3 Best Sledgehammers (2023 Review)
3 Best Sledgehammers (2023 Review)
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Sledgehammers are essential tools for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. While most sledgehammers consist of a steel head connected to a handle, various features differentiate a top-quality sledgehammer from an ordinary one. The material of the handle, its length, and the overall design play crucial roles in determining the tool's efficiency and intended use.
To assist you in avoiding subpar selections, the This Old House Reviews Team investigated the finest sledgehammers available on Amazon. We've compiled our top recommendations, and you can consult our buying guide for additional shopping insights.
Top 3 Sledgehammers
Best for Heavy-Duty Projects
Courtesy of Amazon
Wilton B.A.S.H. 20-Pound Sledge Hammer
- $195
Prices taken at time of publication.
The Wilton sledgehammer features a robust, steel-core handle and a reinforced striking head, making it suitable for both professionals and homeowners requiring a heavy-duty demolition tool. This sledgehammer includes a standard 36-inch handle with a non-slip rubber grip, enhancing control and minimizing shock during impacts.
This sledgehammer is protected against manufacturing defects with a lifetime warranty. Additionally, it is backed by a unique Wilton $1,000 guarantee, promising reimbursement if the handle breaks within two years of purchase.
Key Features
- 20-pound green sledgehammer head
- Steel-core handle
- Anti-vibration neck
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised the Wilton sledgehammer for its powerful performance, noting the sturdy yet comfortable design. Many highlighted the necessity of the 20-pound head for delivering impactful blows to dense materials like stone, brick, and concrete. However, a few negative reviews mentioned a strong chemical odor emitted by the product, as well as instances of broken handles.
Best Multi-Purpose
Courtesy of Amazon
Fiskars IsoCore 10-Pound Sledge Hammer
- $60.99
Prices taken at time of publication.
This dual-faced sledgehammer by Fiskars is perfect for construction workers needing a tool for both demolition and construction tasks. It features a wedged end for crushing masonry and a flat end for driving stakes. While it's ideal for construction, it also serves as a powerful tool for various demolition tasks for homeowners and professionals alike.
Key Features
- Patented IsoCore Shock Control System
- Extra-large diameter driving face
- Double-sided head
- Insulated handle sleeve
- Lifetime warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Users have positively noted the low-shock impact of this sledgehammer and the power delivered by its beveled demolition edge. Furthermore, many appreciated the secure grip provided by the non-slip handle. On the contrary, negative feedback often revolved around issues with breakage over time or receiving incorrect or damaged products.
Best Handheld
Courtesy of Amazon
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Estwing Sure Strike Three-Pound Sledge
- $21.54
Prices taken at time of publication.
The Estwing three-pound sledge is made from forged steel and features a fiberglass handle, making it an excellent choice for small demolition tasks or for use alongside chisels, star drills, and other tools. Its compact design allows for effective use in tight spaces while delivering a controlled yet powerful blow. Additionally, it has a fiberglass handle that reduces vibration and enhances grip.
Key Features
- Jacketed fiberglass handle
- Balanced three-pound head
- Forged steel head
- Weighs 3 pounds
- Smooth face
What Customers Are Saying
Reviews often highlight the convenience of this lightweight yet powerful sledgehammer. Additionally, many users have found it effective for tasks beyond demolition, such as wood splitting or chiseling. The limited negative reviews primarily questioned the overseas manufacturing of this sledgehammer, with some customers expressing disappointment about it not being made in the U.S.
Buying Guide
When selecting a sledgehammer, buyers typically seek a tool that delivers substantial force, efficiently breaking through materials like drywall, tile, brick, and concrete. While sledgehammers are designed for demolition, choosing the right style and model for your specific needs is crucial.
This buying guide aims to assist you in making an informed decision by explaining how handle materials, weight, cost, and intended use influence the overall user experience.
Handle Material
Sledgehammer handles can be made from wood, fiberglass, or steel wrapped in rubber. Generally, most sledgehammers feature fiberglass handles due to their lightweight and durable nature. Fiberglass provides a shock-absorbent handle that withstands repeated blows while retaining its form. However, some inferior fiberglass options can be brittle and heavy.
