reinforced claws.
- Weighs almost a pound.
#4 Curved wooden-handled framer
Vaughan & Bushnell Dalluge 2115C 21 oz, 18-inch handle, milled face, steel hammer
- This Dalluge hammer has a curved handle for better grip.
- Serrated head.
- Forged in one piece.
- The price is a bit too high.
#5 Most powerful HCS-headed wooden framer
Vaughan & Bushnell 707 32 oz, 18-inch handle, smooth-faced, high carbon steel hammer
- The handle is made from high-quality hickory wood
- Extremely powerful for a wooden hammer.
- Dalluge hammers are capable of doing the job of a sledgehammer.
- Quite expensive.
#6 Short-handled Dalluge wooden framer
Dalluge 16 oz, 14-inch handle, smooth-faced, steel hammer
- Smooth face.
- Hickory handle.
- Excellent grip and handle.
- Short neck, not ideal for nailing too close to the tip.
#7 Milled face Vaughan & Bushnell wooden framer
Vaughan & Bushnell 606M 28 oz, 18-inch handle, milled face, forged steel hammer
- This Vaughan framing hammers has a milled face with a polished head.
- White straight grain hickory handle.
- Weighs more than 2 pounds.
#8 Best hickory framing hammer
Vaughan & Bushnell CF1 23 oz, 17-inch handle, milled face. high carbon steel hammer
- This California framing hammer has a sturdy handle for extra grip strength.
- Fully polished head.
- Milled face.
- May break down early if used roughly.
#9 Best curved hickory soft hitter
Irwin Tools 1954890 21 oz, 15.5-inch handle, milled face, forged steel hammer
- Here’s one of the framing hammers from Irwin made with forged steel.
- Milled face.
- Magnetic nail holder.
- Curved hickory handle.
- The painted handle can get slippery in cold or wet climates.
About framing hammers
Whether you work in construction full-time or if you are doing only out of the blue repairs around the house, you will need to have of course a hammer.
Preferably the best framing hammer for you to make your jobs easier, and produces accurate stress-free blows to hat needs to get nailed hard.
History tells us that humans have been using hammers for roughly 3 million years [1] so it is very likely that the first-ever hammer was made from wood and stones or bones.
One of the most common hammers is the claw hammer which weighs roughly only 16 ounces and can be found in almost every household, not just in a builder’s tool apron.
It’s important to know that swinging the wrong kind of hammer for prolonged periods can give you Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [2] or even a Tennis Elbow which is why your hammer needs to be lightweight and good at shock absorption.
We’re going to learn all we can about hammers which will surely help you pick the right one for yourself. More about that below.
Features to consider when buying a framing hammer
- Handle: Whether the handle is wood, steel, or fiberglass.
- Weight: How heavy you want your hammer to be.
- Size: Size matters when it comes to buying hammers.
- Shock resistivity: So you don’t damage your arm with every strike.
- Price: How much you are willing to spend on the best.
- Warranty: To replace your hammer if it breaks.
- Head type: Whether you prefer smoothed heads or milled hammerheads.
- Grip: A decent grip is necessary if you want to be able to swing it properly.
- Build: Some prefer single forged hammers, some don’t.
Reasons to buy a framing hammer
- Length and size: Framing hammers slightly longer than regular ones for more power.
- Claw: Framing hammers also have claws that can be used for separating timbers and pulling out tacked nails.
- Milled face: Because milled face hammers don’t slip easily when they hit a nail.
- Weight: Framing hammers weigh a few ounces more than smaller hammers for a more powerful blow.
- Shock absorption: So that your arms don’t deal with too much vibration.
Estwing vs Stiletto hammers
Choosing the best Estwing hammer may force you to choose between an aluminum or a steel handled hammer while Stiletto framing hammers , on the other hand, will have you contemplating buying a titanium handle hammer.
Ultimately, it may come down to choosing aluminum or a titanium handle first note that titanium handles are extremely lightweight and vibrate much less as compared to a steel hammer.
Aluminum handles, on the other hand, are extremely lightweight and easy to carry around on your tool belt during jobs.
Milled vs smooth face hammers
Smooth-faced hammers are usually the ones people go for. They are nice and easy for regular hammering jobs.
While milled hammers, on the other hand, have the texture of waffles which gives you an extra grip while hammering in nails.
Milled hammers work better for old-school framing-carpenters but they can’t do the job of a smooth-faced hammer, as you don’t want the texture of the hammer imprinted into any flat surface where you end up seeing a finished surface.
You don’t want to use the milled face on finished walls or wooden surfaces at all. This is why a good DIY’er or builder invest in a smooth-faced hammer for finishing work.
