In 1972 I walked on to my first construction site and asked for a job. The foreman gave me a 16 oz. Estwing and told me to strip forms. They took $2.50 out of my first pay check (2 hours pay) for the hammer. I still have it today and have been an Estwing fan ever since. You can't kill them...EVER.
I did. I dropped it on the heel and it broke in half inside the handle. I didn't even notice it was broken until I picked it up and it wobbled like a wet noodle. ( I dropped it 40 stories down a shaft)
Estwings are great. Until you actually get your hands on a Stiletto or similar titanium hammer. For years I used to ridicule the idea of spending $200+ on a hammer, then I had a foreman who let me use his for the cpl hrs he went off to do other foreman things. Before the week was out I'd gone and spent $250 on one of my own.
I have an 20oz Estwing ripping claw that has been my main hammer for over 20 years. The best part about it is I don't care if I lose it or wreck it, but I can't, it just won't let me.
Very quick note on titanium hardness. Being that they are cast they are likely a Grade 5 alloy. This means a hardness of around 370 Brinell.(around 39 Rc) Itll also work harden to an extent in use so while still being softer, its not in the ballpark of something like a copper or even unhardened mild steel would be. This work hardening is the same reason a bronze hammer doesnt mushroom but a copper hammer does. Still it is fairly soft as far as a hammer goes where steel is likely around 550 Brinell (55Rc). Work hardening saves the material though.
Finally someone using hardness units that I recognise. Shall we add Vickers hardness as well? 55 Rockwell C is pretty fkn hard, we very rarely went past 48Rc when heat treating high tensile steel, I don't even think I tempered my D2 swaging dies to 55Rc (truth be told I used to use Brinell a lot as well)
@@bachaddict I’ve heard people say Titanium has vibration absorption qualities that steel just doesn’t have. There are several reputable tubers who’ve compared hammers and they all like Titanium. I don’t know, I just use it and it feels good to me, but I’m not a full time carpenter.
"Form of metal" - OK. "Form of steel" - no. Steel is Iron + carbon (and maybe some other things, but can't have steel without iron and carbon). Titanium is an unrelated element.
'Steel' is an alloy using primarily the elements iron, carbon and some other elemental herbs and spices depending on the type of steel. 'Stainless steel' is an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium and some herbs and spices. The 'Titanium' hammer will be an alloy using primarily the element titanium - probably with aluminium, vanadium and some other herbs and spices. The Brinell Hardness of the Ti alloy will probably be >300, not 100 for pure Ti as stated. If it really had a brinell hardness of 100 there would be a nail head shaped divot made on the hammer head for every nail you struck...
@@cv990a4form of metal?? Nah dawg. Metals are elements. Metal is all of those. A form of many individual elements? No. Titanium is a distinct metal element. Not a form of one of those. It is titanium.
I had my Estwing for about a decade and lost it. Found it 5 years later on another building site being used by a plumber who mistakenly took it from the site I was working on all those years ago. I now have her back and she's back to being my main hammer!
Mine went missing a number of years ago. Carried me through my apprenticeship (gift from my father) and into the trade so I hope it’ll come back to me one day. Replacement just never felt the same.
I'm a 30 yr carpenter in Nebraska, USA. I have been using wooden handles hammers for about 29 of those 30 years. Estwing and Vaughn fiberglass before that. The wooden handle has been, by far, the best option for me. It seems to transfer the energy best. The fiberglass handle aggravated my knuckles and steel had too much flex side to side. I used Vaughn california style hammers until I came across the venerable Stiletto Ruger Titanium. My first Stiletto cost me $55 USD (oh to go back and buy a truckload of them at that price!). I tried the Hart Woody for a short stint (predecessor to the Vaughn that Scott has). I didnt care for the balance or shape of the handle. I have a growing collection of Stiletto titanium hammers. I like the old Ruger castings the best. I used to be able to drive 16d coated stinkers in one blow (way back in the good ole days). For the price, in USD, I suggest the Stiletto titanium with wood handle. Thanks for the great video Scott!
I find wooden handled hammers to be a lot more comfortable to use, steel handled ones seem transfer a lot more energey back into the arm when you use it which is tiring.
wood is the best, and we haven't even explored the full alternatives there, like Bamboo laminate, or different species, or laminates, not that it is necessary. The problem with wood, and it is written all over the Douglas Hammer, now the Dalluge. Carpenters can't replace the handles. I am a high end hand tool user, who has been freehand cutting complex joinery since the 80s. I still shy a little at the thought of replacing a hammer handle. I am not a production framer, and I don't generally replace handles on hammers. Mainly I have only done it to replace the handles on hammers from the family's past. It is slightly complicated, as every hammer has a different tenon. If I framed for a living, broke some hammer handles, always used the same brand, and perhaps could even source the handles locally, I would have learned by now. But as the Douglas hammer shows, most framers can't handle it either, and since hammers are mostly wreaking tool these days, the wooden handled hammers don't make much sense any more.
@@tacticalskiffs8134 wood is still best IMO. I taught my 15 yr old how to replace a handle on a Stiletto I had that needed a new handle. It's not complicated. Even if you do it wrong and need a new handle, it's only $20 (approx). If a guy knows how to use a wood handle hammer in a way that doesnt stess the head/handle union, they are very strong and will last a long time. If a handle lasts 5 years, with daily jobsite use, a new handle is a very minimal cost.
My finish hammer has been a smooth-face Plumb 16 oz fiberglass with rubber grip. My original framing hammer over 40 years ago was a 24 oz Vaughn waffle-head, with a 18" custom hickory wood handle that was fluted, with a flare at the end. It was perfectly balanced, and a joy to use. My "deck hammer" was a 20 oz smooth-face Vaughn with the standard ash handle. Great for when you need power, but don't want to mar the wood. I had a Estwing drywall hammer too. 16 oz,waffle-head with an extreme convex face for dimpling the drywall.
I always thought that Ti hammers were a little too much for me, but my wife surprised me with a Stiletto Ti Bone 3 for Christmas, and I gotta say I'm a believer now. Even just the lack of arm pump while doing repetitive tasks is worth the price of admission. And now I don't have any excuse to not do projects around the house, because she brought me one of the nicest hammers out there. Win-win for the both of us really.
I've been using a Stiletto Mini TBone 14 for over a decade. Brilliant hammer, not too heavy, not too light. Love the curve in the grip. Have ordered the Trimbone now too.
The history of the Ti hammer is that when Russian Ti became "cheaply" available, it entered the oversized golf driver market, and all of a sudden the price of a driver doubled, or more. The concept was that a Ti driver was essentially the same weight, but the head was larger for a larger sweet spot. That was supposed to be more forgiving, as the volume of the head went up 50% and then more and more, for the same weight. The same profit potential was added to the hammer market but there was a catch. You don't want to double the head size of a hammer, as you won't be able to use it in tight spaces. So the formula that was settled on was a 14 oz hammer head where 21oz used to be standard. And the myth that Ti is magic, and can sink a nail just as easily as a heavier head was born, but never explained. The only way to get the same energy is to increase speed. So how much additional speed? About 22.5 percent. Is that a lot, or could anyone just buy a lighter hammer and accelerate it by 22.5 percent? Well it turns out it is the same speed increase as separates a scratch golfer, average driving distance 240 yds, from a tour pro at 270 yds, and a long drive champion on the tour at 300+ yds (these numbers were derived at the time Ti entered the market, I have no idea what the current numbers are, but it doesn't mater for this example). So not exactly trivial. Though head weight has been reduced so the increase in speed required is somewhat easier to achieve. However it doesn't mater that people can't sink nails as readily with these things, that is largely the job of nail guns. The modern hammer for it's 10X price increase is largely a clean-up tool, for people who don't have to drive nails by hand all day, and for carpenters who don't have the skills to replace a wooden handle. Did I mention status symbol? For that nitwit market, someone discovered that one doesn't even need to sell Ti heads any more. We are back to the East Coast standard 16oz hammer weight but with a West Coast shaft length, not a bad outcome, and a lot of cheery colours.
