If you are looking for a new hammer but don’t know which one to buy, this article is perfect for you! We will be discussing the different types of hammers and what their uses are. There are many types of hammers out there, so hopefully, reading this article will help make your decision easier.

Why You Need A Hammer?

A hammer is a tool that we use to drive nails into wood or other surfaces. We can not really imagine our lives without these tools as they make some of the most common household tasks such as hanging a picture, building something, and even driving screws easier for us. Here are some of the benefits of having a hammer in your home:

Drive Nails Into Different Surfaces

Hammer helps you drive nails into different surfaces. It can be wood, metal, or any other sturdy material to hold the nail in place when hammered.

Different Heads for Different Uses

Hammer comes with an assortment of heads that you can attach on top of the handle depending upon what kind of job you will do next. Some have clawed sides so that they could pull off old nails easily, while others come flat at one end and point at another giving them a wide range of uses like breaking things apart etc.

Build Things Easily With Hammer

A hammer makes it easy for anyone to build things because it helps drive in screws as well as pry boards loose from their current position without damaging either surface very badly. They also help build other things like sheds, tables, etc.

Nail Holes Are Easily Repaired With Hammer

A hammer can also be used to repair any nail holes that might have been made on the surface of your choice because it allows you to pull out nails easily after they are hammered into place at different angles which are not possible with a screwdriver or pliers for example. You will not need an expert carpenter to fix all these small problems around your home anymore once you buy yourself this tool.

Hammers Are Inexpensive And Last For A Long Time

This tool is very inexpensive and can also last for a long time. You do not need to buy new ones that often or get your old ones repaired from the local hardware shop because it requires minimum repairs until you decide to replace them with newer versions of course. If well-taken care of, a hammer’s life expectancy may be up to ten years, making them even more cost-effective over time when compared with other tools in its category.

Types Of Hammers: Which One Is Best Suited For Your Job?

1. Ball Peen Hammer

This type of hammer has two different ends on either side; pointed and round. The pointed end should usually be used whenever there are nails that need to be driven into some type of work surface or another piece of material. The round end should generally only be used on surfaces that are not easily dented and bent, such as metal or concrete.

2. Cross Peen Hammer

This type of hammer typically features an elongated head that is straight across with the opposite being tapered off at either end. They are great tools whenever you need to make big dents in some material, although it should not feel like driving a nail through wood or something similar because it could damage these surfaces easily if necessary.

3. Tack Hammer

This type of hammer has an elongated head with one end being flat and the opposite blunt instead. The heads typically have very small faces so they are only suitable when there are nails needed to be driven into things such as upholstery or leatherwork.

These types of hammers usually have strong tempered steel heads which makes them quite durable while providing superior striking power compared to other models available today.

4. Pipe Hammer

This type of hammer typically has a wooden handle and an elongated head with two different ends; flat and round. The heads usually have tempered steel faces so they will not easily bend while being able to provide superior striking power when it comes time to drive in some sort of nail or other material needed within your workspace.

5. Stick Hammer

A stick hammer has an elongated handle with one end having a metal cap which can have flat, round, chisel-shaped faces depending on what kind of material needs to be driven within your workspace.

This type of hammer typically has fiberglass or metallic shaft so they are able to provide excellent strength and durability while still remaining lightweight enough (under two pounds) for easy handling without fatigue over long periods at work. A lighter-weight option like this makes them ideal for high-volume tasks where you are pounding in a lot of nails.

6. Round Head Hammer

A round head hammer has one flat face on the top with a very slight dome shape to it that is surrounded by an open circle where you would grip this tool at the end of its handle which typically measures between sixteen inches for smaller hands to twenty-four inches long depending on your specific needs. These are also lightweight tools but only have metal handles so they tend to be more expensive than stick hammers.

7. Sledge Hammer

A sledge hammer (also known as a cracking hammer) is the largest and strongest type of hammer. It has a shorter handle than other types, usually about 18 inches long. Its head weighs between seven and nine pounds, while its length ranges from 12 to 26 inches.

The sledge hammer uses both arms to swing it in an arc at high speed directly into whatever needs breaking; this makes it ideal for demolition work such as knocking down walls or concrete slabs.

8. Claw Hammer

The claw hammer looks almost exactly like a modern, standard hammer – with one major difference. The head is not flat but instead has a very sharp 90-degree angle on the other side of it that allows you to pull nails out of materials without damaging them at all. This also makes this tool ideal for tasks where precision and control are extremely important as well.

9. Framing Hammer

A framing hammer has a flat head on both sides of the tool with one side being smooth and the other having an array of different sizes for its claw that is used to pull nails out from building materials.