Wood has been a traditional choice for sledgehammer handles due to its flexibility and tactile feel. However, unlike fiberglass, wooden handles lack longevity and are prone to damage such as cracking and splintering.
Steel is the most resilient handle material, boasting crack resistance. While steel-handled sledgehammers are reliable, they are usually more expensive and heavier than their wood or fiberglass counterparts.
For a top recommendation in the steel-handle category, consider the Wilton B.A.S.H. 20-Pound Sledge Hammer, which features a robust, rubber-coated steel handle to reduce vibrations and enhance control.
Weight
The majority of a sledgehammer's weight results from its head, which can range from three to over 20 pounds. The weight of the head typically influences its design and handle length. The following sizes provide guidance regarding head weights:
- 3-6 pounds: Sledgehammers with heads weighing 3-6 pounds typically have shorter handles. These smaller tools are ideal for minor projects like breaking floor tiles.
- 8-12 pounds: With traditional sledgehammer proportions, these head weights include long handles, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks like wall demolition or concrete breaking. A good lightweight option in this category is the Craftsman Eight-Pound Sledge Hammer.
- 20+ pounds: Sledgehammers exceeding 20 pounds are built for heavy-duty and professional tasks, easily engaging in rebar driving or concrete shattering due to their substantial size and weight.
Use
Each sledgehammer serves a specific purpose, so it's essential to choose one that aligns with your project requirements. For smaller household tasks, a three-pound hammer might suffice. However, more extensive demolition projects might necessitate a 10-pound model.
Cost
Like many tools, the price isn’t always an indicator of quality, but it helps to have a sense of the average costs, especially if you're on a budget. A 3- or 6-pound sledgehammer typically costs between $15-$20, while heavier models, like the 10-pound sledgehammer, generally range from $40 to $50.
How To Use a Sledgehammer
Before using a sledgehammer, ensure that you’re comfortable with its weight and handling. If you find the tool feels too cumbersome or you struggle to maintain control, set it down. If you're a beginner, follow these steps to swing the sledgehammer correctly:
- Grip the sledgehammer at the bottom with your non-dominant hand.
- Re-grip the handle with your dominant hand close to the head.
- Position your feet appropriately based on the swing style; for vertical swings, keep feet shoulder-width apart, and for diagonal swings, stagger with the non-dominant foot forward.
- Lift the sledgehammer to head level, then drive it straight toward the target, allowing your dominant hand to control the swing as you meet your other hand near the bottom of the handle.
Note: These instructions apply to sledgehammers with a 36-inch handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contributes to the price of a sledgehammer?
Factors such as handle material and head size typically affect a sledgehammer's pricing. For instance, a metal sledgehammer with a broad head and steel handle will generally cost more than a smaller hammer with a wooden handle.
What is the common size of a sledgehammer?
The most prevalent sledgehammers feature 36-inch handles and weigh around 10 pounds. This size is optimal for robust household tasks and smaller professional applications.
Should I use safety gear while swinging a sledgehammer?
Absolutely. Protecting your hands and eyes during sledgehammer use is critical. Impact goggles or safety glasses can shield your eyes from dust and flying debris. Cut-resistant work gloves are also advisable to guard against blisters and lacerations.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for over forty years, providing high-quality content related to home improvement via television, print media, and digital platforms. The Reviews Team focuses on crafting detailed product reviews to guide your purchasing decisions on a wide range of home items and resources. With over 1,000 product assessments conducted, we evaluate everything from drills to home decor.
We recommend products through a rigorous research process, analyzing the leading options on Amazon. For a product to be featured among our top recommendations, it must showcase consistent positive reviews, robust sales, and distinctive features. Once our initial list is curated, we perform additional evaluations and, where possible, in-person testing to ensure compliance with our standards. The final result is an informative article equipped with our product suggestions and extra information tailored to help homeowners like you make informed choices.
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