In this buying guide, we list the different types of hammers available and highlight the types of materials and tasks they can be used for and things to consider before buying each type.  We also cover some other popular demolition tools. Next, we look at the different features and advise on how to store and clean them. We then share some key things to think about before buying a hammer and answer some frequently asked questions.

View our range of hammers and demolition tools.

Every hammer, no matter what type it is, has the same basic parts:

• A handle to hold and swing the hammer whilst providing a safe grip
• A head to strike whatever object is being worked on
• An eye where the handle passes through the head

Some hammers are designed with only one function for both sides of the head. Others have two functions – one on each side of the head, depending on the type.

Many different types of hammers are available, each suitable for different tasks and materials. So, choosing the right one comes down to what job you need it for and the material you’ll be working on.

The most common uses for hammers include carpentry, framing, nail removal, furniture making, demolition and construction. We talk through the different types and their uses in the following section, but they can also be categorised as:

• Framing hammers: large and heavy-duty, designed for heavy wood construction tasks such as timber framing.
• Finishing hammers: small and lightweight, designed to provide a neat finish for cosmetic purposes on materials that will be visible.
• Japanese hammers: versatile, ideal for woodworking, with a hardened striking face on the front of a soft head for extra shock absorbency.

Mallet hammers: has a rubber or plastic head that produces almost no bounce or shock when an object is struck. Used when working on fragile or delicate surfaces. There is also a wooden-headed mallet used for woodworking. 

Hammer handles come in a choice of three materials:

• Wood: this is the lightest material available and the one which transmits the least amount of vibration when it strikes a surface. Wooden handles are strong but not as strong as steel and aren’t suitable for demolition work. However, they are ideal for people who use these tools for long periods or carry them in a tool belt.
• Fibreglass: this is heavier than wood but lighter than steel. Fibreglass handles also transmit more vibration than wood but less than steel. They are ideal for electricians because they are non-conductive.
• Steel: this is the heaviest material available, but the extra weight in the handle doesn’t necessarily mean it will strike a surface harder. It’s also the material that transmits the most vibration when it hits a surface, which can impact the user if used over prolonged periods. For these reasons, a steel-handled hammer is best for infrequent, heavy-duty use or light-duty use.

Another choice you’ll need to make when buying a hammer is how heavy the head should be. Most hammer heads weigh between 14 ounces (for a small claw hammer) to 24 pounds (for a demolition sledgehammer). When deciding which weight you need, consider a light version for hammering overhead or for long periods and a heavy one for low-down hammering or infrequent use. 

Also, consider what weight you can handle. A quick swing with a light hammer is better than a slow swing with a heavy hammer. And finally, check the centre of gravity, as swinging a steel headed/handled hammer feels very different to swinging a steel headed/wooden-handled version. So, test how they feel before you buy to see what you prefer.

Some hammers are perfect for demolition work, but other demolition hand tools are available, which may complement and work well in your toolbox alongside hammers.

Types of demolition hand tools include: 

• Bolsters and cold chisels have a short handle and strong bevelled edge blade that will cut through hard materials when struck on the end with a hammer. They are used to knock down or through stone, brick and metal. The best hammers to use with chisels are club (for heavy-duty demolition) and ball pein (for light-duty demolition). 
• Crowbars are long metal bars with one bent, forked end and one curved end. The forked end removes embedded nails and staples, while the bent end is used to force pieces of material apart as part of the demolition process.
• Axes have long handles and a hard wedge-shaped blade. They are most commonly known as a tool for chopping trees and splitting logs, but they are also used in demolition tasks to chop through wood.

There are a few different features available on hammers, but not all features apply to all product types. In this section, we look at what's available and highlight how each feature can be helpful.

• Straight, curved or adjustable claws
  These features are applicable to claw hammers and refer to the shape of the claw. A straight claw is used for ripping up nails and prying open floorboards, and a long straight claw is ideal for stabbing into a piece of wood to grab hold of it. A curved claw has better leverage for removing nails. Those with an adjustable claw provide the best leverage and can get into hard-to-reach places.
• Side puller for stubborn nails
  This feature is found on some claw hammers and helps remove nails that are difficult to remove with the hammer's claw. The side puller is a small notch on the top edge, which slides under the nail head. It’s then pulled sideways to remove the nail.  
• Magnetic nail holders
  This feature is found on some claw hammers. The hammer has a magnetic recess above the flat-faced side of the hammer which holds a nail. This allows you to tap the nail to get it started without holding it. It's useful when you only have one hand available because you're holding onto a ladder.
• Changeable or replaceable parts
  This feature applies to all hammer types and means you can replace broken or worn-out parts without replacing the whole thing. Replaceable parts include handle grips, heads and faces.
• Milled and smooth hammer heads
  This feature is applicable to claw hammers. The flat striking head of a claw hammer can have either a smooth or milled surface. Both types are designed for striking nails, but the milled face provides more traction on the nail, ensuring that it doesn't slip and bend over sideways. This is an excellent feature when doing rough framing work. However, the milled surface will leave a waffle-shaped mark, so it's not recommended for materials that need a clean finish.  

The best way to store hammers is to keep them in a toolbox, ideally in an area with minimal moisture exposure and drastic temperature changes. This is to prevent rust. Unfortunately, sheds, workshops and garages are not ideal environments. However, this can be rectified with the use of heaters and dehumidifiers. You could also put silica gel packs in your toolbox to reduce moisture.

Hammers should be cleaned and maintained as follows to prevent rust: 

• Wipe them down with a rag to remove dust and debris after every use
• If it gets wet, always ensure that it’s dried thoroughly before storing it
• Periodically, lightly spray the metal parts with an all-purpose oil such as WD-40
• If rust forms, wash and dry it, then scrub the rust with an abrasive material to remove it (i.e., a scouring pad, sandpaper or steel wool). Once the rust is gone, lightly coat the metal in WD-40.   

The information above provides an overview of the different types of hammers available and what they can be used for. Before you buy, here are a few more things to consider: 

1. How much power do you need?
   The weight of a hammer's head will determine how much power you can exert on your workpiece with each strike. So, for whichever type you're buying, consider how much power and weight you need. For example, those used for framing tasks (i.e., heavy rough timber work and demolition) are much heavier than those used for finishing tasks. Lightweight options are designed for precision rather than power.   

2. What hammer head material do you need?
   Hammer heads are available in various materials for use with different surfaces and tasks. For example, metal heads are designed for striking nails and demolition work. Wooden heads on some mallets are designed for tapping other wooden objects. And rubber and plastic heads are designed to deliver a soft blow without damaging the workpiece's surface.  

3. What about the length and comfort of the hammer handle?
   Hammer handles come in different lengths and materials, affecting their comfort and handling. For example, long handles give you a better swing to deliver more power, while short handles are more precise but not as powerful. Handles made of wood are the best at absorbing shocks, while fibreglass handles are a close second and metal handles are the worst. Some also have ergonomic, soft-grip and slip-resistant handles, which makes them safer and more comfortable to use for prolonged periods.

4. Do you have the safety equipment needed?
   Using hammers comes with risks, so it's essential to consider the risks and how you can protect yourself and others. For example, you could be hit with flying debris if you're using it as a demolition tool or with a chisel. Some types also have sharp blades. So, wear PPE such as goggles, gloves, dust masks and protective clothing. Also available on some hammers with non-steel handles is a strike guard. This protects the handle from damage if you overstrike and smash the handle against the workpiece.