Your point about nail guns is why I'm keeping my 23oz Vaughan. My hammer is primarily for moving things, and a heavier hammer simply does that better. Seating a beam into a pocket or nudging a wall into line or whacking braces off takes a lot less effort than a lighter hammer
I have so many hammers: DeWalt, Douglas, Estwing, Hart, Plumb, Martinez M4, Milwaukee, Stanley, Vaughn... I use the Plumb, Douglas, and Martinez hammers the most, though. I gave a Martinez M1 hammer to my friend as a gift for helping me reframe my garage. He absolutely loves it.
I love watching the interaction between you, Scott and Ray. It is one of the best parts of all the videos, even though I do love the progress through all your videos you have made. Keep the good work up and all my regards from the UK to you, Jess, Ray, and all the other that feature in your videos.
Scott, you need to watch Larry Haun's videos on framing a house, The Very Efficient Carpenter. He drives nails with two hits: one tap to set it, one to drive it home. He's a true legend.
Absolutely love those recordings, but when Larry says “get the too-bi-fur”, we lose all that efficiency when we have to ask what the h#ll Larry was actually saying.
As a (very) small scale DIYer, I'm quite happy with my Estwing "beating implements" including an axe that I inherited from my dad, and a hatchet that I got for Scouts about 50 years ago. Even the rubber handles are still in good shape
Working on 10 years as a full time carpenter. Been swinging a 22oz Estwing since my first day as an apprentice. You just can't beat the versatility, not to mention it's darn near indestructible.
The hammers in my collection were all handed down through the family. Several old wooden handled and one all steel. Sufficient for my needs as a home-owner doing upkeep and occasionally small building projects. Thanks for the video.
I actually called them several months ago to see about purchasing one for my bosses retirement plaque and was told it’s not out of production pre se, just that their supply chain had been thoroughly broken during the pandemic and that they didn’t know when they would restart production 😢.
Yeah,l also rang then and got the supply chain story. A bit disappointed that they couldn't elaborate on what the supply problem actually is. Sourcing titanium?
we used to give the apprentice a hammer to see if he could knock nails in...when he inevitably missed many times we used to shout out FRYING PAN and one of us would bring over an old frying pan so they couldn't miss the nail.
Old Hell's Angel carpenter that worked for us used a 40oz hammer. Drove 16 penny home in one hit. The guy was a beast. Fun fact, he came to work one day on his Harley with 6 cop cars following him at about 120mph. Never saw him again...
I was deep into watching SBC but after 7 months renovating a house around my day job I needed a full break from all things construction. But my god it’s good to be back!
I'm just a hobbyist with a love for all types of tools. I'll buy the boss metric pro Titanium hammer because of what I saw here. Actually in euros it's not that expensive (ignoring that it's mostly just a hammer). It can be engraved as well. So hopefully one of the kids will eventually inherit it.
Just bumped into both Scott and Jess in Golden Bay whilst the Wife was horse riding with friends. We’re visiting NZ from Taiwan(!) They were very gracious as you might expect… never thought that would happen!?! 😊
I use the martinez titanium head, on the m1 handle and it’s perfect. It also has a plastic cover for the head, when you’re hammering delicate/painted materials
I started working in construction with my dad when I was 15. Over the last 65 years, I went from union apprentice to union journeyman to licensed contractor. Most of that time I drove framing nails by hand, often all day long, so I learned what framing hammers worked best for me. I gave up on Estwing because the grip would tear up the plan of my hand, and would wear out easily. The leather-handled Estings look nice but are not balanced well for me. Today, I see 28oz and heavier tools for sale. Too hard on the elbow for me. My favorite hammers for years were Stilleto and Vaughns with wooden handles, which I would shape to fit my grip. I still have several, and can't resist picking one up every now and then to feel the balance and sense of control. Of course, you can't pull nails with a wooden-handled framing hammer the same way as with a claw hammer. Doing it the way the video shows at 3:36 will break the handle at the head.
Also the hammer head won't be made of pure titanium but some kind of alloy - probably with aluminium, vanadium and some other herbs and spices. The Brinell Hardness of the Ti alloy will probably be >300, not 100 for pure Ti as stated.
@@tmmtmm Came here to mention this. The manufacturing process of the titanium will also modify the surface hardness. I wouldn't be surprised if the hammer has had surface hardening through the forging process. From there it could also be case hardened to increase durability of that contact face.
@@fanaticz666 For real though. It might not be worth it for a DIY-er, but if you're using something (anything, really) for daily work as a tradesman, up to a certain level of quality tool will save you money either in efficiency, health costs, and comfort. Especially when we're talking health - the amount of money you can squeeze out of a pricier tool if it helps you be able to stay working longer (not just day to day, but even extending your career before your body gives out and you have to retire or change careers) is something to think about!
@@fanaticz666 exactly. a person who uses a hammer as their main tool should not be considering price when the tradeoff is health, longevity, comfort, etc. I never regretted my stiletto, ever. same way I never regretted spending a lot on work boots.
@@levonschaftin3676A person who uses a hammer as their main tool must have travelled back in time. All modern carpenters have nail guns.A hammer is an occasional tool.
@@LeeTillbury depends on the type of work you do.. and if you happen to be doing a demo/reframe etc, a few days of swinging the hammer and you'll get arm pump/elbow pain with a cheap hammer, which would make it a better idea to have a hammer that reduces vibrations if it's "an occasional tool" And I bet most carpenters these days still swing that "occasional tool" more than anything on their belt
I am not a carpenter and I only use a hammer for the odd nail around the house. But, my first hammer was the low cost dollar store hammer, similar to the first one you show in this video, thinking that a hammer is a hammer. Not so and it took me many years to realise why I had trouble hammering in the odd nail. I just thought I didn't have enough practice hammering nails so that's why I was crap at it. It never occurred to me that maybe my hammer is not helping. Then UA-cam came along in my life and I started learning about hammers and not all hammers are the same. So, I bought a hammer that cost about 40 times more than my cheap hammer I bought from the discount store, and suddenly hammering in nails became so much easier and I hardly ever missed the nail. What a difference a well balanced hammer makes. Now I just use my cheap hammer for pulling nails, and actively look for opportunities to use my upgraded hammer because it is a joy to hold and use. Thanks for this video.
I got tennis elbow from framing with the estwing and ended up going to the smaller Martinez and it’s amazing. I will never go back. Mainly do finish carpentry and it has so many useful features
I switched from the 22oz Estwing to the Martinez M4 a few years back and I love it. They call it a finishing hammer but its very much an all rounder. Was originally considering the M1 head on the M4 handle but that is actually heavier than the 22oz Estwing
I have two Martinez hammers. I have an m1 with an m4 head as my daily, and an m4 with a titanium head as my finisher. The finishing hammer would cost over 900 if you bought it now. I only purchased the titanium head because i use my m4 head on my m1 shaft now.
I quit framing about the time titanium hammers were becoming readily available, so I missed out on even trying one. I had a Estwing 20 oz ripping hammer I used a lot, but the rubber handle fell off after 27 years. The blue rubber handle turned green the first time I put Celotex sheathing on a house. A side note, I was doing some work on a house that had not been sided and only had Celotex sheathing on it. The owner had some cows and they had eaten some of the Celotex off the house as it was made from corn stalks. I had several other hammers, one was a Vaugh straight claw with a fiberglass handle. I was fortunate not to have any soreness in my arm or elbow from hammering nails all day.
The Vaughan CF2HC is my favorite framing/jobsite hammer. 19oz so i can swing it all day and I love the curved handle. ~$30. For finish work, I use an Estwing 16oz that is bulletproof. I highly recommend the Estwing as a hammer to have at home too.
That dalluge hammer is nearly impossible to get that style in the usa at least in my area. It's been that way for years I looked put in a Blackstock order at my lumber yards no level of money can get me a new one from Vaughn. I gave up and got a tiibone 15oz and have been happy with it. I do have a vintage dalluge that's steel from the 70s that I do like but I'm so use to titanium I'd rather enjoy my elbow. I don't use my stelltos for extreme prying and never broken a handle because of it. Do I need to import a Vaughn dalluge titan hammer from New Zealand ?
