A Complete Guide Hammers: 19 Different Hammers You Should Know

Whether for industrial or DIY use, the hammer is undeniably one of the most essential and user-friendly tools in any toolkit. Regardless of the type, the basic operation of a hammer involves striking with force to deliver a powerful impact. This straightforward action requires simply swinging the hammer with enough force and precision to achieve the desired effect on the material being struck. However, despite its simplicity, there is a wide variety of hammers available, each designed for different materials and applications, making it crucial to select the right hammer for the job.

In this post, we’ll explore the various types of hammers, categorizing them into general-purpose hammers, specialized hammers for specific tasks, metalworking hammers, soft-faced/non-marring hammers, heavy-duty hammers for applying significant force, and precision hammers for delicate work. By the end, you'll have the information you need to choose the perfect hammer for your needs.

General-Purpose Hammers

In this section, we shall consider some versatile tasks, used in a variety of construction, carpentry and general household tasks.

Claw Hammer

A claw hammer is a versatile tool essential in both professional and DIY settings. Its design features a flat striking face for driving nails and a curved claw for removing them, making it ideal for tasks like carpentry, construction, and general household repairs. The handle, made from materials like wood, fiberglass, or metal, is designed for durability and comfort, often with an ergonomic grip to reduce hand fatigue. Claw hammers come in various weights, allowing for precision in delicate work or more forceful strikes for heavy-duty tasks. Beyond driving and removing nails, the claw can be used for prying objects apart and light demolition, such as removing trim or breaking small materials. This dual functionality and practicality make the claw hammer an indispensable tool for a wide range of applications. This claw hammer from Dogyu is lightweight and ideal for such tasks.

Framing Hammer

Another general-purpose hammer used for heavy duty construction work is the framing hammer. It typically features a heavy head, ranging from approximately 550 to 900 grams, which allows for powerful strikes to drive large nails efficiently. The hammer often has a milled or serrated face to grip nail heads securely, reducing slippage. Its longer handle provides greater leverage, making it easier to drive nails into tough materials. A framing hammer usually has a straight claw, ideal for prying apart boards, removing nails, and light demolition tasks. Built for durability, framing hammers are made from robust materials like wood, fiberglass, or steel, ensuring they withstand the rigors of construction work. Their design makes them indispensable for anyone involved in serious carpentry work.

A good example of a framing hammer, is this Framing and Demolition Hammer from Dogyu, which has a 30 mm diameter striking surface, and features a non-slip grip and a lightweight handle for ease of use.

Club Hammer

A club hammer, also known as a lump or drilling hammer, is a versatile, general-purpose tool characterized by its short handle and double-faced head. Typically weighing between 0.5-2 kg, it offers a balanced combination of power and control. The hammer's compact size makes it easier to handle compared to a full-sized sledgehammer. It is commonly used for driving chisels and masonry nails, performing light demolition work, and striking stakes. The hammer's versatility makes it useful in construction, metalwork, and small demolition tasks, especially where precision and controlled force are needed. The head is usually made of forged steel, and the handle can be crafted from materials like wood, fiberglass, or steel for durability and comfort.

Specialized Hammers

Contrasting with the general-purpose hammers discussed so far, are the following hammers designed for a specific task or field.

Brick Hammer

A brick hammer, also known as a mason's hammer, is a specialized tool designed for masonry work, particularly for cutting, shaping, and setting bricks, stones, and other materials. It features a dual-head design with a chisel-like blade on one side for scoring and cutting, and a square striking face on the other for hammering and breaking materials. Constructed from high-carbon steel, brick hammers are durable and built to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty work. The short, sturdy handle, often made from wood, fiberglass, or metal, is designed for firm grip and shock absorption, making the tool easier to control. Weighing approximately 450 to 680 grams, the hammer is well-balanced for effective use without causing excessive strain. This tool is essential for various masonry tasks, including setting bricks, splitting stones, removing mortar, prying materials, and driving nails, making it versatile and indispensable on construction sites.

Rock Hammer

A rock hammer, also known as a geological hammer or rock pick, is a specialist tool essential for geological fieldwork, archaeology, and paleontology. Typically made of durable steel, it features a dual-head design: one end has a chisel or pointed pick for breaking and splitting rocks, while the other has a flat striking face for general hammering tasks. The handle is shock-absorbing, providing comfort and reducing hand fatigue during use. Rock hammers are primarily used for breaking rocks into smaller pieces, splitting rock layers to expose fossils or minerals, and collecting clean samples. They are also effective in excavation and digging, analyzing rock properties, and clearing debris at excavation sites. Their balanced weight and durable construction make them ideal for precise and efficient geological work.

