Are you working on a DIY project or repairing something that requires hammering? You will need to use a high-quality hammer to achieve professional-level results. Using a high-quality hammer will allow you to easily hammer each nail into precisely the right place with precisely the right amount of pressure. It will also help ensure that the surface you’re hammering into stays perfectly intact. What’s more, using one will considerably minimize your risk of injury.
If you’re after a hammer that you can rely on each and every time, we’ve evaluated dozens of options to find the very best ones on the market. All of our top picks can be bought on Amazon, so you can expect them to arrive on your doorstep in no time. When conducting our analysis, we looked at such factors as the type of hammer, the materials used, the comfort level offered, and Amazon reviews.
After careful analysis, we identified the WORKPRO Claw Hammer to be our very top pick. The one-piece drop forged steel hammer offers both durability and strength, as well as a host of other features. To discover why this hammer came out on top and to learn about the other hammers that made our top 5, read on.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hammers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Hammer Overall | WORKPRO Claw Hammer | 4.8 |
| Best Crack Hammer | Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Hammer | Best Choice Stubby Claw Hammer | 4.8 |
| Best Hammer Set | Benchmark 3 Piece Hammer Set | 4.5 |
| Best Fiberglass Hammer | Stalwart Fiberglass Claw Hammer | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Hammer Overall: WORKPRO Claw Hammer
WORKPRO Claw Hammer is a premium hammer that will prove to be useful in any handyperson’s toolkit. As the manufacturers note, it can be used for a range of tasks including driving nails, prying boards, demolition work, splitting wood, fitting parts, and breaking apart objects.
This claw hammer constructed from a one-piece drop forged steel. One of the most eye-catching features is its air-cushioned handle, complete with a textured surface. The attention to detail offered by its non-slip grip will certainly be appreciated by anyone who knows the difficulty—and danger—of hammering without one.
We were also thoroughly impressed by the hammer’s unique air-tech shock control system that works to minimize shock and vibration. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we certainly aren’t the only fans of this hammer, either. To mention but a few of the many glowing comments this hammer has received, customers have noted that it’s “Very well made” and “Very functional,” with a “Perfectly positioned” magnetic nail holder.
WORKPRO Claw Hammer Key Features:
- Constructed from one-piece drop forged steel
- Non-slip grip
- Magnetic nail starter
- Polished and solid head
- Weighs 20 ounces
Best Crack Hammer: Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer
With a reputation for making high-quality tools since 1923, you can trust Estwing to offer the best crack hammer on the market. We’re talking, of course, about the Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer, which measures in at 3 lbs and 11″. This hammer boasts an eye-boggling 4.9 out of 5 star rating from nearly 1000 customers, so you know it’s the real deal.
Just take a look at the quality of the materials used to construct it. The head is made from a forged steel that has been hardened and tempered, with both faces fully polished and beveled. The fiberglass handle is equally magnificent, with its jacketed and textured finish. This hammer can easily be swung to deliver mighty force, so it’s great for projects that require extra powerful blows.
Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer Key Features:
- Forged steel head
- Fiberglass handle
- Weighs 3 lbs
- Ribbed grip
Best Budget Hammer: Best Choice Stubby Claw Hammer
For just over $10, you can be the proud owner of one of the best hammers on the market: the Best Choice Stubby Claw Hammer. Complete with an alloy steel head designed to provide optimal striking strength and a curved claw end for easy nail-pulling, this hammer has all the bells and whistles you need.
Other attractive features include its rust-preventing clear coating, built-in magnetic nail holder, and ergonomically designed anti-shock handle. We particularly love the fact that it can be easily operated one-handed. We also appreciate the durability of the materials used in its construction. Who said a cheap price needs to mean cheap quality?
Best Choice Stubby Claw Hammer Key Features:
- Alloy steel head
- Curved claw end
- Rust-preventing clear coating
- Anti-shock handle
- Weighs just 8 ounces
Best Hammer Set: Benchmark 3 Piece Hammer Set
If you’re looking to add more than one hammer to your toolbox, the Benchmark 3 Piece Hammer Set is your best bet. This 3 piece set includes a 16 oz rip claw hammer, 30mm rubber mallet with a double-sided head for varying surface hardness, and 200g tack and chipping hammer.
Let’s take a closer look at the eye-catching features all three offer. Their heads are made with polished steel while their handles are made with sure-grip fiberglass. Each has a handy hole for easy hanging as well. If that wasn’t assurance enough that this is an excellent buy, Benchmark offers a 1 year satisfaction guarantee to boot.
Benchmark 3 Piece Hammer Set Key Features:
- Rip claw hammer, double-sided rubber mallet, and gram tack and chipping hammer
- Durable fiberglass handles
- 1 year satisfaction guarantee
- Hole for hanging
- Claw hammer weighs 16 ounces
Best Fiberglass Hammer: Stalwart Fiberglass Claw Hammer With Comfort Grip Handle
Don’t let the Stalwart Fiberglass Claw Hammer‘s sweet color fool you: this hammer can be relied on for serious work. The multi-functional hammer is useful for completing a wide range of projects including woodwork, home repair and DIY projects, and hanging household items.
Stalwart’s hammer features a high-strength fiberglass handle with a cushioned grip that makes it easy and comfortable to maneuver. The 4.75″ head is made from high carbon steel that’s built to last. Stalwart is so confident that you’ll be pleased with their hammer that they offer a satisfaction guarantee. But judging from the plethora of 5 star reviews customers have left, we highly doubt you’l be needing it!
Stalwart Fiberglass Claw Hammer Key Features:
- High-strength fiberglass handle
- Comfort grip
- 12 inches long
- 45 carbon steel
- Weighs 12 ounces
The success of your DIY or repair project relies on the use of top-quality materials. Whether it’s a hammer or a telescoping ladder you need, it’s essential that you source great tools to reap great results. Finding a hammer that ticks all the right boxes doesn’t need to be difficult—simply consult our handy guide above.