What a fun episode! I've just finished building my own house on my own. I've only got one hammer - a Stanley Antivibe (in OZ). It was second hand when I was given it 14 years ago. It must be close to 20 years old. As Scott said - most of my nailing was with a nail gun, and other times I preferred screws to nails wherever possible. (I'm not a builder - so rectifying mistakes with screws is a lot easier than with nails!!) There must be over 10,000 screws in the place 😆
I also have a Stanley of about the same age (was a Xmas present). I thought that an Estwing was my dream hammer, until I started watching this channel.
Framed houses for 45 yrs hand drove nails for first two years, my favorite was a 28 oz rigging axe, set and sink all day long, I love my new titanium hammers
Love the insights on the technology behind hammers and what a pro wants, but would have to disagree at the lower end of things. For general DIY you can get something perfectly serviceable for cheaper than the Estwing. In the UK at least you could pick up something from Stanley, Magnusson or Roughneck for around £12-15 ($15-18 US). For knocking in the occasional nail or pulling a few out, most DIY/hobbyists don't need more than that. I've got something in that range and its put together decking, built a shed, ripped up floors, and taken apart a kitchen. It hasn't broken, it's still straight and even if its not as perfectly balanced as others I'm not holding it all day long, day in day out, anyway. £5 supermarket specials on the other hand....
16oz estwing. I hand nail all my timber cladding, predrilling like we should. One hammer does it all, demo, cladding, framing, hardware & brackets, finishing lines. It’s cheap, it works, and I’ve had it for 12 years.
I have a leather handle Estwing and 2 Plumb fibreglass hammers handed down from my dad who was a carpenter / builder for 50 years. They continue to serve me well as a dyi carpenter
I rocked the same Dalluge for 3 or 4 years, it was pretty good but the replacement handles are expensive here in Canada (around $50 CAD). and where the handle interlocks with the tang is definitely the weak point (especially around the bolt holes). In the end I spent more on replacement handles than on the hammer in the first place. I am currently using a 16oz wood handled stiletto, I love this hammer. I lost the magnet pretty quick, but was able to find a replacement magnet for it (branded stiletto) at the store for $5 and glued it back in. The replacement handles are $16 CAD each, I've only broken 1 so far hahahaha
I'm a builder of 20 years, never had a chance to use a titanium hammer. Went with the eastwing shaped like the m4. That boss hammer suits Ray being a sweetish man, a small war hammer in his hands lols
Used a 20 oz Estwing for years, but got terrible wrist pain. Switched to a Dalluge 7180 12ish years ago (Still made in USA back then). The perfect hammer. It was love at first swing.
I was expecting you to also talk about what a framing hammer versus standard claw hammer. And why there are different curves to the claw. And flat striking surface vs a waffled striking surface.
The Estwings are bomb proof. My first one I got when I was in highschool, I found on the side of the road. It has a lovely patina and is still going strong more than 15 years later. I have a variety of hammers, most of them estwing, but my daily driver, I splurged for. The mighty M1 framer. It's a dream. I love it. Yes, the head occasionally gets heavy after long periods, but it's miles better than swinging that 22oz estwing framer!
I had the same Estwing for about 20 years and had it stolen by a concrete pumpy, I absolutely hate them now lol I couldn’t survive without my Stiletto TB3SC 15 oz TiBone III Titanium Hammer with Smooth Face Curved Handle Worth every hard earned cent In Australia they are expensive to import The hammer I mentioned is about $652 delivered in aus with conversion . I paid about $450 three years ago after I damaged my muscle doing heaps of back swing nailing into 100 year old hard cypress rafter tail ends for raked eaves lining . Nailing is so enjoyable now , been doing it for 37 years so I really appreciate it for what it is . Price is completely justifiable provided you take pride in your trade . So any carpenter thinking it’s not worth it for the price of these hammers , it completely is really worth it I guarantee. But I have to say , anything over 15oz is almost punishing yourself for no gain , long handle 15 oz and once you get used to the length , it’s absolutely a complete different nailing experience. In saying that , I have a crappy Milwaukee straight claw hammer I used as my bash around and destroying hammer or for lending , they only get the Milwaukee junk as a loaner . Occasionally I let people have a go on the stiletto , they smile every time till they hear the price haha.
What was that rubber tubing you put on the for grip I’m hv electrician and we use that kin d of rubber tubing to seal an hv termination but I really want one smaller for tools
You nailed the graphics on this episode. I have an Eastwing and that is good enough for my DIY stuff but if I would use it a lot more I would consider one of the fancier options. Sometimes a really nice tool is just nice to have.
Get a German picket hammer (Lattenhammer) from a German carpenter. You'll be surprised .And more posts with this brilliant Dutch man.Tot de volgende keer 🤣
I started on a estwing hammer and had it for 12 years , was faultless other than a bit tingy on impact. Switched to the Martinez M4 which is just a different league, if i went back it would really hurt . My brother has the vaughan dalluge ddt16 but now been discontinued for spares so no handles available so got a Stiletto ti mini14 which are all brilliant. Interestingly the stiletto has a replacable steel face so save damage to the ti . I think it you swapped the M1 to and M4 it would change your mind on the martinez as a daily for general carpentry. The comparative hammer to the m1 is a 28oz long handle framer where as the M4 comparison is a 20oz general carpentry hammer
We know only one thing for certain: WWIII will be fought with thermonuclear weapons, WWIV will be fought with fully modular titanium hammers, brought to you by the good folks at Martinez Tools.
I like the nice people at Martinez. I bought a couple of heads from them. Great customer service. I am trying to figure out how to mount them on wooden handles, It is possible, just a little crazy. Gotta say, their hammers seem like a bit of a scam. What is next, when they sell and face the next non-compete clause? Wooden heads on steel handles? You know you want one, and the hat...
Been using the same Stilletto 14oz since my first year of apprenticeship.... 16 years ago. Once the fireworks of the "waffle face" chipping off was over, the head hasn't had anything go wrong. Been through plenty of handles though.. not from breaking, but loosening.
My £10 Stanley 20 oz fibreglass handle claw hammer will do fine. Feel no vibrations through the handle, can wail on it all day with no issues, it's only working overhead and hammering upwards that's difficult, which I very rarely do, so no issue.
And again, agreed Scott, these prices are bizarre. UK price for a UA-camr recommended hammer (from Estwing) £70 (about a year ago) which I gifted, but thought it incredibly expensive for a lump of stiff intended for whacking. The reviews all supported the UA-camr btw, who I rate as a top end carpenter, like you. Good work. I think anybody banging nails in needs to bang more nails in efficiently than would justify a $600 price tag, surely? We all need to vote without feet as these are tools not hand bags.
I've got the Titanium head for my Martinez and it makes a big difference. It would fit the M1 handle. I have a 10oz stiletto, a 14oz Stiletto, a 14oz Mini stiletto, a Kinetic customs Raptor, a Kinetic customs Dagger, the 18Oz steel version of your Vaughan and of course the 20oz Estwing all us carpenters start with... I'm also a hammer addict.... But I always go back to my Ti4 headed Martinez M4.
I bought an original douglas hammer in 2000 and i'm STILL using it with it's original handle. The spare I bought 24 years ago is still waiting to be used. It's by far been the best hammer I've ever framed a house with! back then, it was 125 USD
Hi! I usually use a steel hammer with a 300 grams head and a fiberglass handle. But there are also more heavy ones for larger jobs. A few years ago, I bought a 14-ounce (397 grams) stiletto to see if it was really that much better( the titanium part) or if it was just advertised strongly. It's really that much better. So price should be the last consideration. Cheers
I run a 16oz Estwing. Day to day it's light to carry. I used it nailing all day yesterday and my wrist was knackered however that's the first nailing I've done in years. My hammer is my impact and nail gun. Everything is screws these days.
Estwing 22 oz straight claw forever! I have chipped the crown on one and worn off the crowns on several in the last 65 years of using them (I am 73 and still use my Estwing every day).
