Shark - 20-2110 SharkGrip Hammer

Editor's Review: Lightweight Hammer

My first impression of my new helper, Sean, was really of the hammer he was using. "Let me see that hammer you're packing. It looks like an aardvark," I said. "What is that thing?"

"It's a SharkGrip. Check it out," he said. The slender, 15-in. fiberglass handle felt great and fit my hand nicely. The head was the most distinctive feature, with short cat's-paw-like claws, a long snout and an oversize face. Sean encouraged me to give it a try, and by lunchtime, I was convinced. I drove to the lumberyard and plunked down $30 for my own SharkGrip. I love the feel and length of the handle, and the balance of the head.

Although the face is a bit large for trim work, I use my SharkGrip for everything else. A 14-oz. hammer may seem light for some carpenters, but the long handle generates plenty of leverage for driving nails. The claws are one of the best features. Finely ground to a precise V, they will grip and pull even 16-ga. nails driven by a pneumatic trim nailer.

The SharkGrip is also available with a waffle face (model no. 20-2120).

Editor Test Results: