I have been swinging a hammer for over twenty years. My elbows are killing me. I need a diferent hammer from my steel shafted one. Any suggestions?
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SN-60
And away we go.
Titanium no tatanium titanium no titanium. Blah blah blah.
Personaly I swing a "Death stick" both on the job and off. ;) I could break hips with this baby. And the hammer feels good too and no pain.
stiletto titanium framing hammer. a little pricey, but well worth it. Although, nothing beats a nailgun.
14 years ago I got fed up with wood handles breakin, & digging out wedges to put in the new handle. Bought a Vaughn 999 tubular steel, wood core, straight clawed hammer with a 14" handle. Only 20 oz...guys used to kid me about my "miniature tools" but that's okay, whatever works.
Still have the same one tho I bought a spare since, used it to frame, beat on rebar and hang sheetrock, It's never broken or given me tedonitis, tho it's in my hand 4 or 5 hours a day when I'm working. Had to sharpen the claws a few times and it's pretty beat-up.
Jennifer
"Hit the NAIL, dammit!"
Jencar- The Vaughan 999 is good durable hammer and the weight and balance isn't bad either.
Another one you would really like is the Vaughan Ti-tech 16oz. with a fiberglass handle. It has a titanium head with a high carbon heat treated steel striker which is not only replaceable, but has an anti-vibration pad between it and the titanium body. You won't have to sharpen the titanium claws as much either.
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
I've used a Plumb 22 oz w/ fiberglass handle since my first day on the job (for framing). Used to be a guy who came around to your jobsite and would 'sharpen' your waffle head while you ate lunch. Thought this was a great idea until I hit my index finger with my newly sharpened hammer and turned it into beet colored mush. Boy those were the days.
One irritating thing about most metal shafted hammers is that they 'ring' when striking the nails. Maybe the more expensive ones don't do that..........
Had a fiberglass handle once, after a while the material started to splinter off... does Vaughan put some protective coating over that? never have used smaller than 20 oz., maybe as carpal tunnel starts to kick in.
Thanks, Jen
"Insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results" "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" A. Einstein
Vaughan sprays lacquer to the head and some overspray does get on the handle. I know all to well about those tiny glass splinters. I used to work for Vaughan and one of my jobs was to deburr fiberglass handles. I had several different jobs there and it is interesting how a hammer developes.
skaldi
i have the same trouble going into the wrist. i used a steel for years and went to wood . alot better, also try a comprsion wrap that helps also. i guess we just have to face it sometimes, were getting old. but wood really does make a difference
take care
framer
I have 2 Hart hammers and I absolutely love them. My framer is a 21oz with a long straight handle. It came with aa axe handle. I heard they are out of business. What a bummer. I have one replacement handle so eventually I'll have to reno someone elses handle to fit.
"if it doesn't fit get a bigger hammer"
ian
Truehaven,
RElax dude hart is still in business and their hammers are still for sale. I believe Toolcrib has them and Hartville Hardware in Hartville Oh (330) area code has them and also replacement handles. Give them a call.
Mark
Yahoo!
In ontario, can. its hard to find them. I still have some buddies out west which is where I bought mine. Thanks for the tip.
ian
TRue,
No Problem,
Mark
Vaughan & Bushnell is a driver and a wedge from here. I have a few friends that work there so every now and then I end up with a new model to swing for awhile. To bad I'm the cut man on most jobs!
RU,
I bought a Vaughn several years ago (California Framer style with ax handle), and didn't care for it. Wound up giving it to one of my guys who is still using it. I do have a 25 oz Hart smooth face that I like for Framing and trim , yeah you read that right. I use a gun most of the time so the only time the hammer gets used for trim is to lightly tap an errant piece of trim in place, and the big head on the hart is an advantage for that, less likely to create a dent in the trim. Mostly though I just like it's balance. The hammer I carry most though is the venerable Estwing 30 oz for framing and 22oz for everthing else. I don't bang nails all day as the guns take care of most of that. In my opinion no hammer has better balance than an Estwing with the 16 inch handle. Like I said that is my opinion for all you fans of other hammers. You have to use what works for you and one size does not fit all. That said I have been known to yell at the tv, Get a REAL hammer when wathing one of these home improvement shows with some geek trying to pound spikes with a 16 oz. tinkertoy. To each his own I guess.
Mark
Pro
I too have been using the Estwing for years witht at long handle. Only thing that annoying is the handle always banging into my leg when its in the hammer hook. I hate that.
aOne works on oneself, always. That's the greatest gift you can give to community because the more you extricate your mind from that which defines separateness, that defines community. The first thing is to become community. "Ram Dass"http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
GEt yourself an occidental toolbelt/bags and use the leather loop on the front of the right bag. It will eliminate most of the leg-banging as it is mouted up near the top of the bag not down low like most other bags. By the way what's going on with the sponser search?