Maybe the Martinez m4 is worth looking at. It’s the hammer I use for everything. It’s still top heavy like the m1 but because it’s lighter you get the sledge hitting effect but without it being too unbalanced or fatiguing. The D shaped face is nice too, similar to the Vaughn.
Wow... Those hammers are REALLY expensive. I still use a hammer my grampa made himself after WWII in his aprenticeship. It's a bog-standard carpenters hammer with a wooden handle, the material cost was around 1 Deutschmark, roughly 3€ in todays money. It's roughly 80 years old, lasted him through building the house I currently live in and still helps me with my hobbyists project.
Deluge for the win! I’m so glad I randomly selected the best available hammer from a Lowe’s Canada clearance bin 5 years ago for $50. Canadian dollars, not even real dollars! 😂
Man, I am happy to be able to pick up a good ol' 500g Schlosserhammer for only 5,-€ (10,-NZ$) and have no need to spend more than 20,-€ on those good brands like Picard. My hammers are decades old and work as a treat with their ash handles. But the geometry on those handles need to be just right, so I can use my thumb and index finger as a hinge. The right technique helps a lot. Regards, Etna.
As an old American that's been in the building trade scenic 1979 it's always been Estwing 16oz curved claw for finnish 16oz straight claw for roofing and 20oz for framing demo etc.
I do like Estwing hammers. I used to erect stages for rock and roll bands. Used their roofing hammer for scaffold and lump hammers for big things. They're great. They're also so much cheaper in the US than the UK. Also, there were a bunch of times when you said that titanium was a different type of steel and I got an eye twitch. It's a different metal.
I've been using a Stanley Fat Max anti vibe for the last few years and it's perfect. Light weight, only $32 and it gets the job done. I don't have a need for an ultra light anti fatigue hammer
I saw you have 2 drills. one impact and one for pilot hole. You should grab a Makita keyless chuck for a drill bit for you impact. Easier to keep a keyless chuck in your pouch than lug 2 drills around hanging from your tool belt!
15 oz tb3 stiletto. Full titanium with a changeable steel face. Lightweight but durable. Excellent balance and swing power. Side nail puller is amazing. $350 CND. I feel Martinez took a step back after that one. Also if you hold a Martinez by the end of the handle, that harder plastic is uncomfortable to grip. Just my opinion though. Cheers.
I use the 10oz stiletto daily in the UK and it’s fantastic. Mostly refurb work and it’s also useful due to its normal size. I can’t imagine ever using another hammer. Weight is incredible. Sinks 4” nails as fast as any other. Best buy I reckon. Good video.
When I started in the trade in the early '70s, everything was hand nailed (at least in the area where I worked) and I think I drove hundreds of thousands of 16d and 8d commons and sinkers using Estwings and Plumb straight claws. I find it a little ironic that there are so many options for more ergonomic designs now, when the majority of fasteners are driven with nail guns and impact drivers. These days, the main uses for my hammer are to persuade work pieces into position, strike a chisel or flat bar, or to set nails my gun left proud. Any thing more expensive than my 30 year old Estwing 16 oz seems like overkill for my use. I've never had issues with my elbow or wrist (wish I could say the same about my knees and back).
Im almost 54 ,done construction work my whole life. Had my wife get me a stiletto ti bone 15one year for Christmas. I ended up selling to one of my Spanish roofing guys because he liked it way better than I did. The past three years I’ve carried a 20 ounce leather wrapped estwing, mainly because it’s slides in and out of my diamondback hammer holster and I have two torn rotator cuff. But I have every other state of the art tool you could think of, but i don’t drive very many nails anymore and I don’t do much demolition.
I’ve had estwing hammers of different weights. I started off with a cheap Stanley blue strike hammer. Horrible thing. Bought my first estwing fairly quickly. A good thing about estwing or at least it used to be was that they are guaranteed against faults and can be replaced free of charge by your supplier. I’ve had to price it a few times with an email from estwing. I did find that after many years I was getting a pain in my elbow from the shock of using the hammer. Switched to dewalt 20iz hammer. Pain went away. I then bought the Martinez M1 and genuinely it’s the best hammer I’ve ever used. Can’t fault it. It’s brilliant and I use it every single day.
Still got my original 20oz Estwing from my building days. Now just diy. Nice Record Vise in the background. Is that another video. Maybe a install. Cheers Scott 🍻
I've got both the martinez and dalluge i used to mainly do heavy hardwood fencing. Started off with the dalluge went through 3 handles before i got the martinez its good for heavy work but i still prefer the feel of the dalluge and use it overall for most of my current work
I've been trying to get a hold of a Dalluge 7180 for about 4 years now, haven't seen them in stock on any website. It's such an awesome hammer and a shame it seems they're no longer manufacturing them.
as a furniture maker my usage of a hammer is minimal, so a cheap eastwing (which i have a couple) do everything i need. i also have smaller wooden handle hammers for fine work. if however, i was a carpenter then yes i would pay the extra money to get a tool that maximises my effort.
I still have my grandpa's old Estwing and that's all I'll ever need. Rubber handle has fossilized on it, but it's still intact. It's insane anyone would pay $300 for a hammer. That'll be the first thing thieves steal from a job site.
I've used the titanium hammers a lot I'm just not a super fan. It has this weird high pitch ringing to it that no one really talks about. The titanium will still hurt your arm more than a wood handle. I've got just an old school Vaughn with a long wood handle and it has been my go to for years now.
I received a Stiletto full titanium Trimbone finish hammer as a gift. Before I had one, I would probably have thought that the price tag was too ridiculous and never bought one myself. But now that I use it as my every day carry as a finish carpenter, would buy another one if I lost it without question. The replaceable mallet caps are nice, too. No need to carry a hammer AND a mallet anymore.
I’m still using my Stanley 20 OZ , steel head, steel tubular shaft with a rubber grip, had it for over 35 years, I’m not a professional woodworker or joiner.
In 1972 I walked on to my first construction site and asked for a job. The foreman gave me a 16 oz. Estwing and told me to strip forms. They took $2.50 out of my first pay check (2 hours pay) for the hammer. I still have it today and have been an Estwing fan ever since. You can't kill them...EVER.
I did. I dropped it on the heel and it broke in half inside the handle. I didn't even notice it was broken until I picked it up and it wobbled like a wet noodle.
( I dropped it 40 stories down a shaft)
Estwings are great. Until you actually get your hands on a Stiletto or similar titanium hammer. For years I used to ridicule the idea of spending $200+ on a hammer, then I had a foreman who let me use his for the cpl hrs he went off to do other foreman things. Before the week was out I'd gone and spent $250 on one of my own.
Have had the claw snap off when opening up trusses
@@firesurfer that was you? that bl**dy hurt! 🤕😁
I've always liked wooden handle hammers. Then picked up a Stiletto , well balanced lot easier on the wrist and arm.
Every tool is a hammer, if you want it to be.
Anything can be a hammer if you're brave enough!
Everything is a hammer except for a screw driver, which is a knife.
Damn those metalwork teatchers shout to idiots! 😂 (1970's)
Correct lol
Everything is a hammer if you don't have a hammer
I have an 20oz Estwing ripping claw that has been my main hammer for over 20 years. The best part about it is I don't care if I lose it or wreck it, but I can't, it just won't let me.
I have an Estwing hammer that I got in 1993, still use it 😊
Very quick note on titanium hardness. Being that they are cast they are likely a Grade 5 alloy. This means a hardness of around 370 Brinell.(around 39 Rc) Itll also work harden to an extent in use so while still being softer, its not in the ballpark of something like a copper or even unhardened mild steel would be. This work hardening is the same reason a bronze hammer doesnt mushroom but a copper hammer does. Still it is fairly soft as far as a hammer goes where steel is likely around 550 Brinell (55Rc). Work hardening saves the material though.
I was about to mention titanium's work-hardening properties as well, but your comment is more comprehensive than what I would have written.
My Daluge waffle face has turned into a “not-quite-smooth” face. I’ll just call it “patina” to make myself feel better! 😂
Finally someone using hardness units that I recognise. Shall we add Vickers hardness as well? 55 Rockwell C is pretty fkn hard, we very rarely went past 48Rc when heat treating high tensile steel, I don't even think I tempered my D2 swaging dies to 55Rc (truth be told I used to use Brinell a lot as well)
I'm curious why you'd use titanium instead of just using less steel?
