FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

hammers

| Posted in General Discussion on December 18, 2002 03:59am

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?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. geob21 | Dec 18, 2002 04:38am | #1

    SN-60

  2. User avater
    Gunner | Dec 18, 2002 05:05am | #2

    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.

    1. millsie | Dec 18, 2002 05:41am | #3

      stiletto titanium framing hammer.  a little pricey, but well worth it.  Although, nothing beats a nailgun.

    2. Jencar | Dec 22, 2002 08:02pm | #36

      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!"

      1. User avater
        ProDek | Dec 22, 2002 11:11pm | #37

        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"

        1. Redfly | Dec 23, 2002 02:09am | #38

          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..........

        2. Jencar | Dec 24, 2002 04:29am | #39

          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

          1. Saw | Dec 29, 2002 06:22am | #43

            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.

  3. framersmtt | Dec 18, 2002 05:53am | #4

    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

  4. truehaven | Dec 18, 2002 05:55am | #5

    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

    1. kennedy136 | Dec 18, 2002 06:11am | #6

      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

      1. truehaven | Dec 18, 2002 06:22am | #7

        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

        1. kennedy136 | Dec 18, 2002 06:40am | #9

          TRue,

                    No Problem,

                                   Mark

      2. Saw | Dec 18, 2002 06:26am | #8

        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!

        1. kennedy136 | Dec 18, 2002 06:51am | #10

          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

          1. andybuildz | Dec 18, 2002 07:32pm | #12

            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

          2. kennedy136 | Dec 19, 2002 01:34am | #15

            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

    2. Bloodad | Dec 19, 2002 05:37am | #18

      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

  5. Paulgern | Dec 18, 2002 09:23am | #11

    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.

    1. SafetyBoss | Dec 29, 2002 07:00am | #44

      I agree, smaller hammer less pain.  Remember "SAFETY FIRST".

  6. ToolDoc | Dec 18, 2002 09:09pm | #13

    I use Estwing, you mean there are other brands of hammers out there??? <G>

    1. User avater
      ProDek | Dec 18, 2002 09:48pm | #14

      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"

      1. MisterT | Dec 19, 2002 02:42am | #16

        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!

        1. User avater
          ProDek | Dec 19, 2002 04:01am | #17

          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"

      2. sedarch | Dec 20, 2002 12:09am | #24

        Liked the "hammerfan.jpg", just wondering what your nail collection looks like.

        Never a problem, just an opportunity to create a solution... :~}

        1. User avater
          ProDek | Dec 21, 2002 12:51am | #29

          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"

          1. caldwellbob | Dec 21, 2002 07:46am | #35

            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..........

      3. andybuildz | Dec 20, 2002 11:50pm | #26

        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

        1. User avater
          ProDek | Dec 21, 2002 12:43am | #27

          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"

  7. User avater
    Timuhler | Dec 19, 2002 07:09am | #19

    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.

    1. Paulgern | Dec 19, 2002 07:41am | #20

      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.

      1. AJinNZ | Dec 19, 2002 08:37am | #21

        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

        1. MrJalapeno | Dec 21, 2002 02:45am | #32

          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

          1. User avater
            Timuhler | Dec 21, 2002 02:52am | #33

            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. 

      2. BKCBUILDER | Dec 20, 2002 01:16am | #25

        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.

        1. User avater
          ProDek | Dec 21, 2002 12:46am | #28

          Kieth- you need to get rid of those six crapenters and get six carpenters. heeheeBob

          "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

          1. BKCBUILDER | Dec 21, 2002 05:34am | #34

            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.

    2. User avater
      ProDek | Dec 19, 2002 08:40am | #22

      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"

      1. User avater
        Timuhler | Dec 19, 2002 05:33pm | #23

        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. 

    3. noone51 | Dec 24, 2002 08:07am | #40

      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).

  8. FrameBoss | Dec 21, 2002 01:10am | #30

    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.

  9. 92588 | Dec 21, 2002 02:05am | #31

    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

  10. don26299 | Dec 28, 2002 08:52pm | #41

    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

    1. UncleDunc | Dec 28, 2002 09:53pm | #42

      I hope it wasn't the customer's dog. I hope you hauled the body to the dump and never mentioned it to anybody.

      1. don26299 | Dec 30, 2002 09:46am | #46

        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. 

  11. NYCframer | Dec 29, 2002 07:51am | #45

    DEATHSTICK  !!!!!!!!!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Drafting the 2027 IRC

Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data