If you’ve ever stood in the tool aisle trying to pick out a hammer, you know how confusing it can be with such a wide range. They all look kind of the same at first, but each one is built for a different task. Whether you're hanging a photo or building a deck, the correct hammer can make a big difference. This quick breakdown will help you figure out the common types and which types of hammer works best for which job. With the right one in hand, you’ll waste less time, avoid sore wrists, and get the results you want faster.
Claw Hammer: The Go-To for Home Repairs
This is the one most people picture when they think “standard hammer.” It’s simple, reliable, and good for general-purpose use around the house. One side has a flat head striking surface for driving nails into wood; the other side has a curved claw for pulling them back out.
If you’re doing household tasks, like hanging shelves, fixing trim, or a DIY enthusiast doing general repairs, a claw hammer will handle most of it. They come in different weights—usually 16 to 20 ounces. A 16-ounce hammer head is easier to control and great for small nails or lightweight work. A 20-ounce hammer head version gives you more power for bigger nails or tougher wood; however, it can wear your arm out faster.
Hammer handles matter, too. Wooden handles and fiberglass handles absorb shock better than steel. That helps if you’re doing a lot of pounding and don’t want your hands buzzing afterward. Fiberglass tends to be more durable than a wooden handle but still comfortable to use. Steel handles last a long time but transfer more vibration, so they can be tougher on your joints.
Ball Peen Hammer: Best for Metal Work
A ball peen hammer is the one you grab for metalworking tasks. It has two heads—one flat and one rounded (the “rounded peen”). That rounded end lets you shape or bend metal without cracking it. It’s not something you’d use for framing a wall or fixing a fence, but if you’re doing automotive repair, shaping sheet metal objects, or driving chisels and punches, this valuable tool belongs in your kit.
They come in various weights, from 8 ounces for delicate tasks to 32 ounces for heavier jobs. Smaller ball peen hammers work well when precision matters. Bigger ones bring more force, but they’re heavier to swing for long periods.
Most ball peen hammers have steel handles or steel shafts with rubber grips. That’s because they’re meant to take harder hits and still last. They’re more of a shop tool than something you’d keep in a kitchen drawer, but if you ever need to work on a car, fix metal tools, or do DIY welding projects, it’ll come in handy.
Specialty Hammers: When the Job Calls for Something Specific
Some tasks need a specialized hammer that’s built just for that job. It might not be something you use every day, but it’s good to know what’s out there in case you run into a project that demands it.
Here are a few common specialty hammers and what they’re used for (we're linking out to products similar to the ones we own):
- Sledge hammer – Used for demolition tasks, heavy-duty tasks like breaking concrete slabs, or driving stakes into the ground. It has a heavy head, a lot of striking power, and made for big swings.
- Dead blow hammer – This hammer head is filled with sand or steel shot, so it doesn’t bounce back when you strike. Great for knocking pieces into place without denting them.
- Rubber mallet – Useful when you need a softer touch. It has a rubber head and won’t damage surfaces, so it's great for assembling furniture or tapping tile into place.
- Framing hammer – Similar to a claw hammer but larger and heavier, with a longer handle and straight claw. Built for quick work on big wood framing construction projects. I also use them for light demolition applications, don't tell.
- Tack hammer – Sometimes referred to as an upholstery hammer is a smaller, lightweight hammer used for delicate tasks like upholstery, shoe repair, or crafts. One end is often magnetized to help position small nails.
- Masonry hammer - Also referred to as a brick hammer. Usually has a flat face for setting brick and instead of a claw on the back, it has a steel chisel for shaping and splitting rocks and brick.
- Wooden mallet - Usually used in woodworking. The wooden head acts as a soft-faced hammer for knocking together joints and tapping wood chisels. Won't cause surface damage on delicate materials when used gently.
- Drywall hammer - Has a rounded head for setting drywall nails and the claw end is more like a hatchet blade or axe blade for scoring and cutting drywall panels.
These types of hammers aren’t usually part of a basic toolbox, but if you find yourself doing a certain type of project over and over—like laying patio stones or working with furniture—a specialty hammer can save time and effort.
And, remember: When shopping for a hammer go for a quality hammer with a balanced design, and a comfortable grip or shock-absorbing handle.
FAQ
What’s the best type of hammer for hanging pictures?
A 16-ounce standard claw hammer is a solid pick for general-purpose use. It’s not too heavy and gives you enough control for tapping in small nails. The curved claw also makes it easy to pull them back out without damaging the wall.
Can I use a regular hammer on metal surfaces?
You can try, but it’s not made for that. A regular claw hammer can slip or chip when it hits metal. A ball peen hammer is made for shaping, tapping, or striking metal tools and parts. It’s usually hardened steel and built to last through that kind of use and will give you better results.