@@bachaddict I’ve heard people say Titanium has vibration absorption qualities that steel just doesn’t have. There are several reputable tubers who’ve compared hammers and they all like Titanium.
I don’t know, I just use it and it feels good to me, but I’m not a full time carpenter.
Ahhh! Stop calling titanium a "form of steel"😂
"Form of metal" - OK. "Form of steel" - no. Steel is Iron + carbon (and maybe some other things, but can't have steel without iron and carbon). Titanium is an unrelated element.
I know! It was bugging me so badly!
I think maybe they see "steel" as being synonymous with "metal" in the building trade?
'Steel' is an alloy using primarily the elements iron, carbon and some other elemental herbs and spices depending on the type of steel. 'Stainless steel' is an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium and some herbs and spices. The 'Titanium' hammer will be an alloy using primarily the element titanium - probably with aluminium, vanadium and some other herbs and spices. The Brinell Hardness of the Ti alloy will probably be >300, not 100 for pure Ti as stated. If it really had a brinell hardness of 100 there would be a nail head shaped divot made on the hammer head for every nail you struck...
Nothing better than the old estwing. Been using it for 40 years
@@cv990a4form of metal?? Nah dawg. Metals are elements. Metal is all of those. A form of many individual elements? No. Titanium is a distinct metal element. Not a form of one of those. It is titanium.
I had my Estwing for about a decade and lost it. Found it 5 years later on another building site being used by a plumber who mistakenly took it from the site I was working on all those years ago. I now have her back and she's back to being my main hammer!
My boss is on his third Estwing hammer…when I asked him what happened to the first two, he said the heads just worn out after about 15-20 years…
@@HSIOT He must must be old
@@yingle6027 He’s been on the tools for a little over 40 years …
@@yingle6027 When used to clean concrete flashing and lumps, the side of the head wears out.
Mine went missing a number of years ago. Carried me through my apprenticeship (gift from my father) and into the trade so I hope it’ll come back to me one day. Replacement just never felt the same.
I'm a 30 yr carpenter in Nebraska, USA. I have been using wooden handles hammers for about 29 of those 30 years. Estwing and Vaughn fiberglass before that. The wooden handle has been, by far, the best option for me. It seems to transfer the energy best. The fiberglass handle aggravated my knuckles and steel had too much flex side to side. I used Vaughn california style hammers until I came across the venerable Stiletto Ruger Titanium. My first Stiletto cost me $55 USD (oh to go back and buy a truckload of them at that price!). I tried the Hart Woody for a short stint (predecessor to the Vaughn that Scott has). I didnt care for the balance or shape of the handle. I have a growing collection of Stiletto titanium hammers. I like the old Ruger castings the best. I used to be able to drive 16d coated stinkers in one blow (way back in the good ole days). For the price, in USD, I suggest the Stiletto titanium with wood handle. Thanks for the great video Scott!
I find wooden handled hammers to be a lot more comfortable to use, steel handled ones seem transfer a lot more energey back into the arm when you use it which is tiring.
@@RaXXha I agree. Steel and fiberglass seem to make me more tired
wood is the best, and we haven't even explored the full alternatives there, like Bamboo laminate, or different species, or laminates, not that it is necessary. The problem with wood, and it is written all over the Douglas Hammer, now the Dalluge. Carpenters can't replace the handles.
I am a high end hand tool user, who has been freehand cutting complex joinery since the 80s. I still shy a little at the thought of replacing a hammer handle. I am not a production framer, and I don't generally replace handles on hammers. Mainly I have only done it to replace the handles on hammers from the family's past. It is slightly complicated, as every hammer has a different tenon. If I framed for a living, broke some hammer handles, always used the same brand, and perhaps could even source the handles locally, I would have learned by now. But as the Douglas hammer shows, most framers can't handle it either, and since hammers are mostly wreaking tool these days, the wooden handled hammers don't make much sense any more.
@@tacticalskiffs8134 wood is still best IMO. I taught my 15 yr old how to replace a handle on a Stiletto I had that needed a new handle. It's not complicated. Even if you do it wrong and need a new handle, it's only $20 (approx). If a guy knows how to use a wood handle hammer in a way that doesnt stess the head/handle union, they are very strong and will last a long time. If a handle lasts 5 years, with daily jobsite use, a new handle is a very minimal cost.
My finish hammer has been a smooth-face Plumb 16 oz fiberglass with rubber grip. My original framing hammer over 40 years ago was a 24 oz Vaughn waffle-head, with a 18" custom hickory wood handle that was fluted, with a flare at the end. It was perfectly balanced, and a joy to use. My "deck hammer" was a 20 oz smooth-face Vaughn with the standard ash handle. Great for when you need power, but don't want to mar the wood. I had a Estwing drywall hammer too. 16 oz,waffle-head with an extreme convex face for dimpling the drywall.
I always thought that Ti hammers were a little too much for me, but my wife surprised me with a Stiletto Ti Bone 3 for Christmas, and I gotta say I'm a believer now. Even just the lack of arm pump while doing repetitive tasks is worth the price of admission. And now I don't have any excuse to not do projects around the house, because she brought me one of the nicest hammers out there. Win-win for the both of us really.
I've been using a Stiletto Mini TBone 14 for over a decade. Brilliant hammer, not too heavy, not too light. Love the curve in the grip. Have ordered the Trimbone now too.
The history of the Ti hammer is that when Russian Ti became "cheaply" available, it entered the oversized golf driver market, and all of a sudden the price of a driver doubled, or more. The concept was that a Ti driver was essentially the same weight, but the head was larger for a larger sweet spot. That was supposed to be more forgiving, as the volume of the head went up 50% and then more and more, for the same weight.
The same profit potential was added to the hammer market but there was a catch. You don't want to double the head size of a hammer, as you won't be able to use it in tight spaces. So the formula that was settled on was a 14 oz hammer head where 21oz used to be standard. And the myth that Ti is magic, and can sink a nail just as easily as a heavier head was born, but never explained.
The only way to get the same energy is to increase speed. So how much additional speed? About 22.5 percent. Is that a lot, or could anyone just buy a lighter hammer and accelerate it by 22.5 percent? Well it turns out it is the same speed increase as separates a scratch golfer, average driving distance 240 yds, from a tour pro at 270 yds, and a long drive champion on the tour at 300+ yds (these numbers were derived at the time Ti entered the market, I have no idea what the current numbers are, but it doesn't mater for this example). So not exactly trivial. Though head weight has been reduced so the increase in speed required is somewhat easier to achieve.
However it doesn't mater that people can't sink nails as readily with these things, that is largely the job of nail guns. The modern hammer for it's 10X price increase is largely a clean-up tool, for people who don't have to drive nails by hand all day, and for carpenters who don't have the skills to replace a wooden handle.
Did I mention status symbol? For that nitwit market, someone discovered that one doesn't even need to sell Ti heads any more. We are back to the East Coast standard 16oz hammer weight but with a West Coast shaft length, not a bad outcome, and a lot of cheery colours.
Your point about nail guns is why I'm keeping my 23oz Vaughan. My hammer is primarily for moving things, and a heavier hammer simply does that better. Seating a beam into a pocket or nudging a wall into line or whacking braces off takes a lot less effort than a lighter hammer
I have so many hammers: DeWalt, Douglas, Estwing, Hart, Plumb, Martinez M4, Milwaukee, Stanley, Vaughn... I use the Plumb, Douglas, and Martinez hammers the most, though. I gave a Martinez M1 hammer to my friend as a gift for helping me reframe my garage. He absolutely loves it.
My hammer is the 14oz Dewalt mig welded hammer. The long one they don't make anymore. Nothing else feels right for me.
I love watching the interaction between you, Scott and Ray. It is one of the best parts of all the videos, even though I do love the progress through all your videos you have made. Keep the good work up and all my regards from the UK to you, Jess, Ray, and all the other that feature in your videos.
