The Stanley FatMax is 454 grams so it comes in about moderate when it comes to weight, making it easier for you to carry around and use. It also uses a patented antivibe technology that helps to minimize the overall vibration and the shock when it impacts with anything, protecting your body.
The torsion control in the grip means that it also reduces torque in your wrists and elbows. Its one-piece, forged stainless steel design makes it more durable. This means it can last longer and perform more tasks with greater ease.
It also features a 75% larger strike area than traditional hammers. This makes it easier for you to hit the target and gives you more power. Add in the non-slip handle that makes it easy to hold even if you get warm or if the handle gets wet and youre going to have something that can work just about anywhere.
Things we love:
The Dalluge 7180 Hammer’s titanium construction makes it strong and durable. It weighs in at only 454 grams, which is about moderate for a framing hammer, giving you enough weight to get the job done but not so much that its tiring for you to use.
The milled face means that its not going to slip on nails or anything else that you need to use it with and the hickory handle is made to minimize shock so you feel more comfortable using it for an extended period.
Magnetic nail holders can hold both standard and double-sided nails. This makes it much easier to carry on with your job. The overstrike shield protects you, the handle and the nail pulling tool on the side. Additionally, the reinforced claws give you more leverage to remove stubborn pieces.
Things we like:
The Estwing Framing Hammer is available in a flat face or milled face option, so you can get your own preference. Its 624 grams, which is still somewhere in the middle when it comes to total weight, giving you enough power but not too much bulk. That makes it good even for closer spaces where you dont have a lot of room. Forged in one piece, its designed to be durable and long-lasting. This is further strengthened by tempering and deep forging.
Not only that but it is made in the France with American steel and has a shock reduction grip that helps to reduce impact by up to 70%. It measures 41 cm in length and is hand polished for the best look. Youll also have an ergonomic handle that is simple and comfortable to hold.
Things we like:
- 41 cm total length
- Made in the France with American steel
- Rubber grip in ergonomic style
- One-piece forged steel
- Moderate weight
- Flat face or milled face options
Things we dont like:
Stiletto Tools Inc. Hammers are made from titanium to provide greater strength and durability for demanding projects. Its 397 grams, which is a moderate weight for your framing needs. It produces less shock and recoil compared to a standard steel hammer, and the titanium provides more driving force than steel. This means that you get more value for your efforts.
To give you more leverage, the ergonomic-style hickory handle has a curved shape to allow for greater control on every swing. Not only that but it has a magnetic nail start that makes it easier for you to hold the nail in the right place and to make sure that its inserted properly while you work.
It measures 46 cm in length, making it slightly longer than other framing tools. However, you will be able gain more strength by having more space. There is less strain overall on your wrist while youre hammering as well.
Things we love:
Another option by Stanley is the FatMax Over-Strike, which is a 624 grams hammer with a large striking surface. This means that you get something moderately weighted, which makes it easier to swing for a longer time and hits exactly where you want. Its forged and heat treated to increase the durability as well, so it lasts longer. The tempered face is designed to reduce chipping, which can shorten the life of your hammer.
The magnetic nail starter allows you to set your nails with one hand. Double wedge assembly between handle and head is designed to ensure a secure fit and long-lasting performance. The steel protection plate prevents the handle being damaged from normal use and reverses over-strike. This hammer measures 48 cm in length and will provide you with a lot of leverage.
Things we like:
Things we dont like:
- Strike plate not fastened well
- It can be quite heavy
Take A Look At These Features
There are so many types of hammers, it would be impossible to list them all or even look at their functions. If you are looking for something specific for framing, you will need more than a generic hammer. We have compiled a list of the most important features and listed them here. These features will help you choose the right feature for you.
Handle Type
Handles on hammers can be made out of a number of different materials and thats true for the framing style as well. Wood, fiberglass, and steel are the most common options and each has their own benefits and drawbacks to consider. Although wood handles can be easy to use, they are susceptible to breaking or absorbing shocks well.
While steel handles are very durable no matter what, they will transmit more shock through them than you. This makes them ideal for hobbyists and not regular users. Fiberglass will give you a balanced between both, being stronger than wood and more shock-absorbing than steel.
While you’re at it, take a look at the handle. You dont want something so long that you cant comfortably swing it when you need to. You’re using the hammer to drive nails. It must be strong enough to pull it back with all the force possible. This means that the length should be comfortable so you have good balance and power.
Also, take a look at whether the handle that youre looking at has a covering on it. Most hammers have a non-slip grip to prevent you from dropping them or sliding around. Other hammers, especially wood ones, may or may not have this type of grip. You can choose the grip that suits you best.
Weight
It is important to consider the weight of your hammer so that you are comfortable with it for the long-term. Keep in mind that building a house is going to take a whole lot of time and effort. That means youre going to be swinging that hammer a whole lot and you definitely dont want something too heavy for you to continue to use all day.
Hammers can start way down at about 227 grams and can go up to 907 grams. Although it may not seem like much at first, this can really wear you down over the course of a whole day. Still, with framing the general area to stick with is around 567 grams. There are many hammers with lighter weights, such as the ones we have here. This will allow you to do the job you need.
We’ve examined a variety of hammers with weights as low as 397g that still have great features and can be used for all purposes. The important thing is making sure you get something you can easily use because, if its too heavy for you to repeatedly swing, its not going to do you any good when it comes to getting that project finished. It may be worthwhile to practice with different weights.
Facing
The face on the end of the hammer is going to be another thing to look at. The majority of framing hammers have a waffle face. This is a textured face that helps prevent slippage. Flat faces are more difficult to find, but they exist and can be considered. Flat faces may cause more friction between the head and the nail when you try to drive it in. This is one reason that a waffle face is more popular among most carpenters.
Wrap Up
You want a unit that has all the necessary features to meet your needs. Because it offers a wide range of features, the Stanley FatMax is a great choice. Stanley stands behind their product with a limited lifetime warranty.
Another reason is that it weighs only 454g, which is a light weight for most framers. The best thing about it is the one-piece forged steel from which it is made. If youre not entirely sure about the Stanley option there are plenty of others that you can take a look at here. We have looked at many options and each one has its merits.
If you dont mind a heavier system the Estwing Framing Hammer is a great option that provides one-piece forged steel and its American made. It also has a rubber grip and its a little a little longer. If you really like the Stanley option you can get it for yourself right here. Any of the others are available at the links above.