Mark
Hey truehaven,
I have a Hart "Woody" and was desmayed to find that they weren't making them anymore. My handle is kind of dinged up and I was thinking of carving a new one. Then I stumbled accross the tool company that actually owns the design and now I can order a new handle. douglastools.com
InTheCleftOfHisHand
ford
been swinging for 25. same problem a few years ago. i switched to hart also. but i went with the 16 oz. one hammer for framing an trim. dont miss the weight. and my elbow has not hurt in a very long time. pain is bad. good luck. paul.
I agree, smaller hammer less pain. Remember "SAFETY FIRST".
I use Estwing, you mean there are other brands of hammers out there??? <G>
There are a few other hammers out there Tooldoc - My favorite is the 22oz. Hart Woody (1994) but if I had to list hammers from best to worst for balance, weight, absorption of shock, head size, durability, and grip, it would go like this:
1. Dalluge Sweet Sixteen
2. Vaughan Ti-Tech 16oz
3. Douglas 22oz
4. Dalluge 21 oz.
5. Hart Woody
Now don't start Flamin me. I like the lighter hammers, and I am only listing hammers that are currently available, that can be bought for under $70 bucks.
Some guys like straight handles and some like the curved axe handle.You can buy these hammers either way.Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob,
I don't see an Estwing in that purty arrangement.
Is that cause they are out payin the bills while all those others are posing for pictures?
Mr Tl
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
LOL - Mr. T- Eswings are plentiful and are work hammers indeed, but I'm running out of wall space. I try to collect hammers that don't hang at Lowes or HD. Hammers that are unique and that on occasion, come and go. My Son swings one of those long Estwing "boat anchors" but he's a Union Carp. that has to sometimes, beat the livin daylights outta steel. I do have my Dads old Estwing out in the garage. Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Liked the "hammerfan.jpg", just wondering what your nail collection looks like.
Never a problem, just an opportunity to create a solution... :~}
Thanks Steve- my Galvanized nail collection is stored neatly in cases ready to be loaded into nail guns, on our next deck job. I don't collect them very long becuase they are a little spendy just sittin on the shelf.Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Nice hammer collection. I have a smaller version, but mine is older and wellused. I have my first framing hammer, a 28 oz. Plumb rigging axe. I also have the 1994 Hart Woody. One of the best hammers I ever used. I went to the Stiletto until I found the new model Bob Hart T 1-14. Feels good. For trim, I got the Bob Hart T 1-11. I have a 16 oz. Stiletto fiberglass handle hammer in the collection, too. I'd send pics., but not digital camera or printer. I like your hammer collection, Bob. Good name, too..........
Pro
One question bout yer ring o hammers. How come theyre all sooooo clean?
aOne works on oneself, always. That's the greatest gift you can give to community because the more you extricate your mind from that which defines separateness, that defines community. The first thing is to become community. "Ram Dass"http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Cause dirty hammers aren't worth as much to collectors. These hammers will never hit a nail (what a waste).
Stop by and swing one sometime, just don't hit anything.
I was just given the 18oz. Douglas hammer for Christmas from my local lumber yard. I didn't know Douglas made and 18oz. So the lineup is 18-20-22 and 23oz for the Douglas brand hammers.Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
First off, let me say that I received this hammer as a gift. I DID NOT PAY FOR IT. Now then, I am now using the Stiletto Tibone hammer. I am in heaven. I probably wouldn't have bought it, but now that I have it, it is worth the money. Before someone replies that he bought a nailgun for less money, let me say this: swinging a heavy hammer for years WILL wear on your arm (wrist, elbow, etc.) I personally value my arm for more than the Tibone costs. I use the same logic when I buy a new pair of basketball shoes, a new tool, etc. For example, I read a post by a man who was considering buying the Proctor wall jacks. They are not cheap. His wife told him that they are cheaper than him being home hurt because of lifting something he shouldn't have. That sold him on those jacks. I personally feel that this hammer is worth the money. I know many will disagree, but at least consider this post.
The wood handled Stilettos are a good deal too, but you'll have to replace handles periodically. Hope this helps.
i did not write the post on the wall jacks but had the same experience-they are worth far more than they cost. i posted earlier that i use the hart 16, like pro dek i like lighter hammers- i have stayed away from the titanium cause i hear you cant hit a cats paw with it-and i need to- occasionally. hows yours hold up? paul.