As an electrician, my favorite hammer is a pair of Klein Tools linesman's pliers......
Of course it´s and your favorite vacuum is the guy coming in after you.
"The BOSS is a little weird looking." That's what Ray said... 😂
Scott, you need to watch Larry Haun's videos on framing a house, The Very Efficient Carpenter. He drives nails with two hits: one tap to set it, one to drive it home. He's a true legend.
Yeah, that man in his prime was faster than a nail gun!
Absolutely love those recordings, but when Larry says “get the too-bi-fur”, we lose all that efficiency when we have to ask what the h#ll Larry was actually saying.
Absolutely worth watching.
Every guy I framed with back in the day did that.
I had the pleasure of watching those videos. I'd say it was 3 hits instead of 2 but it was very efficient.
As a (very) small scale DIYer, I'm quite happy with my Estwing "beating implements" including an axe that I inherited from my dad, and a hatchet that I got for Scouts about 50 years ago. Even the rubber handles are still in good shape
Working on 10 years as a full time carpenter. Been swinging a 22oz Estwing since my first day as an apprentice. You just can't beat the versatility, not to mention it's darn near indestructible.
I really wanted this episode to be called "Its Hammer Time!"
The thumbnail should have been a stop sign.
The hammers in my collection were all handed down through the family. Several old wooden handled and one all steel. Sufficient for my needs as a home-owner doing upkeep and occasionally small building projects. Thanks for the video.
I didn’t think the Dalluge was even available anymore. I’ve tried getting a second one here in the US with no luck.
I actually called them several months ago to see about purchasing one for my bosses retirement plaque and was told it’s not out of production pre se, just that their supply chain had been thoroughly broken during the pandemic and that they didn’t know when they would restart production 😢.
Yeah,l also rang then and got the supply chain story.
A bit disappointed that they couldn't elaborate on what the supply problem actually is.
Sourcing titanium?
we used to give the apprentice a hammer to see if he could knock nails in...when he inevitably missed many times we used to shout out FRYING PAN and one of us would bring over an old frying pan so they couldn't miss the nail.
Old Hell's Angel carpenter that worked for us used a 40oz hammer. Drove 16 penny home in one hit. The guy was a beast. Fun fact, he came to work one day on his Harley with 6 cop cars following him at about 120mph. Never saw him again...
I was deep into watching SBC but after 7 months renovating a house around my day job I needed a full break from all things construction. But my god it’s good to be back!
I bought a Stiletto TB2 after watching your old hammer video back in the day. I love it and steel hammers feel broken to me now when i swing one.
I'm just a hobbyist with a love for all types of tools. I'll buy the boss metric pro Titanium hammer because of what I saw here. Actually in euros it's not that expensive (ignoring that it's mostly just a hammer). It can be engraved as well. So hopefully one of the kids will eventually inherit it.
Just bumped into both Scott and Jess in Golden Bay whilst the Wife was horse riding with friends. We’re visiting NZ from Taiwan(!) They were very gracious as you might expect… never thought that would happen!?! 😊
My everyday hammer is a martinez m4 handle with the m1 head. Having the shorter handle helps with the top heavy balancing issues.
I use the martinez titanium head, on the m1 handle and it’s perfect. It also has a plastic cover for the head, when you’re hammering delicate/painted materials
I started working in construction with my dad when I was 15. Over the last 65 years, I went from union apprentice to union journeyman to licensed contractor. Most of that time I drove framing nails by hand, often all day long, so I learned what framing hammers worked best for me. I gave up on Estwing because the grip would tear up the plan of my hand, and would wear out easily. The leather-handled Estings look nice but are not balanced well for me. Today, I see 28oz and heavier tools for sale. Too hard on the elbow for me. My favorite hammers for years were Stilleto and Vaughns with wooden handles, which I would shape to fit my grip. I still have several, and can't resist picking one up every now and then to feel the balance and sense of control. Of course, you can't pull nails with a wooden-handled framing hammer the same way as with a claw hammer. Doing it the way the video shows at 3:36 will break the handle at the head.
NO NO; That regular rock. Me need phillips!
Titanium is not a steel but a metal. Otherwise great video :)
Also the hammer head won't be made of pure titanium but some kind of alloy - probably with aluminium, vanadium and some other herbs and spices. The Brinell Hardness of the Ti alloy will probably be >300, not 100 for pure Ti as stated.
@@tmmtmm Came here to mention this. The manufacturing process of the titanium will also modify the surface hardness. I wouldn't be surprised if the hammer has had surface hardening through the forging process. From there it could also be case hardened to increase durability of that contact face.
WOW, The hammer that started at 6:00 is by far the coolest hammer I have ever seen, hammer and triangle in one! So handy.
I'm not a carpenter but when you said 225 for a hammer was reasonable I spit my tea out.
For fatigue and less strain on the body, the price is nothing but a number.
@@fanaticz666 For real though. It might not be worth it for a DIY-er, but if you're using something (anything, really) for daily work as a tradesman, up to a certain level of quality tool will save you money either in efficiency, health costs, and comfort. Especially when we're talking health - the amount of money you can squeeze out of a pricier tool if it helps you be able to stay working longer (not just day to day, but even extending your career before your body gives out and you have to retire or change careers) is something to think about!
@@fanaticz666 exactly. a person who uses a hammer as their main tool should not be considering price when the tradeoff is health, longevity, comfort, etc. I never regretted my stiletto, ever. same way I never regretted spending a lot on work boots.
@@levonschaftin3676A person who uses a hammer as their main tool must have travelled back in time. All modern carpenters have nail guns.A hammer is an occasional tool.
@@LeeTillbury depends on the type of work you do.. and if you happen to be doing a demo/reframe etc, a few days of swinging the hammer and you'll get arm pump/elbow pain with a cheap hammer, which would make it a better idea to have a hammer that reduces vibrations if it's "an occasional tool"
And I bet most carpenters these days still swing that "occasional tool" more than anything on their belt
I am not a carpenter and I only use a hammer for the odd nail around the house. But, my first hammer was the low cost dollar store hammer, similar to the first one you show in this video, thinking that a hammer is a hammer. Not so and it took me many years to realise why I had trouble hammering in the odd nail. I just thought I didn't have enough practice hammering nails so that's why I was crap at it. It never occurred to me that maybe my hammer is not helping. Then UA-cam came along in my life and I started learning about hammers and not all hammers are the same. So, I bought a hammer that cost about 40 times more than my cheap hammer I bought from the discount store, and suddenly hammering in nails became so much easier and I hardly ever missed the nail. What a difference a well balanced hammer makes. Now I just use my cheap hammer for pulling nails, and actively look for opportunities to use my upgraded hammer because it is a joy to hold and use. Thanks for this video.
I got tennis elbow from framing with the estwing and ended up going to the smaller Martinez and it’s amazing. I will never go back. Mainly do finish carpentry and it has so many useful features
I switched from the 22oz Estwing to the Martinez M4 a few years back and I love it. They call it a finishing hammer but its very much an all rounder. Was originally considering the M1 head on the M4 handle but that is actually heavier than the 22oz Estwing
Scott you so gently ease us into your sponsor ad I just sit here and watch instead of FF. They make hard rocks in the South.
I have two Martinez hammers. I have an m1 with an m4 head as my daily, and an m4 with a titanium head as my finisher. The finishing hammer would cost over 900 if you bought it now. I only purchased the titanium head because i use my m4 head on my m1 shaft now.
I quit framing about the time titanium hammers were becoming readily available, so I missed out on even trying one. I had a Estwing 20 oz ripping hammer I used a lot, but the rubber handle fell off after 27 years. The blue rubber handle turned green the first time I put Celotex sheathing on a house. A side note, I was doing some work on a house that had not been sided and only had Celotex sheathing on it. The owner had some cows and they had eaten some of the Celotex off the house as it was made from corn stalks. I had several other hammers, one was a Vaugh straight claw with a fiberglass handle. I was fortunate not to have any soreness in my arm or elbow from hammering nails all day.
