r/Tools • u/njn_xv Wera Weenie • 1d ago
Which one to get?
After an Estwing to last me many years, I’m not in this professionly, it’ll just be for DIY tasks at home. Both in the similar price range.
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u/flash-burn01 23h ago
16oz is longer so it would have more striking force.....but the 15oz looks cooler so you won't mind holding it a few extra swings lol.
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u/APLJaKaT 23h ago edited 23h ago
If you're not framing for a living you likely don't want a heavy hammer. Hell, even if you are, a heavy hammer is tiring. It also depends a lot on what you're using it for. A framing hammer is next to useless for hanging pictures in your house. And vice versa.
IMO hammer preference is always a very personal thing. Grab one and see how it feels to you before deciding.
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u/grassrootstateofmind 13h ago
16oz is a heavy hammer?
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u/HeroOfCarpentry 12h ago
Used to be anything over 20 ounces was considered framing or heavy, 20 ounce and under were finishing. Now it’s handle length that decides the usage. I’ve been a carpenter for 20 years and anything under 17 ounces feels light and feels pretty good in hand.
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u/amd2800barton 11h ago
I’ve got a 16oz craftsman wood handled that was my first “big boy” hammer. My grandpa got it for me when I was around ten (he’d already gotten me a decent set of wrenches and a 25’ tape measure), and told me I’d grow in to the hammer. That was nearly 30 years ago, and he was right. I love that hammer. It’s been my perfect do everything hammer around the house. From hanging pictures to framing walls and hitting ramset concrete anchors. I wouldn’t want to frame a whole house with it, but for a partition wall in the utility room of a basement, or a small backyard shed - it will do, while also not being too heavy for hanging a picture or persuading a stuck door hinge pin to come out.
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u/SignificantTransient 16h ago
I've always thought the framing hammer was specifically just for underhand.
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u/Hanzz101 23h ago
If it’s just to use around the home get the 15 oz. A little smaller and lighter, easier to use for simple jobs. I have an Eastwing that’s lasted over 25 years.
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u/Elder_sender 23h ago
I agree with the other comments, but, if by DIY, you mean tearing things out, the bigger hammer would be my pick. For around the house I have a little ball peen that I use for everything else.
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u/TheRoyaleWithCheese- 17h ago
I use my harbor freight tiny hammer for almost anything but the house that’s not a renovation. And in college I kid you not I used a large stone.
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u/Sparrowtalker 23h ago
I bought a Stanley 28 oz. Waffle head framing hammer 🔨 when I was a kid getting on a framing crew. Big mistake . Everyone knew exactly where you had been …waffle tracks ! Also , constantly hearing “ want me to cut a few inches off that handle ?” It was a lot of iron to be swinging around.
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u/MotorBoatinOdin1 22h ago
I used to frame with 28oz rigger when I was far younger and far more full of pep. I daily a 21oz cali framer now
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u/thewickedbarnacle 23h ago
Either will be fine, parts of the design make the weight not exactly evenly comparable, for around the house use both will hit stuff just fine. I would go leather handle 15oz claw for around the house if I didn't already have a small hammer collection.
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u/Irresponsible_812 23h ago
You'll never use either one to their full capacity.. if they're close in price, get the "cooler" one, so you can make all the cul-da-sac dad's jealous..
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u/ComfortableBad5101 23h ago
I have no idea but I think the 15oz looks better
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u/njn_xv Wera Weenie 23h ago
I’m with you on that one! Just wasn’t sure which would be the best all rounder
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u/Liquor_N_Whorez 23h ago
If you are not driving large nails all day the 2nd one looks more all purpose. If you do go for the 1st one try to find it in store so you can make sure the hammer doesn't "sing" everytime you nail!
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u/Belt-Horror 23h ago
Trim hammers have a more curved back than framing hammers, maybe more useful as a DIY?
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u/GulfofMaineLobsters 22h ago
For my use I would get the first one because 16oz is about the sweet spot for me. If it's just for hanging pictures or whatever both are overkill.
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u/Globularist 20h ago
Get one with a wood handle. Carpal tunnel syndrome comes faster than you think.
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u/Lostinwoulds 22h ago
16oz and use my dick for anything bigger...... Just kidding it won't even nail Brad.
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u/Queasy_Barnacle1306 23h ago
I’ve owned one like the first picture for many years and it’s my favorite hammer. The second one looks like a newer version.
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u/Master-File-9866 23h ago
The first ones neck doubles as an axe if you need to split small wood. It isn't commonly used but it can be usefull.
