New Tool: Hardcore Framing Hammers

comments (11) May 18th, 2011 in Blogs

Justin Fink, Senior Editor

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Photo: Hardcore Hammers

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Hardcore Hammers, a relatively new company, recently got in touch with me about a unique framing hammer. To me, there's no better inventor than a guy who has created a solution to a problem based on his own experience. I don't need an engineer to tell me how a hammer should be designed, I need a veteran framer. Well, having been a carpenter for 16 years, the owner of Hardcore Hammers seems pretty qualified to at least take a stab at offering a better way to bang a nail. And he is doing just that.

The Hardcore Hammer concept is simple: To keep the waffle face of a hammer from wearing smooth, recess it slightly below a smooth outer rim.

I got a sample 19 oz. hammer ($59) to play with, and I can tell you right off the bat that it is well made, with one of the nicest handles I've encountered. There is a magnet/nail-starter slot both above and below the striking face, and the connection between steel head and wooden handle looks stout. The milling on the face of the hammer is a bit rough, but I have no problem chocking that up to a need to work out the kinks on a new product.

But, as a remodeler I only tackle framing on an occasional basis. And I'm also skeptical about some of the maker's claims, particularly that my fingers are going to care that I accidentally smashed them with a recessed waffle face vs. a standard milled hammer head.

So, I want to present this to our loyal readers, what do you think? Don't be shy, let's hear your impressions.

Framing Roofs DVD
by Larry Haun Practical Methods for Efficient Roof Framing $19.95 more info...

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Comments (11)

pinionpine writes: square end face would be good
Posted: 10:13 am on August 19th

Commerce Cherry writes: check, check
Posted: 8:43 pm on July 23rd

gravyvest writes: looks like it would be hard to resharpen
Posted: 10:44 pm on June 11th

loehlke writes: I just went to their website...I think you got a good deal at 59.00. That is 20 dollars less than their site price. I have been framing for quite a while now. I have found the framing hammer I like best is from the local Lowes. Last time I looked they were about $18.00 with a lifetime in store warranty.

One of the things that I like best about my hammer is the claw. It is longer and sharp at the point. The hammer in this article has a short stubby claw.

I am sure they will do well, but for only 18 dollars and lifetime replacement I will stick with Lowes!
Posted: 9:15 pm on June 7th

cragar writes: The hammer I have been using for about a dozen years is the Japanese hammer from Lee Valley tools. I like this one because of the excellent feel, grip and the cats paw claws. Of course it has the slot with magnet for holding a nail to start it "one handed", but one of the best features is the extended head, which allows it to reach around obstructions to get to the nail. This hammer works so well that I use it for framing and finishing as well, even though it has a milled face. One thing I would change though is to "raise the head a little to keep it the uppermost part of the hammer, as the top can glance off a close surface if you are nailing close to another surface. This is not really a problem when you become aware of this protrusion. A square head might offer another improvement though to make it easier to start very small finishing nails. Titanium anyone?
Posted: 12:30 pm on May 31st

Rick_HH writes: Hey guys, saw your comments, and thought I might try to answer some of the questions as best I can. First of all, thanks for all the comments on how good it looks! I've always thought a hammer should at least look as good as the guys swinging it! As far as the balance, and I know I'm biased, but the first thing almost everyone says when they grab it and give it a shake is "Wow! is that titanium? it feels so light!" So it's not just me that thinks it's really well balanced. I made dozens of prototypes to get the finished product just the way we wanted it. To Scott: good question. The answer is no, it doesn't leave the nail above the wood. I worked in Nevada for several years, so I know exactly what you mean. the smooth rim can be used for any final tap to set the nail, if needed, cause usually (for me, anyway,) the momentum from that first swing sinks it all the way. The waffle face is only recessed by a fuzz, so even if you hit it dead center, it's still gonna do the job. The first time I swung this hammer I knew we had a good one. It's light and balanced well enough to swing all day, but still has enough mass to not feel like your hitting something with your purse. And no, it doesn't slip more with the smooth rim, cause if it does, most of the slips would deflect right over to the waffle face, which grips it better. Can it slip? of course. And by the way, if anyone buys one, takes it out of the box and hates it, just send it back unused and I will be happy to refund your$ That is yet to happen. (knock on wood;)
Thanks again for your input! and feel free to contact me through the website. I will get whatever you send there.
Happy Pounding!
Rick
Posted: 1:41 pm on May 20th