The Vaughan CF2HC is my favorite framing/jobsite hammer. 19oz so i can swing it all day and I love the curved handle. ~$30. For finish work, I use an Estwing 16oz that is bulletproof. I highly recommend the Estwing as a hammer to have at home too.
1: Vaughan california framer, steel head with wood handle.
2: another full steel one for demolications.
Only cost around $120 for total.
Have you ever looked at Douglas Tools Hammers? They look a bit like Vaughn but they only make steel heads and wooden hafts.
That dalluge hammer is nearly impossible to get that style in the usa at least in my area. It's been that way for years I looked put in a Blackstock order at my lumber yards no level of money can get me a new one from Vaughn. I gave up and got a tiibone 15oz and have been happy with it. I do have a vintage dalluge that's steel from the 70s that I do like but I'm so use to titanium I'd rather enjoy my elbow. I don't use my stelltos for extreme prying and never broken a handle because of it. Do I need to import a Vaughn dalluge titan hammer from New Zealand ?
I wanted one for the look as well but 6 years later not able to buy one from a reputable place but I an find replacement handles in store for it.
What a fun episode! I've just finished building my own house on my own. I've only got one hammer - a Stanley Antivibe (in OZ). It was second hand when I was given it 14 years ago. It must be close to 20 years old. As Scott said - most of my nailing was with a nail gun, and other times I preferred screws to nails wherever possible. (I'm not a builder - so rectifying mistakes with screws is a lot easier than with nails!!) There must be over 10,000 screws in the place 😆
I also have a Stanley of about the same age (was a Xmas present). I thought that an Estwing was my dream hammer, until I started watching this channel.
Framed houses for 45 yrs hand drove nails for first two years, my favorite was a 28 oz rigging axe, set and sink all day long, I love my new titanium hammers
I finally got a Boss 16 oz full Titanium hammer and I love it!!! Martinez is over $300 so I went with the BOSS for only $122 now on sale!!
Love the insights on the technology behind hammers and what a pro wants, but would have to disagree at the lower end of things. For general DIY you can get something perfectly serviceable for cheaper than the Estwing. In the UK at least you could pick up something from Stanley, Magnusson or Roughneck for around £12-15 ($15-18 US). For knocking in the occasional nail or pulling a few out, most DIY/hobbyists don't need more than that. I've got something in that range and its put together decking, built a shed, ripped up floors, and taken apart a kitchen. It hasn't broken, it's still straight and even if its not as perfectly balanced as others I'm not holding it all day long, day in day out, anyway. £5 supermarket specials on the other hand....
16oz estwing. I hand nail all my timber cladding, predrilling like we should. One hammer does it all, demo, cladding, framing, hardware & brackets, finishing lines. It’s cheap, it works, and I’ve had it for 12 years.
Martinez M4 for me. Just used cheap curved claw hammers before. The straight claw and high leverage side nail puller is a game changer.
I have a leather handle Estwing and 2 Plumb fibreglass hammers handed down from my dad who was a carpenter / builder for 50 years. They continue to serve me well as a dyi carpenter
I rocked the same Dalluge for 3 or 4 years, it was pretty good but the replacement handles are expensive here in Canada (around $50 CAD). and where the handle interlocks with the tang is definitely the weak point (especially around the bolt holes). In the end I spent more on replacement handles than on the hammer in the first place. I am currently using a 16oz wood handled stiletto, I love this hammer. I lost the magnet pretty quick, but was able to find a replacement magnet for it (branded stiletto) at the store for $5 and glued it back in. The replacement handles are $16 CAD each, I've only broken 1 so far hahahaha
I am surprised with Scott's amazing carpentry skills he didn't just glare at the nails and they self inserted into the wood out of fear
I'm a builder of 20 years, never had a chance to use a titanium hammer. Went with the eastwing shaped like the m4.
That boss hammer suits Ray being a sweetish man, a small war hammer in his hands lols
Used a 20 oz Estwing for years, but got terrible wrist pain. Switched to a Dalluge 7180 12ish years ago (Still made in USA back then). The perfect hammer. It was love at first swing.
I was expecting you to also talk about what a framing hammer versus standard claw hammer. And why there are different curves to the claw. And flat striking surface vs a waffled striking surface.
The Estwings are bomb proof. My first one I got when I was in highschool, I found on the side of the road. It has a lovely patina and is still going strong more than 15 years later. I have a variety of hammers, most of them estwing, but my daily driver, I splurged for. The mighty M1 framer. It's a dream. I love it. Yes, the head occasionally gets heavy after long periods, but it's miles better than swinging that 22oz estwing framer!
I had the same Estwing for about 20 years and had it stolen by a concrete pumpy,
I absolutely hate them now lol
I couldn’t survive without my Stiletto TB3SC 15 oz TiBone III Titanium Hammer with Smooth Face Curved Handle
Worth every hard earned cent
In Australia they are expensive to import
The hammer I mentioned is about $652 delivered in aus with conversion . I paid about $450 three years ago after I damaged my muscle doing heaps of back swing nailing into 100 year old hard cypress rafter tail ends for raked eaves lining . Nailing is so enjoyable now , been doing it for 37 years so I really appreciate it for what it is . Price is completely justifiable provided you take pride in your trade . So any carpenter thinking it’s not worth it for the price of these hammers , it completely is really worth it I guarantee.
But I have to say , anything over 15oz is almost punishing yourself for no gain , long handle 15 oz and once you get used to the length , it’s absolutely a complete different nailing experience. In saying that , I have a crappy Milwaukee straight claw hammer I used as my bash around and destroying hammer or for lending , they only get the Milwaukee junk as a loaner .
Occasionally I let people have a go on the stiletto , they smile every time till they hear the price haha.
What was that rubber tubing you put on the for grip I’m hv electrician and we use that kin d of rubber tubing to seal an hv termination but I really want one smaller for tools
You nailed the graphics on this episode. I have an Eastwing and that is good enough for my DIY stuff but if I would use it a lot more I would consider one of the fancier options. Sometimes a really nice tool is just nice to have.
Get a German picket hammer (Lattenhammer) from a German carpenter. You'll be surprised .And more posts with this brilliant Dutch man.Tot de volgende keer 🤣
I found Lantenhammer!
Looks very interesting, but the next day I'll feel like I've been struck with a hammer.
@@Trotsetukker : The long tine/hook works like an extended arm and the magnet in the head holds nails (see recess for nail head!)
I started on a estwing hammer and had it for 12 years , was faultless other than a bit tingy on impact. Switched to the Martinez M4 which is just a different league, if i went back it would really hurt . My brother has the vaughan dalluge ddt16 but now been discontinued for spares so no handles available so got a Stiletto ti mini14 which are all brilliant. Interestingly the stiletto has a replacable steel face so save damage to the ti . I think it you swapped the M1 to and M4 it would change your mind on the martinez as a daily for general carpentry. The comparative hammer to the m1 is a 28oz long handle framer where as the M4 comparison is a 20oz general carpentry hammer
Estwing… we all looked up to these 40 years ago. I always used an old Stanley wooden handle 20oz just because that was what was available.
We know only one thing for certain: WWIII will be fought with thermonuclear weapons, WWIV will be fought with fully modular titanium hammers, brought to you by the good folks at Martinez Tools.
I like the nice people at Martinez. I bought a couple of heads from them. Great customer service. I am trying to figure out how to mount them on wooden handles, It is possible, just a little crazy. Gotta say, their hammers seem like a bit of a scam. What is next, when they sell and face the next non-compete clause? Wooden heads on steel handles? You know you want one, and the hat...
Been using the same Stilletto 14oz since my first year of apprenticeship.... 16 years ago. Once the fireworks of the "waffle face" chipping off was over, the head hasn't had anything go wrong. Been through plenty of handles though.. not from breaking, but loosening.
My £10 Stanley 20 oz fibreglass handle claw hammer will do fine. Feel no vibrations through the handle, can wail on it all day with no issues, it's only working overhead and hammering upwards that's difficult, which I very rarely do, so no issue.
likewise
And again, agreed Scott, these prices are bizarre. UK price for a UA-camr recommended hammer (from Estwing) £70 (about a year ago) which I gifted, but thought it incredibly expensive for a lump of stiff intended for whacking. The reviews all supported the UA-camr btw, who I rate as a top end carpenter, like you. Good work. I think anybody banging nails in needs to bang more nails in efficiently than would justify a $600 price tag, surely? We all need to vote without feet as these are tools not hand bags.