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u/bassjam1 23h ago edited 23h ago
Go handle them, either is a good choice. I used the one on the top for 10 years and did a lot of side work with it until my puppy chewed it up, I don't know the weight but I think it's the 16oz, it weighs a few ounces more than the bottom which is a 15oz. I've used the bottom one for 10 years but it hasn't gotten nearly as much swing time so I'm not as good with it. Either are good hammers but I'm personally more fond of the top one, just because I'm better at driving framing nails with it.
I'm also pretty sure the pictures are messed up on that website, the 16oz looks more like their 28oz.
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u/Cheoah 22h ago
I have swung that same strait claw estwing for 20+ years. Excellent hammer. Recently replaced with a Japanese hammer with slot/magnet for setting nails. Other manufacturers make these too, and it really is a game changer. You can reach much further without having to get your other paw on it.
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u/SierraP615 22h ago
I would grab the second. I have a hand full of hammers including a longer one like the first picture. If I need a random hammer I never grab the long one unless I need to.
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u/12345NoNamesLeft 21h ago
For varied diy, I'd go with a curved claw. Straight claw is specialized for framing
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u/SIG_Sauer_ 21h ago
E3 but 20oz is a great all around hammer. The 16 can be a tad light for some projects.
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u/Calm-Day4128 19h ago
Straight claw is really usefull. Knocks out clips when forming. Prybar. Scraper. Punches holes. Drive in end grain and lift. Drive between studs and plate. If you're in commercial, the straight claw is great. Stays in your belt clip best too. I've been in the union for 25yrs so I agree with using a 15oz or the like. Wear it everyday, and that takes its toll. Plus if you wear it in the back, the long framer hits you right in the soft spot behind your knee. Ouch
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u/Discount_Lex_Luthor 19h ago
The ultra is the best. I have that exact hammer and have had it for years put it through hell and back and it keeps on swinging.
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u/Merganser31 18h ago
I lean towards the 16oz with a slimmer claw. Also like the longer handle for the leverage.
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u/yourpaljax 18h ago
I just got this hammer… though I already have a perfectly good DeWalt hammer… I mostly just wanted a pink hammer. 😂
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u/Unable_Mongoose 17h ago
I don't use a hammer that much any more but I like Estwing. Personally I prefer a 20 oz. because the added mass gives you a bit more "oomph" without getting too heavy for lighter work.
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u/Glittering_Spot2498 17h ago
The first one will rust. The face will also chip after long term use. I despise this hammer.
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u/Bees4everr 17h ago
I have a estwing 20oz with the wood/cork looking handle and love it. Good for pretty much everything. Very well rounded and fits well in the hand. I’m just not one for that type of handle and prefer wood
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u/cyanrarroll 16h ago
Just commenting to say that the newer versions are nicer with the side nail puller, but the sharp embossing on the side is ridiculous and dangerous when you miss a swing or just trying to pull it out of a leather hammer loop. Marketing team should all be fired for overriding the engineers.
Same goes for shovels with the company names embossed in the shoveling face of shovel heads.
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u/SnooMarzipans1939 15h ago
I have the 15 oz. One, it’s fine. Fits in a toolbox a little better. For serious work the 16 is better
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u/Big_c2112 14h ago
For DIY the 15 oz will be great. Heck even if you’re framing the 15 oz will do. 99.9% of the nails in houses have driven by a nail gun since the late 80’s.
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u/HereIAmSendMe68 14h ago
I have both…. But whenever I use number 1 I feel like I am cheating on my favorite.
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u/StudyPitiful7513 13h ago
Neither of those are best! Good hickory handle can break but is much easier on your body
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u/YogurtclosetSouth991 12h ago
I have three. A 16 Eastwing, a 22 Stanley and a 14 Oz Stilleto Tibone framing hammer. Love the Stilleto. Titanium and can swing it all day. I could never afford it but it was given to me by a friend who had a friend who dealt in a certain asset redistribution career.
But for straight bashing shit it is the Stanley all the way.
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u/Bluedog212 7h ago
The blue one looks cool and that’s the most important thing it’s also got Ultra in its name. How is this even a question
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u/4boltmain 6h ago
Like some of the comments said it's very much a preference thing. Definitely worth having a small assortment.
I use estwing mostly for demo and just general bashing of things. But to be hand nailing all day I'd definitely go for a lighter wood handle.
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u/RTX3090Xtreme 4h ago
i have a 16oz estwing that its nice, for a few extra bucks you can buy a fiskars hammer and it had a really comfortable handle and less vibration as well
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u/Liamnacuac DIY 4h ago
Where are the Martinez lovers? https://martineztools.com/products/m1-titanium-handle-15oz-smooth-steel-head-curved-grip-framing-hammer
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u/RichardStinks 23h ago
Personally fond of my 64oz claw. Needs its own tool bag.