redwing44 writes: HI,
Did I miss a photo of the entire handle? I would like to see that. I like the connection between the hammer and the handle. I always wrap that point with shrink plastic and add a little heat. Makes a wooden handle almost unbreakable. Having swung a few hammers in my life, I guess "the proof is in the pudding." Your hammer looks great, but how does it feel---proper balance is not easy to come by. Good to see a new framer on the market. Larry Haun
Posted: 7:10 am on May 20th

talos writes: Since the waffle head is recessed is it slightly harder to drive nails all the way in? I'm imagining hand nailing some plywood- yes, I am that old- and thinking that the recess would leave the head of the nails slightly above the surface of the ply, which is a no-no out here in (potential) earthquake territory. Or is there a circled depression around every nail? Also I wonder if this hammer would 'slip' more of the nail given that part of the face is now smooth? I like the nail holders, the one thing my beloved framing hatchet lacks. Good looking tool. When will Hardcore Hammers be producing a 28oz framing hatchet. Thanks, Scott.
Posted: 11:08 am on May 19th

Amish Electrician writes: Maybe 15 years back, I seem to recall FHB devoting their back cover to some guy who had a massive hammer collection. I think he's earned a 'first run' copy- rough milling and all!

I wonder what holds the disc in place. "Hey Mack- is your hammer rattling again?"

Hard? You want hard? Can you say 'carbide?' Hastelloy?

Now, I can relate to smashed fingers; pro carpenter I'm not. My hammer - which looks like it fell of the Starship Enterprise - is near and dear to me because I can actually hit the nail more often than not. Even when the 'nail' is really a staple, and I'm laying on my back in a crawl space.

Now, that might be a selling angle: our blindfolded carpenter hit the nail twice as often with ours, as compared to with his old favorite.

Still, there are all manner of hammers out there; everything from $3.95 imports to $450 Russian miracle metal wunder-whackers. Another guy promises to 'make the nail bleed,' and a large box store flopped with left-handed hammers. You have a tough row to hoe, and I wish you well.
Posted: 5:24 pm on May 18th

WallaWallaBuilder writes: This hammer looks pretty cool. I have been using the Douglas 20oz framer for the past 6 years and have found no hammer that compares. The design of the head is what sets it apart. The best part of the design is the nail puller in the middle of the head. I use this feature daily. I too am a remodeler and there are always nails to pull out of something and the puller in the middle of the head makes this task simple. The Douglas is tough too. I have never broken a handle and I often use the claw (straight design as well) to chip at concrete and it is still going strong. I have been tempted by the likes of Stilleto and other great brands but I have never found a hammer with the features and reliability of the Douglas. No offense Rick, it looks like your product is top notch!
Posted: 5:19 pm on May 18th

Rick_HH writes: Hey this is Rick over at Hardcore Hammers. I first of all just wanted to say thanks to Justin for giving me this opportunity. I keep hearing about the skepticism about the "finger smashing protection" we claim. I cannot emphasize enough that hitting your finger with a hammer will hurt, and most likely do some serious damage with a direct blow, I don't care if it's with a rubber mallet swung by my 4 year old. All I'm saying is that in my experience, when you make that first tap to start the nail, which is about a 10% swing, and almost always when I smoosh my digits, I'd rather do it with a smooth faced hammer, since the teeth do what they are supposed to do... bite hard! That's only a minor detail of the hammer, since it real purpose is to be a smooth faced hammer with a waffle face, so you can use it for rough and finish work at the same time, and the teeth outlast any hammer I've ever come across. I know I'm biased, but try me! I've been a carpenter since high school, and have 2 brothers that are also. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hear some honest comments!!
Rick Spencer, owner
Hardcore Hammers

ps We got that kink you mentioned worked out:)
Posted: 3:01 pm on May 18th

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