Welding Hammer

A welding hammer, or chipping hammer, is a specialized tool used particularly for cleaning up and finishing welds. It features a dual-head design with a pointed tip for breaking slag and a chisel end for scraping and smoothing weld beads. Typically made from high-carbon steel for durability, these hammers are heat-treated to withstand the demands of welding tasks. Many models include a spring-handled grip to absorb shock and reduce vibration, enhancing comfort during extended use. Compact and lightweight, welding hammers are ideal for precise work in tight spaces. Their primary uses include removing slag, cleaning weld beads, eliminating spatter, and preparing surfaces before applying coatings.

Drywall Hammer

A drywall hammer, also known as a drywall hatchet, is a specialized tool for working with drywall or plasterboard. It features a dual-sided head with a flat, square striking face for driving nails and a hatchet-style blade for scoring, cutting, or trimming drywall. The waffle-faced striking surface grips nail heads better, preventing slippage, while a nail puller notch aids in nail removal. The hammer is lightweight, well-balanced, and often includes a shock-absorbing handle for comfort during extended use. Primarily used for nailing, scoring, and cutting drywall, it ensures efficient, precise, and professional drywall installation and repair.

Metalworking Hammers

The following hammers are mainly used in blacksmithing, sheet metal work, engineering, and other metalworking purposes.

Ball Peen Hammer

A ball peen hammer, also known as a machinist’s hammer, is a specialized tool primarily used in metalworking. It features a dual-faced head, with one flat side for general striking and a rounded "peen" for shaping and forming metal. Typically made from hardened steel for durability, ball peen hammers come in various sizes, ranging from around 225 to 900 grams. Common uses include riveting, metal shaping, and peening—a process that strengthens metal surfaces. While essential in metal fabrication and blacksmithing, it can also be used for precise general hammering tasks.

Cross Peen Hammer

Like the ball peen hammer, the cross peen hammer has a flat striking surface on the opposite side of the peen, used for general hammering tasks, but, in contrast to the ball peen, the cross-peen hammer has a wedge-shaped, narrow peen that is oriented perpendicular to the handle. Whereas the ball peen hammer is better suited for rounding edges, forming rivets, and peening, commonly used in general metal shaping, riveting, and machinist work, the cross peen hammer is ideal for directional metal shaping, creating grooves, and precise tasks in blacksmithing, woodworking, and sheet metal work.

Planishing Hammer

A planishing hammer is a specialized tool used in metalworking to smooth and refine metal surfaces, particularly after rough shaping. It features a dual-faced head with a flat, smooth side for removing imperfections and a slightly domed side for evenly distributing force to avoid dents. Typically made from hardened steel, the hammer is lightweight, usually ranging from around 225 grams to 900 grams, allowing for precise control. It's commonly used in applications like automotive restoration, aircraft manufacturing, metal art, and jewelry making, where fine detailing and polished finishes are essential. The planishing hammer is ideal for shaping sheet metal, forming gentle curves, and achieving smooth, blemish-free surfaces in various crafts and industries.

Blacksmith Hammer

A blacksmith hammer, also known as a forging hammer, is a robust tool designed for shaping hot metal. It typically features a heavy, dual-faced head made of hardened steel, with one flat striking face for general hammering and a rounded or slightly domed face for spreading or drawing out metal. This hammer tends to be on the heavier side, ranging from 1 to 4 kilograms, providing the necessary force for forging. Commonly used in blacksmithing, it is essential for tasks like drawing, bending, and forming metal. Its durable handle, often made of wood or fiberglass, ensures control and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Engineering Hammer

An engineering hammer, also known as an engineer’s or machinist’s hammer, is a versatile tool used in metalworking and light forging. It features a dual-faced head with a flat side for shaping metals and a rounded or cross peen side for riveting and detailed work. Typically weighing between 0.5 to 1.4 kilograms, these hammers are made from hardened steel for durability. They are ideal for tasks like hammering out dents, shaping metal, and spreading rivet heads. In addition to its use in metalworking applications, the engineering hammer is a general-purpose tool essential in various engineering applications.

Soft-Faced/Non-Marring Hammers

In contrast to some of the brute force hammers described above, this section covers hammers designed to strike surfaces without leaving marks.

Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet is a versatile tool featuring a soft rubber head that prevents damage to surfaces, making it ideal for delicate tasks. Lighter than metal hammers, rubber mallets come in various sizes to suit different needs. They are commonly used in sheet metal work for shaping without damage, woodworking to assemble joints without marring, and tile setting to position tiles without breaking. Additionally, they are useful in gardening for installing stakes, upholstery and crafts for securing parts, general construction tasks where a softer impact is required, and leisure pursuits such as putting up tents. The non-marring nature of the rubber head ensures precision and care in various applications.

 Sometimes mallets will be of other materials, such as plastic, such as this one from Dogyu, which is good for bending and striking materials, such as, you guessed it, plastic. This rubber flooring hammer, also from Dogyu, is specifically designed for use with flooring materials. Others will have a dual head made of different materials, such as this one from Vessel, which combines rubber and plastic, for different tasks. 