I've got the Titanium head for my Martinez and it makes a big difference. It would fit the M1 handle. I have a 10oz stiletto, a 14oz Stiletto, a 14oz Mini stiletto, a Kinetic customs Raptor, a Kinetic customs Dagger, the 18Oz steel version of your Vaughan and of course the 20oz Estwing all us carpenters start with... I'm also a hammer addict.... But I always go back to my Ti4 headed Martinez M4.
I bought an original douglas hammer in 2000 and i'm STILL using it with it's original handle. The spare I bought 24 years ago is still waiting to be used. It's by far been the best hammer I've ever framed a house with! back then, it was 125 USD
Bought the timber handle 16 oz titanium dalluge 5 years ago because of elbow related issues.
Definitely worth the purchase 👌
Hi! I usually use a steel hammer with a 300 grams head and a fiberglass handle. But there are also more heavy ones for larger jobs.
A few years ago, I bought a 14-ounce (397 grams) stiletto to see if it was really that much better( the titanium part) or if it was just advertised strongly. It's really that much better. So price should be the last consideration. Cheers
I run a 16oz Estwing. Day to day it's light to carry. I used it nailing all day yesterday and my wrist was knackered however that's the first nailing I've done in years. My hammer is my impact and nail gun. Everything is screws these days.
@8:50 Here in Canada I often set hand nails commonly 2/“& 2”1/4 and 3” common nail.
Estwing 22 oz straight claw forever! I have chipped the crown on one and worn off the crowns on several in the last 65 years of using them (I am 73 and still use my Estwing every day).
Maybe the Martinez m4 is worth looking at. It’s the hammer I use for everything. It’s still top heavy like the m1 but because it’s lighter you get the sledge hitting effect but without it being too unbalanced or fatiguing. The D shaped face is nice too, similar to the Vaughn.
Wow... Those hammers are REALLY expensive. I still use a hammer my grampa made himself after WWII in his aprenticeship. It's a bog-standard carpenters hammer with a wooden handle, the material cost was around 1 Deutschmark, roughly 3€ in todays money. It's roughly 80 years old, lasted him through building the house I currently live in and still helps me with my hobbyists project.
Kinetics customs hammers if you want a steel hammer with replaceable parts
Deluge for the win! I’m so glad I randomly selected the best available hammer from a Lowe’s Canada clearance bin 5 years ago for $50. Canadian dollars, not even real dollars! 😂
Man, I am happy to be able to pick up a good ol' 500g Schlosserhammer for only 5,-€ (10,-NZ$) and have no need to spend more than 20,-€ on those good brands like Picard. My hammers are decades old and work as a treat with their ash handles. But the geometry on those handles need to be just right, so I can use my thumb and index finger as a hinge. The right technique helps a lot.
Regards,
Etna.
Ha! I've never heard hammertalk in grams before. Makes it sound beefy.
As an old American that's been in the building trade scenic 1979 it's always been Estwing 16oz curved claw for finnish 16oz straight claw for roofing and 20oz for framing demo etc.
What's the benefit of a titanium hammer vs a smaller steel hammer of the same weight?
I do like Estwing hammers. I used to erect stages for rock and roll bands. Used their roofing hammer for scaffold and lump hammers for big things. They're great. They're also so much cheaper in the US than the UK. Also, there were a bunch of times when you said that titanium was a different type of steel and I got an eye twitch. It's a different metal.
I've been using a Stanley Fat Max anti vibe for the last few years and it's perfect. Light weight, only $32 and it gets the job done. I don't have a need for an ultra light anti fatigue hammer
I saw you have 2 drills. one impact and one for pilot hole. You should grab a Makita keyless chuck for a drill bit for you impact. Easier to keep a keyless chuck in your pouch than lug 2 drills around hanging from your tool belt!
15 oz tb3 stiletto. Full titanium with a changeable steel face. Lightweight but durable. Excellent balance and swing power. Side nail puller is amazing. $350 CND. I feel Martinez took a step back after that one. Also if you hold a Martinez by the end of the handle, that harder plastic is uncomfortable to grip. Just my opinion though. Cheers.
I use the 10oz stiletto daily in the UK and it’s fantastic. Mostly refurb work and it’s also useful due to its normal size. I can’t imagine ever using another hammer. Weight is incredible. Sinks 4” nails as fast as any other. Best buy I reckon. Good video.
When I started in the trade in the early '70s, everything was hand nailed (at least in the area where I worked) and I think I drove hundreds of thousands of 16d and 8d commons and sinkers using Estwings and Plumb straight claws. I find it a little ironic that there are so many options for more ergonomic designs now, when the majority of fasteners are driven with nail guns and impact drivers. These days, the main uses for my hammer are to persuade work pieces into position, strike a chisel or flat bar, or to set nails my gun left proud. Any thing more expensive than my 30 year old Estwing 16 oz seems like overkill for my use. I've never had issues with my elbow or wrist (wish I could say the same about my knees and back).
Cool seeing that pareau shot👍👍
Not the same without 😢
I enjoy all your content. This comparison was very cool though! Thanks for this!
Im almost 54 ,done construction work my whole life. Had my wife get me a stiletto ti bone 15one year for Christmas. I ended up selling to one of my Spanish roofing guys because he liked it way better than I did. The past three years I’ve carried a 20 ounce leather wrapped estwing, mainly because it’s slides in and out of my diamondback hammer holster and I have two torn rotator cuff. But I have every other state of the art tool you could think of, but i don’t drive very many nails anymore and I don’t do much demolition.
I’ve had estwing hammers of different weights. I started off with a cheap Stanley blue strike hammer. Horrible thing. Bought my first estwing fairly quickly. A good thing about estwing or at least it used to be was that they are guaranteed against faults and can be replaced free of charge by your supplier. I’ve had to price it a few times with an email from estwing. I did find that after many years I was getting a pain in my elbow from the shock of using the hammer. Switched to dewalt 20iz hammer. Pain went away. I then bought the Martinez M1 and genuinely it’s the best hammer I’ve ever used. Can’t fault it. It’s brilliant and I use it every single day.
Still got my original 20oz Estwing from my building days. Now just diy. Nice Record Vise in the background. Is that another video. Maybe a install. Cheers Scott 🍻
I've got both the martinez and dalluge i used to mainly do heavy hardwood fencing. Started off with the dalluge went through 3 handles before i got the martinez its good for heavy work but i still prefer the feel of the dalluge and use it overall for most of my current work
I've been trying to get a hold of a Dalluge 7180 for about 4 years now, haven't seen them in stock on any website.
It's such an awesome hammer and a shame it seems they're no longer manufacturing them.
Nailed it.
as a furniture maker my usage of a hammer is minimal, so a cheap eastwing (which i have a couple) do everything i need. i also have smaller wooden handle hammers for fine work. if however, i was a carpenter then yes i would pay the extra money to get a tool that maximises my effort.
I still have my grandpa's old Estwing and that's all I'll ever need. Rubber handle has fossilized on it, but it's still intact. It's insane anyone would pay $300 for a hammer. That'll be the first thing thieves steal from a job site.
I've used the titanium hammers a lot I'm just not a super fan. It has this weird high pitch ringing to it that no one really talks about. The titanium will still hurt your arm more than a wood handle. I've got just an old school Vaughn with a long wood handle and it has been my go to for years now.
I received a Stiletto full titanium Trimbone finish hammer as a gift. Before I had one, I would probably have thought that the price tag was too ridiculous and never bought one myself. But now that I use it as my every day carry as a finish carpenter, would buy another one if I lost it without question. The replaceable mallet caps are nice, too. No need to carry a hammer AND a mallet anymore.
I’m still using my Stanley 20 OZ , steel head, steel tubular shaft with a rubber grip, had it for over 35 years, I’m not a professional woodworker or joiner.