Metal vs. Wood vs. Fiberglass handled hammers
Some people prefer wooden handled hammers to the other two.
This is because it vibrates less but they don’t do well outdoors as fiberglass hammers break apart quite easily if you use them for anything more than a small nail.
If you want a framing hammer that will last you years and keep up with the heavy-duty work then you need to invest in one that’s forged in one-piece industrial-grade metal or a strong alloy.
Rip claw vs curved claw
Curved claw hammers are the most common hammers as they can be found in almost every household garage which is why it is often associated with homeowners and DIY people.
The curve of the claw is designed in such a way that gives it better leverage when you’re pulling out nails with it.
The rip claw hammer, on the other hand, is associated with heavy-duty carpentry work as it can be wedged easily between two pieces of wood, like when you pull off damaged flooring panels, and rip it apart just like a pry-bar.
Interestingly, the claw on the back can also prove to be an excellent safety stop tool for roofers who find themselves losing their balance and sliding down the roof only to be saved by the claw hammer’s stopping power.
Choosing your top framing hammer
#1 Most powerful framing hammer
The best thing about the Stiletto TB15SS hammer is that you can easily replace the steelhead with either a milled or a smooth face. Additionally, it has a side nail puller as well as a magnetic nail starter for some extra functionality when it comes time to pull out a nail.
This framing hammer might be expensive but it is powerful and it has a pretty good weight distribution with the tool only weighing around 2 pounds.
Repeated use of the hammer won’t tire you out easily as the hammer has almost no vibration on impact making it the ideal hammer for veterans or people who have any type of elbow troubles.
#1 Best aluminum framing hammer
The Estwing AlPro Black ALBK framing hammer was forged using a special aircraft aluminum alloy which allows it to be lighter than its titanium counterparts without losing its durability.
Due to its aluminum alloy build, this hammer feels as light as a feather when it is dangling from your hip while you’re doing a roofing job.
Despite its weight, this hammer has more than enough power to drive 4-inch nails deep down easily.
You can also swap out both the head and claw parts out if you ever feel like it.
#1 Best hickory framing hammer
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Stiletto Ti14MC is its beautiful hickory wooden handle that sits comfortably in the palm of your hands.
Weighing around only 14 ounces with a magnetized nail groove, this powerful yet lightweight wood-handled hammer can drive nails all day with its strong titanium head.
The only advice I have for this hammer is to never chip the titanium head because it will spark while making contact with metal surfaces if it happens to get chipped.
#1 Best value framer
What’s not to like about the Estwing Ultra Black hammer?
It is forged in a one-piece construction, and has a shock-resistant grip, with also a magnetic nail starter, a strong rip claw, it’s a pretty good choice, best of all, it’s made in Rockford, USA.
This Estwing hammer is one is the best value framing hammers and the magnetic nail starter will make things easier for you while you’re on a tight schedule and you need a free arm to hold a board or piece of framing.
Save your arms and shoulders with a nail gun
Although a hammer is always still required for tacking, pulling apart, and moving nailed bits of wood to a better position. Swinging a hammer all day can take a toll on your physical health if it is all that you use.
Years of swinging heavy hammers have been proved to be the leading cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow.
Having a reliable nail gun can save you a lot of time and effort when doing long-term work and save your arms and elbows from long-term damage. Here’s a guide to choose between a finishing and brad nailer better.
And of course, another popular fixing method is the use of screws, screws are stronger, easy to undo if an adjustment is required and very easy on your arms, so make sure to have ready-to-go a cordless impact driver.
Tips for using a framing hammer
Dos
- Always wear protection to safeguard yourself from flying debris.
- Grasp your hammer properly.
- Position the nail properly before hammering it.
- Swing properly and hit the nail right on the head.
- Drill plot holes to make your job easier.
- Make sure you drive the nail in properly with the last blow.
- If you work around exposed electrical parts, use a hammer with an insulated handle or a fiberglass hammer.
- Use sandpaper on smooth head steel hammers to keep a grip on the head.
- Imagine a bright red dot in the center of the nail you are hitting to improve accuracy.
Don’ts
- Don’t use your hammer with wet or lubricated hands.
- Do not use a hammer with loose or damaged joints.
- Don’t use a hammer that vibrates too much on impact.
- Don’t use heavy hammers if you have wrist damage.
- Don’t apply unnecessary force, let the head weight do the work.
- Don’t hammer nails in using the side of the handle, unless you have tight access.
- Don’t use hammers that have mushroomed heads or are just worn out from excessive use.