It also features a squared-off neck near where you hold it which creates more surface area between your hand and what it is resting upon so that there are fewer chances of slippage while trying to remove or set nails during work.

Framing hammers can be used in just about any type of home improvement application, including drywall installation; floor tile, carpet, laminate or sheet vinyl installations, furniture assembly/disassembly, and many basic home repairs projects around the house as well.

10. Stick Hammer

A Stick hammer basically looks like an oversized version of a regular hammer. It is called stick because it has a wooden handle which makes this type even more durable than other types on the market today.

Like round head hammers, these are also lightweight tools but have plastic or metal handles that can be found in sizes between ten to twenty inches typically with most being made out of either aluminum alloy or magnesium giving them an ultra-lightweight design without sacrificing too much durability when compared to its counterparts like sledgehammers and framing hammers.

Stick hammers are usually used in construction which is why they can be found at most hardware stores. These tools are great for smaller jobs where you do not need to drive nails into concrete or other very hard surfaces that require a lot of force and pressure, but rather something lighter like wood boards or sheet metal.

11. Curved Claw Hammer

A curved claw hammer is a two-headed hammer, meaning the head on one side of the handle looks exactly like a common claw hammer but with an extra curve that creates another sharp angle. This allows you to remove nails from materials without worrying about damaging them and makes it ideal for tasks such as building furniture or other projects where precision and control are extremely important factors during use.

Curved claw hammers can be used in just about any home improvement application, including hanging pictures; assembling/disassembling bedroom or dining room furniture, and many others around your house, including wall art installation/removal shelf assembly, putting together cabinets among many others.

12. Mallet Or Rubber Hammer

Mallet or rubber hammers are usually used in woodworking applications, but they can also be found in the construction industry as well. These types of tools feature a very soft head made out of either plastic or rubber which is why it’s called a mallet and not an actual hammer.

This design allows you to use these tools on different materials without worrying about damaging them while still giving off enough force that will allow you to drive nails into surfaces like cement and other hard building materials with ease.

These tools are commonly employed by carpenters for their convenience when hitting wooden objects because there is less chance of chipping when compared to standard metal claw hammers due to their softer heads.

This is why it’s the preferred tool for many carpenters who use their tools on a regular basis and need something that will help them get the job done without any hassles or worries about damaging materials during usage.

13. Nail Hammer

A nail hammer looks almost exactly like your standard claw hammer except there is no grip area between where you hold onto its handle and what you use to drive nails in with which makes this type of design extremely lightweight while keeping everything else pretty much unchanged from other types including its weight, durability, etc.

These tools are best used when assembling wooden objects like chairs, cabinets, and other furniture in the home which is why they can also be found at most hardware stores around your area.

They’re a great tool for working on smaller projects where you do not need to apply too much force or pressure during use but something with a little more convenience that makes it easier to work with than traditional claw hammers while still providing plenty of power behind each strike without fear of damage due to its design.

14. Club Hammer

A club hammer is a two-headed heavy-duty type of hammer that’s used when you need to drive in nails into surfaces such as concrete, stone, and other hard building materials. 

This tool features a large head with an extended handle for more power behind each strike which makes it easier to use than standard claw hammers because they lack any sort of grip area between the head and where you hold onto its handle making these tools ideal for construction professionals who may encounter situations like this during their job on a regular basis day after day.

Club hammers are used for a variety of different functions and tasks depending on the job at hand. For instance, if you’re working as an electrician installing wiring into walls or ceilings then this type of hammer is ideal because it can easily break those tiles and plasterboard to make way for all your new wiring without much effort from yourself.

15. Electrician Hammer

This hammer is designed specifically for electricians who may encounter situations where they need to break tiles and plasterboard in order to install wire into new places within your home or business.

This type of tool features a flat head that’s attached with an extended handle which allows you to get the job done much easier than using traditional claw hammers without damaging surfaces around it while also saving yourself time when working on other projects later down the road.

These tools are best used for construction purposes during tasks like installing wiring either through walls, ceilings, or anywhere else hidden inside your property among many different applications since these types of hammers work great at breaking hard materials such as plasterboards and tiles easily so you can finish up whatever job is at hand.

16. Welding Hammer

A welding hammer is one of many tools used by individuals who work with metal, including blacksmiths, knife makers, or any other variety of craftsman that may need to shape metals into certain shapes, especially before they can be sold.

This type of tool features a heavy head and an extended handle just like club hammers, but this hammer is used to drive in chisels and other types of metal shaping tools called hot punches.

Welders carry these items around with them everywhere they go because there’s always something that needs to be shaped or formed into a certain type of style or design during the process of welding.