Dead Blow Hammer

A dead blow hammer is a specialized tool designed to minimize rebound and provide controlled, non-damaging impacts. It features a hollow head filled with steel shot or sand, which absorbs shock and reduces rebound. The non-marring surface, typically made of rubber or plastic, prevents damage to struck surfaces. This design allows for precise force distribution, making it ideal for automotive repair (e.g., dislodging stuck parts and hubcap installation), woodworking (e.g., knocking joints together without denting), metalworking (e.g., seating workpieces in a vise), and construction tasks that require precision and care. The hammer’s controlled impact is essential in tasks requiring accurate handling.

Soft-Faced Hammers

Soft-faced hammers, made from materials like brass, nylon, or rawhide, are ideal for tasks requiring precision and avoiding surface damage. Unlike standard alloy steel hammers, soft-faced hammers are used in metal forming to shape metals without damaging their surfaces, making them essential for visible finishes. They are also preferred in positioning tasks, such as fitting gears or shafts in machining, as they prevent damage to machine parts. Additionally, craftspeople, like jewelry makers, use them to manipulate delicate settings without harming the materials. Soft-faced hammers are also valuable in woodworking and instrument making, protecting surfaces and finishes during construction.

Heavy Duty Hammers

The hammers in this section are the ones you choose when you really need to do some damage, such as in demolition work.

Sledgehammer

A sledgehammer is a powerful tool designed for heavy-duty tasks, featuring a large, heavy head typically made of hardened steel. It has two flat striking surfaces and is attached to a long handle, usually 60 to 90 cm, which allows for significant leverage and force. The sledgehammer is ideal for demolition work, such as breaking down walls and concrete, driving stakes and posts, and dislodging trapped objects. It is also used in railroad construction for driving spikes and in emergency situations for rescue operations. Its durable construction and high impact force make it essential in various construction and industrial applications. Examples include these dual combination 1lb sledge hammers from Tone. KTC, and Kakuri Ryuzo, each of which comes with a combination of different heads for multiple tasks. A slighter lighter sledgehammer is this 375 g model from Kakuri Ryuzo, whereas if you want something a bit more heavy duty, you should check out this 4lb shock-resistant sledgehammer from Tonkachi.

Power Hammer

A power hammer is a mechanized tool widely used in blacksmithing, metalworking, and industrial forging to deliver rapid, powerful blows for shaping and manipulating metal. It operates through mechanically, using electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems and provides consistent, controlled impact. Key features include a heavy anvil and ram driven by a motor, adjustable force for versatility, and foot or hand controls for precise operation. Power hammers are available in various sizes, suitable for both small workshops and large industrial settings. They are essential for metal shaping, forging, and forming tasks, offering speed and efficiency in creating tools, components, and artistic metalwork, making them invaluable in both craft and industrial applications.

Dogyu, a famous toolmaker, from Miki City in Hyogo Prefecture, have a wide range of hammers for use with demolition tasks, including this cutting tip hammer, which is suitable for chipping and breaking light stone and wood. It also has combination tools such as this combination of a hammer and a hex wrench, and this hammer and socket wrench combination.

Light Duty/Precision Hammers

In this last section, the hammers are designed for tasks that require precision and delicate work, and are often related to finishing tasks or for use with lightweight materials

Tack Hammer

A tack hammer is a specialized tool designed for precision work involving small nails, tacks, and brads, particularly in upholstery and detailed tasks. It is lightweight, typically weighing between 140 to 280 grams, making it easy to control. The hammer has a narrow head with a dual-faced design: one side is flat for driving tacks, while the other may be magnetic to hold tacks in place for precise positioning. Tack hammers are commonly used in upholstery to drive tacks without damaging fabric, in woodworking for attaching trim or moldings, in crafts and DIY projects, and in picture framing to secure small components.

Trim Hammer

A trim hammer is a specialist hammer that is ideal for finishing carpentry and precision woodworking tasks. Its lightweight and balanced design, featuring a small, smooth striking face and a straight claw, makes it perfect for driving small nails and working with delicate trim pieces without causing damage. The compact claw is useful for removing small fasteners and prying in tight spaces, while the ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control during extended use. This hammer is essential for tasks like installing molding, assembling cabinetry, and other detailed work where accuracy and a clean finish are crucial. 

Hammers For All Jobs

Are you searching for a general-purpose hammer for household tasks and framing, or do you need a specialized hammer for specific jobs like brickwork or welding? Perhaps you’re looking for a hammer to assist with metalworking, or one designed to strike and manipulate surfaces without leaving marks. Whether you need a heavy-duty sledgehammer or power hammer for serious demolition, or a light-duty hammer for finishing work and lightweight materials, there’s a hammer tailored to every task. As we’ve explored in this post, the wide variety of hammers available ensures you’ll be able to find the perfect tool for any job.

What kind of hammers do you use most in your everyday life? Let us know in the comments.