Furthermore, it’s best to avoid using hammers that have sharp edges or uncomfortable grip as their prolonged use can cut off blood circulation in your fingers and affect your workflow. Know what jobs you need with the hammer and I’m sure there’s the right type of hammer for the job.
Comparing metal framing hammers
Stiletto TB15SS | Estwing AlPro Black | Estwing Ultra Black EB-19S | Estwing E3-20S | Estwing E3-22SM | Milwaukee 48-22-9022 | Dewalt DWHT51054 | Vaughan and Bushnell RS17C | Stanley Fatmax Extreme 51-167-22 | Stanley Fatmax Extreme 51-163 | Stanley 51-021 | Fiskars IsoCore 750241-1001 | Stanley FMHT51295 | Plumb SS20CN | Plumb SS20RN |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: | Top metal framer | Best aluminum handle | Best value | ||||||||||||
Head weight: | 15 oz | 14 oz | 19 oz | 20 oz | 22 oz | 22 oz | 21 oz | 17 oz | 22 oz | 16 oz | 22 oz | 22oz | 28 oz | 20 oz | 20 oz |
Handle length: | 18 inches | 16 inches | 15.5 inches | 13.75 inches | 16 inches | 15 inches | 14 inches | 13.5 inches | 18 inches | 13 inches | 18.5 inches | 16 inches | 12 inches | 14 inches | 14 inches |
Face: | Smooth | Smooth | Smooth | Smooth | Milled | Milled | Smooth | Smooth | Milled | Smooth | Milled | Milled | Milled | Smooth | Smooth |
Hammerhead: | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Curved claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Curved claw | Rip claw |
Material: | Titanium | Aluminum | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Stainless steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Graphite steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
Grip: | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Curved | Curved | Straight | Straight | Curved | Curved |
Nail puller: | Yes | None | Yes | None | None | None | Yes | Yes | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Magnetic nail starter: | Yes | Yes | Yes | None | None | Yes | None | Yes | Yes | None | Yes | Yes | None | None | None |
Comparing wooden framing hammers
Stiletto Ti14MC | Dalluge 7182 | Vaughan and Bushnell Dalluge 7180 | Vaughan & Bushnell Dalluge 2115C | Vaughan & Bushnell 707 | Dalluge | Vaughan & Bushnell 606M | Vaughan & Bushnell CF1 | Irwin Tools 1954890 |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: | Top wooden framer | ||||||||
Head weight: | 14 oz` | 16 oz | 16 oz | 21 oz | 32 oz | 16 oz | 28 oz | 23 oz | 21 oz |
Handle length: | 18 inches | 16 inches | 17 inches | `18 inches | 18 inches | 14 inches | 18 inches | 17 inches | 15.5 inches |
Face: | Milled | Smooth | Milled | Milled | Smooth | Smooth | Milled | Milled | Milled |
Hammerhead: | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw | Rip claw |
Material: | Titanium | Titanium | Titanium | Steel | HCS | Steel | steel | HCS | Steel |
Grip: | Curved | Straight | Straight | Curved | Straight | Straight | Straight | Straight | Curved |
Nail puller: | None | None | Yes | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Magnetic nail starter: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | None | None | None | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
The most powerful hardcore hammers are made by Stiletto, most specifically the Stiletto TB15SS making it the best titanium hammer.
However, if you’re the type of person who wants to sling around a completely weightless hammer that also packs a serious punch, then I would suggest you invest in the Estwing Alpro Black ALBK hammer due to its uniqueness and lighter aluminum alloy build.
For those who love working with classic wood-handled hammers, then the Stilletto Ti14MC hammer is the right choice for you. It is a great wooden hammer that will last you a long time
Lastly, if you prefer functionality above all things then you can go with the Estwing Ultra Black hammer.
This hammer still has everything you can ask for.
From a magnetized nail starter, great multi-purpose rip claw, shock-resistant grip, and single forged metal body.
If you are instead or also doing metalwork make sure to check out my review on the best ball peen hammer.
Stiletto TB15SS review
Pros:
- Extremely powerful structure.
- Intelligently engineered side nail puller and magnetic nail starter.
- Ergonomic grip.
- Best titanium model that can be found here on earth.
- Power of a heavyweight hammer in a lightweight framer.
Cons:
- More expensive than a steel hammer.
#1 Best framing hammer
More information:
- How long have hammers been around? retrieved from, https://langs.co.uk/blog/2017/06/30/the-history-of-the-hammer-from-its-prehistoric-beginnings/
- Hammer safety and why weight is important, retrieved from, https://www.realsafety.org/2014/07/does-the-weight-of-a-hammer-matter/

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