This type of hammer is also used for a variety of different tasks that blacksmiths, knife makers or any kind of craftsman may encounter when working with metals no matter what the application may be like whether it’s on an industrial level or even at home in your garage during your free time to make things yourself among many other possibilities.

17. Drywall Hammer

A drywall hammer is yet another type of tool used by electricians, but it’s for something entirely different this time. 

This particular kind of tool features a heavier head with an extended handle just like the club and welding hammers before it so you don’t have to worry about preparing too much power or force behind your strikes when using these tools because they have a bit more weight to them when compared to claw hammers which makes it easier for you.

These tools are used in the same way as welding hammers but instead they’re designed specifically for hanging up drywall sheets onto walls, ceilings, or any other type of surface among many different applications that may come up in your line of work.

This type of hammer works great for a variety of different applications and is often used by individuals who are looking to hang drywall onto surfaces but sometimes this tool can also be used when you’re working with other types of projects where there’s some sort of sheet material involved such as insulation, hardibacker or any other kind of surface that may work for your needs.

18. Bushing Hammer

A bushing hammer is a type of tool that’s designed specifically for carpenters who need something with just the right amount of weight and force behind it when they’re working on different types of projects.

This particular kind or style features a lighter head but still comes equipped with an extended handle which allows you to work more efficiently without having too much weight behind your strikes.

These tools are designed for individuals who work with wood on a variety of different applications which include but aren’t limited to; installing floors, hanging doors, or cabinets among many other similar tasks that may come up in either the commercial or residential property market so you can get more done in a shorter amount of time without requiring too much power or force to get the job done.

19. Stoning Hammer

This type of hammer has a head made from one piece and is also called cobble, rock, or maul. It has the ability to break up hard surfaces like concrete blocks with ease.

These tools are designed for individuals who work with stones on a variety of different applications which include but aren’t limited to; setting stone, cutting, and sculpting among many other types of tasks that may come up in either the commercial or residential property market so you can get more done in a shorter amount of time without requiring too much power or force to get the job done.

20. Finishing Hammer

A finishing hammer is a lightweight, small-headed hammer that has a medium-length handle. They are often made out of wood or plastic rather than metal because they require less force to use. The heads usually have a ball-shaped end that allows them to be struck against chisels without damaging the head.

This type of hammer can be used on smaller jobs. For example, you might use a finishing hammer when assembling furniture or installing picture frames for your wall. Finishing hammers are also useful when working with lighter materials such as wood and plastic, which require less force to drive in nails than metal does.

21. Chasing Hammer

A chasing hammer is another type of tool that’s designed specifically for use by individuals who work in the jewelry-making industry. This particular kind or style features a lightweight head but still comes equipped with an extended handle which allows you to work more efficiently without having too much weight behind your strikes while also giving you better maneuverability and control over the hammer itself when compared to other types.

These tools are designed for individuals who work with stones on a variety of different applications which include but aren’t limited to; making stone beads, forming metal into shapes, or creating other types of jewelry among many other tasks that may come up in either the commercial or residential property market so you can get more done in a shorter amount of time without requiring too much power or force to get the job done.

22. Soft Hammer

A soft hammer is another name for a plastic mallet. This type of tool has either one or two heads that are made out of rubber or plastic rather than metal which makes them lighter in weight but still durable enough to be used when completing even the toughest tasks effectively and efficiently without causing damage to whatever material you’re pounding on top of at the time.

These tools can be used for a variety of tasks that include but aren’t limited to; installing tiles, putting together furniture, or assembling anything else made out of plastic, wood, or other types of softer materials that require less force and power from the hammer itself when compared to metal objects in order to get the job done.

23. Roofers Hammer

A roofers hammer is another type of tool that’s designed specifically for use by individuals who work in the field of construction. It has a head made out of steel, and it’s designed to be strong enough so that when you hit the nail with this type of hammer, it will drive right through even tough surfaces like shingles.

A roofers hammer can be used pretty much anywhere that you need to drive a nail into something. It’s designed specifically for tough surfaces, and it has a strong head on the end of its handle. This type of tool is also known as an “upper crust” or “shingle-style” hammer because it’s so common among people who work on roofing projects.

24. Scutch Hammer

A scutch hammer is a type of hammer that is pointed on one side and flat on the other. It comes with ridges so it can be used to remove small particles from things like steel, stone, or wood by cutting them out. It can also be used to punch holes through wood, metal, and other materials.

