A quality hammer can last for generations, and the best ones fall into that unique category of products where the little scuffs and scratches tell a story over time. In a world of disposable items, that’s significant.
Hammers ain’t just for tapping nails. These all-purpose tools work well for prying, knocking things into place, or even doing some good old-fashioned demolition.
Heavier, longer, and more powerful per swing than our top pick, this 20-ounce hammer shares the great features common to all Estwing hammers. Plus, it has a straight claw suited to demolition and prying.
This smaller version of our top pick is great if you need something that’s easier to swing or that has a more delicate touch for hanging photos or assembling furniture.
This hammer does the job as well as our top pick. But the handle isn’t as nice, and the logo carved into the neck is little more than a grime collector.
In addition to its indestructible steel design, this hammer is perfectly balanced, offers a great grip, and has a stellar reputation. Countless carpenters have proved that it will last a lifetime.
In our years of testing 22 hammers, we’ve confirmed that the 16-ounce, steel-handled, curved-claw Estwing E3-16C—a favorite of carpenters everywhere—is nearly perfect for any household job.
Estwing hammers succeed because they deliver everything you could want in a hammer. The E3-16C offers powerful heft without being uncomfortably large or heavy, and its slightly squishy, tacky grip is among the easiest to hold and the least prone to vibration. The curved claw is ideally suited to pulling nails, and its striking face gives a clearer line of sight than tools with oversized heads. Made from a single piece of steel extending from tip to tail, this hammer is also indestructible. Equally at home in a garage toolbox or on a professional jobsite, the E3-16C typically costs around $25—a small investment for something that will last a lifetime.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTIf the Estwing E3-16C is unavailable, we recommend the Ox Tools Pro 16-Ounce Claw Hammer. Like the Estwing hammer, the Ox Tools hammer is a solid steel model with a nice, grippy handle. When we compared the two side by side, the handle of the Ox Tools hammer was less comfortable to hold, since the logo is slightly raised. We also didn’t like that the logo is carved into the neck of the hammer because it just collected gunk and dirt. The Ox Tools model is a fine hammer. But since the Estwing E3-16C achieves such a high level of excellence for around the same price—and because it’s widely available both online and in brick-and-mortar stores—we really only recommend the Ox Tools hammer if you need something in a hurry and you can’t locate an Estwing.
This smaller version of our top pick is great if you need something that’s easier to swing or that has a more delicate touch for hanging photos or assembling furniture.
$37
fromAmazon
If you need a hammer that’s easier to swing, or you want something with a lighter touch for installing picture hangers or assembling furniture, take a step down in weight to Estwing’s E3-12C. This is the 12-ounce version of the E3-16C, and though it’s smaller and lighter, it’s still well balanced, indestructible, and just as comfortable to grip and swing. This hammer was the favorite of a group of five female testers who looked at it against our top pick. It gets the job done for small stuff—but so does our 16-ounce top pick (which we prefer as a more versatile option, since the 12-ounce hammer can struggle with larger nails).
If you’re taking on ambitious projects, and you’re comfortable using a bigger tool—or you’re simply someone who actively looks for reasons to swing a hammer—we recommend the Estwing E3-20S. Compared with our top pick, this hammer is heavier and longer, which translates into a more powerful swing. The E3-20S also has a straight claw (as opposed to a curved one, like on our other picks), so this hammer is better suited to demolition work and serious prying. The E3-20S has all of the other exceptional hallmarks of an Estwing hammer, including its unadorned simplicity. During my 10 years working in the construction industry, I saw more carpenters using this hammer than any other model.
Top hammer drilling is a popular method used in the mining and construction industries for drilling holes in hard rock surfaces. The success of this method depends heavily on selecting the right drill bit for the job. Top hammer threaded drill bits are an essential component of this drilling technique and are available in various sizes and designs.
In this article, we'll guide you through the factors to consider when selecting the right top hammer threaded drill bit. We'll explore the various designs available, and discuss the factors that affect their performance.
Design:
Top hammer threaded drill bits are available in different designs, including button bits, cross bits, and chisel bits. Each design is suited to a particular drilling application.
Button bits are the most common design and are ideal for drilling through hard and abrasive rock surfaces. Cross bits are suited for drilling through soft and medium-hard rock surfaces. Chisel bits, on the other hand, are used for drilling through hard rock surfaces and are ideal for drilling straight holes.
R32 ROCK DRILLL BUTTON BIT
Size:
The size of the top hammer threaded drill bit is an essential consideration when choosing the right bit for your project. The size of the bit should be matched to the size of the hole you need to drill. Using the wrong size bit can result in an inefficient drilling process and may damage the drill or the rock surface.
T51-89MM T51-152MM BUTTON DRILL BIT
Face Design:
The face design of the top hammer threaded drill bit is another crucial factor to consider. The face design refers to the shape and placement of the buttons or carbide inserts on the bit. Different face designs are suitable for different rock formations.
For instance, a conical button face design is suitable for hard and abrasive rock formations, while a flat button face design is ideal for soft rock formations. The spacing between the buttons or carbide inserts also affects the performance of the drill bit.
T45-76mm with button size 13mm high wear resistance
Shank Design:
The shank design of the top hammer threaded drill bit is also essential. The shank connects the bit to the drill string, and its design can affect the performance of the drilling process. Different shank designs are available, including the standard round shank and the hexagonal shank. The shank design should be matched to the drill rig being used for the project.
Choosing the right top hammer threaded drill bit is crucial for the success of your drilling project. By considering the factors mentioned above, including the design, size, face design, and shank design, you can select the best drill bit for your project. With the right drill bit, you can achieve efficient drilling, save time and money, and ensure the safety of your project.