Douglas hammer, 20 oz, wooden handle, side pull claw, steel reinforced, side strike face also. PLUS, a neat magnetised groove in the top of the head for getting nails up high without needing to go into contortions.
Best hammer I have ever used. Keep the estwing for drywall only now cos it leaves the right sized dimple in the sheet, other than that, the Douglas is IT.
Wood Hoon
I have Questions.
How many framers actually drive nails with their hammer these days?
Are the hammers they use matched to the average occasional nail they drive?
And last, if they are just carrying a club to use a small sledge, isn’t that what those fancy new pneumatic sledges are for?
Mr. Jalapeno
I drive a good deal of nails in a day. I use a nail gun for all wall framing and shear nailing and sheathing. Siding is split between hand nailing and using a gun. Sometimes it's safer to only have one gun and hose when you are on a plank 20' up. I handnail birdblocks, rafters, and all the little stuff like fascia and flyrafters, nice soffit (fir). To be honest, I enjoy handnailing. I started out doing that and it's fun and an ego trip to do it and show someone else up.
I have the stiletto T-bone also, love it. It has a removeable/changeable face made of steel, not Ti, so you can whack a cats paw all day long. My original wood handled stiletto had the Ti face, but that never stopped me from striking the cats paw either.
I have 6 crapenters working for me that will use my hammer all day if they could, but would any of them buy their own? Help no, but you should see the truck loads of other WORTHLESS crap they'll buy with their money...fools.
Kieth- you need to get rid of those six crapenters and get six carpenters. heeheeBob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Crapenters is my pet name for them until they gain the experience to be called carpenters. With age and skill they gain wisdom, until they know enough to get their own stiletto, they'll be crapenters.
I agree with you on the Ti - Bone . It is one of the most unique hammers on the market and it will last as long as an Estwing. The only reason I did not list it with the top five is because of it's cost $200. Plus I think the titanium handle should be sandwiched with hickory instead of rubber. That makes it go in & out of your belt loop easier.
Now what I want to know is .........who gives a guy a $200. hammer for a gift?
Glad you are happy with that hammer, it's a beauty. Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Pro-Dek,
My mother-in-law and my mom got me that hammer as a gift. You knew it had to be family! I haven't had any problems with the handle getting hung up on the hammer loop. I use Diamondback bags and the loop is big enough.
Staying dry? I've been getting pretty wet over here in Port Orchard and Bremerton the last couple of weeks.
Hitachi 83A, Vaughn short handle for the pretty stuff inside, a long handle Vaugh 19 oz for the pretty stuff outside the house a long handle Vaughn 28 oz for the 16 sinker work a 3lb Vaughn single jack for bouncing things around when needed and then there is the new fiberglass handled shock head 8lb sledge when those deck joists need replacing, (cant remember who makes it).
TI BONE wanta save money don't but them from stilleto by them from marathon tool 178.00 + shipping I called stilleto and said dont you think it's a little sad when I can buy our tools thru a another vendor for less response yep but you still have to buy it there for that price. I have recieved a lot of comments from my wife you spent how much on a hammer ? we were working a side job a few weeks ago she was swinning my old death stick and we switched off ,she apploigzed after a few swings with the old ti bone. Were all profreesionals here why not use a pro hammer whats 178.00 break down to per swing in a year, I welcome the math! My arm elbow and shoulder alll feel better. small price for comfort. Stilleto wood handles are ok too but I broke 3 handles in 2 weeks got to expensive to swing. by the way I'm not that strong to break 3 handles in 2 weeks bad wood.
20 oz estwing here but i think the senco guns are getting to my elbow.im 48 so i only got 40 to go then im going fishing
I broke two steel handled Craftsman (Vaughn) 16 oz hammers back in the late '60s. Sears then gave me a fiberglas handled job. It took more shock away and never broke. I even bought another one for fun. I hardly use a kinetic stick any more. The handiest use lately was when I was attacked by a rottweiler after just getting out of the car at home and glad to have it by the seat. It feels good in the hand in that situation let me tell you.
Edited 12/28/2002 12:53:24 PM ET by Fonzie
I hope it wasn't the customer's dog. I hope you hauled the body to the dump and never mentioned it to anybody.
The dog was a hazard to the neighborhood and we had been warned about it. When I was in the process of holding off the dog with my large plastic mug trying to get the car unlocked the police drove up. He got distracted for a few minutes and I got the Vaughn. I was surprised how well the dog took the flat side of the hammer when he lunged (I didn't try to give a killing blow), but he had all he wanted. He ended up biting the policeman and they took care of the dog. I covered that splintery fibreglas with electrical tape.
DEATHSTICK !!!!!!!!!