Since a scutch hammer is considered a type of engineer’s hammer, it can be used in almost any setting that requires precision. For example, a construction worker would use the scutch hammer to remove small foam pieces stuck in between two surfaces. It can also be used by someone who is into metalworking and needs to remove excess material from around an object they’re working on.

25. Planishing Hammer

A planishing hammer is another type of tool that’s designed for use by individuals who work in the field of metalworking.

This particular kind of style has a head with flat faces on both sides so when you hit it, the face moves towards the material being worked on which allows you to flatten out any surfaces quickly and efficiently without having too much power behind your strikes.

A planishing hammer can be used for a variety of different tasks and functions, but they’re most commonly used by people who work with metals on some type of an industrial level or commercial setting because it’s easier to get the job done faster since you don’t have to use as much force with this type of hammer.

26. Rip Hammer

A rip hammer has a relatively wide, flat face with no bevel. The cross-sectional profile is generally rectangular in shape and allows for clean, straight rips across the grain of the wood when being cut.

A rip hammer is primarily used in carpentry work to create, straighten and smooth the edges of boards. It’s an ideal choice when working with wood that has been cut along the grain since it won’t leave marks or splinters like other types of hammers might do.

27. Brass Hammer

A brass hammer is a tool with one flat, smooth face and the other side features ridges. Brass hammers are made for use in places where you need to hit something without causing damage or leaving marks on whatever material it’s being used against.

For example, individuals who work in the field of dentistry use this type of hammer to remove old fillings from teeth without harming anything else. They can also be used by people who need to take off a rusted bolt since it won’t cause any damage like other types of tools might do.

28. Demolition Hammer

A demolition hammer is one that has an extremely heavy head with the opposite side featuring a flat face. Known as either an “upset” or “wrecking” hammer, they’re most commonly used to tear down things like brick walls and other types of building materials.

29. Trim Hammer

Trim and finish work is the most common use for a trim hammer. The head of this hammer may be used to lightly tap in picture hangers, small nails, or any other item that requires delicate attention without marring the material being nailed down. Trim hammers also come with magnetized tips which can help you place screws where you want them.

30. Blacksmith’s Hammer

A Blacksmith hammer is a large mallet-like hammer with a large head and a long handle. This is the traditional blacksmith’s hammer, but it can have other uses as well.

Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Hammers 

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a new hammer is selecting one that’s too small or too large for the intended job.

Another mistake they might make is choosing a tool with a head that either has way too much weight behind it, which can cause you to have trouble controlling it, or far less than what you actually need in order to get things done properly.

This will typically result in having to go back and purchase another type of hammer down the road after realizing your first choice wasn’t suitable for doing any jobs at all. Moreover, you also don’t want to choose a tool that’s too lightweight since it might break easily.

How To Buy The Right Hammer For Your Project

The Size Of The Hammer

The size of the hammer is going to depend on what you’re planning on using it for. Thinner, lighter hammers are typically used in a home setting while larger ones with bulkier heads can be found in industrial settings where there’s more heavy-duty work being done.

The Grip

Make sure that the grip is ergonomically designed for easy handling so you can get the job done without having to worry about an aching wrist in the process. It would also be beneficial if it has rubber grips. They will provide more comfort and allow you better control when working with your hammer, particularly during jobs requiring precision.

The Weight Of The Hammer

As mentioned earlier, choosing one that’s too heavy or too light won’t work well for most tasks, so every purchase should have both of these factors taken into consideration beforehand.

For example, even though some people might prefer something lighter when used incorrectly lighter tools are just as much at risk for breaking as their heavier counterparts are. As such,  what type of materials you’re going to use the hammer for will play a key role in making your final decision.

The Head Of The Hammer

Since this is where the actual striking surface of the tool is, it’s important to get one that won’t bend or break easily under pressure; otherwise, you’ll end up wasting money on something that doesn’t function properly.

This means opting for steel heads instead of anything made out of plastic since they’re far more durable and can take repeated use without getting damaged which might not be true with other materials.

Tips On Care And Maintenance Of Your Hammer

If you want your hammer to last for a long time, make sure you know how to use it properly and that it’s clean and dry before storing it. Also, take care not to drop or hit the tool against hard surfaces since this could cause damage over time.

If possible,  don’t store them in places where they’re exposed to direct heat either especially during summertime when there are chances of sunlight reaching them while also increasing the temperature inside your home, which might impact how well the tools will work once taken out again.

When To Replace A Hammer?

A good rule is if any portion of the head has become chipped, cracked, warped, or bent at all, then it should be tossed immediately so as not to prevent injury to yourself or anyone else who might be nearby.

If you follow all these tips, it should be much easier for you to find the right one that will work well for your needs without going through any trouble in the process.