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Best Claw Hammers

Updated February 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
DEWALT DWHT51048 16 Oz. Rip Claw Hammer
DEWALT
DWHT51048 16 Oz. Rip Claw Hammer
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A powerful hammer with a textured anti-slip grip and a design that makes it easier to set nails into place.

Pros

A 16-ounce hammer made of steel. Weighs 1.52 pounds and measures 13.19 inches long. Has an oval-shaped impact area and nail puller on the side and rear. Gets nails started easily with 1 hand.

Cons

May get chips or dings with use.

Best Bang for the Buck
Irwin Claw Hammer
Irwin
Claw Hammer
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A shock-absorbing hammer with a smooth swing and strong, steady force.

Pros

A 16-ounce hammer made of fiberglass. Features a textured and contoured grip with a sturdy end cap. Minimizes vibration and hand pain. Has a smooth impact area on the steel head. Weighs 1.54 pounds and is 12.75 inches long.

Cons

Head may be prone to dents.

Mr. Pen 8 Oz. Hammer
Mr. Pen
8 Oz. Hammer
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

A compact but powerful hammer with a contoured and textured grip.

Pros

Made of carbon steel with a non-slip grip. Grip is contoured to fit in the hand and has a hole for hanging. Features a nail puller and magnetic nail compartment that starts nails with 1 hand.

Cons

May not work well for larger projects.

Estwing 16 oz. Straight Rip Claw
Estwing
16 oz. Straight Rip Claw
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Claw hammer that's well designed and made to last.

Pros

Great for heavy-duty work, framing, trim, and demolition work. Solid steel. Head molded into handle rather than attached, so won't come loose. Handle designed to reduce shock. Nice balance. Comfortable to use.

Cons

The hammer has a tendency to "sing" when you use it.

Spec Ops SPEC-M22CF Framing Hammer
Spec Ops
SPEC-M22CF Framing Hammer
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Most Comfortable
Bottom Line

A sleek hammer that reduces hand fatigue and offers a swift and accurate swing.

Pros

A 22-ounce carbon steel hammer with a milled face. Features a textured anti-slip grip that absorbs shock. Offers a precise swing and easy-to-use rip claw. Has a magnetic nail holder for starting nails with 1 hand.

Cons

Claw may be lacking in durability.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
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Consumers
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8
Hours
Researched
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A claw hammer enables you to drive or pull nails, and it is often used by woodworkers. For each claw hammer, one side of the head is split and curved. Claw hammers are generally constructed with a head of titanium or other types of metal. They are lightweight and portable and may be used for residential and commercial applications. Additionally, a claw hammer may feature a shock- and vibration-resistant handle. A hammer sometimes comes equipped with a magnetic nail starter function. Hammers frequently include a rough edge on the face of the head that prevents nails from slipping out of place. They are sold in myriad sizes and styles as well.

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