Estwing framing hammer - something I've wanted for years now

[I'mSoSharp]

Here's one that emigrated to Spain, & a very fine hammer it is too. Bought for four Euro from a flea market rusted up.
Can anyone say why it has a different head shape to others shown? An older model maybe?

 

[Charlie_K]

Here's one that emigrated to Spain, & a very fine hammer it is too. Bought for four Euro from a flea market rusted up.
Can anyone say why it has a different head shape to others shown? An older model maybe?

That old beauty is part of their international line. It's called the English Pattern model, and still in production.

 

[I'mSoSharp]

Nah, hickory is the original " antivibe " handle
that word never even appeared in the same sentence as the word hammer till this problem was created.

100% agree for any hammer except claws, I have wooden handled claw hammers but have to be real careful using the claw, prying sideways is the best way but it's not difficult to break a handle pulling a nail straight on & adze eyes don't make much difference, such problems don't exist with the steel handles.

 

[Hickory n steel]

100% agree for any hammer except claws, I have wooden handled claw hammers but have to be real careful using the claw, prying sideways is the best way but it's not difficult to break a handle pulling a nail straight on & adze eyes don't make much difference, such problems don't exist with the steel handles.

That's why I have a pry bar for when a lot of prying is needed.

I understand wanting a bulletproof hammer you don't have to worry about, I don't want one but can't say theres answering with it.

 

[Charlie_K]

That's why I have a pry bar for when a lot of prying is needed.

I understand wanting a bulletproof hammer you don't have to worry about, I don't want one but can't say theres answering with it.

I don't know if it's relevant to the discussion, but my preferred style of claw hammer is straight clawed. The curved claws just don't look right to me for some reason.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I don't know if it's relevant to the discussion, but my preferred style of claw hammer is straight clawed. The curved claws just don't look right to me for some reason.

On an old octagonal head 16oz it can look great, but beyond that I agree.
They are also more versatile to me, but based on use and preference I can see liking a curved claw.
My favorites are 20oz Vaughan #999 , a Craftsman hammertooth ( just a modified #999, and a 10oz Vaughan #9 little pro which is of course just a baby #999.

In fact I just bought another little pro on Ebay.

 

[Charlie_K]

On an old octagonal head 16oz it can look great, but beyond that I agree.
They are also more versatile to me, but based on use and preference I can see liking a curved claw.
My favorites are 20oz Vaughan #999 , a Craftsman hammertooth ( just a modified #999, and a 10oz Vaughan #9 little pro which is of course just a baby #999.

In fact I just bought another little pro on Ebay.

How are those Vaughn hammers anyway? I've seen them at the local hardware store, but they have so many different types it's hard to tell the good ones from the bad ones.

 

[Hickory n steel]

How are those Vaughn hammers anyway? I've seen them at the local hardware store, but they have so many different types it's hard to tell the good ones from the bad ones.

Vaugh & Bushnell makes an excellent hammer from my experience, definitely my favorite hammer manufacturer.
I've currently got maybe 10 of their hammers.


They've been one of the #1 American manufacturers for probably 130+ years at this point and while I only care about the classic stuff they do continue to innovate, that is to say they're not just resting on their laurels these days.


From what I've seen I'd say Estwing can afford to finish the steel a little better for the money, but with the cost of handle manufacturing, and the extra steps in fitting the handles Vaughan does do a little less finish grinding here and there.
They've still got some of the forge lines being ground by hand and it shows, maybe not as pretty sometimes but still a good tool.

 

[Charlie_K]

Well now I'm annoyed. I went to the local hardware store today to get a Vaughan framing hammer, and the selection was pathetic. Handles with poor grain structure, and at least one of them had a crooked handle so the head was sitting at an angle.

 

[dld]

I've looked all over the Estwing site, I can't find that particular model anywhere.

I don,t know why its not on the site. They still make it. Just type in Estwing Asian Pattern Hammer in Google, you will find some for sale

 

[eveled]

That 22oz framing hammer (like the OP has) was one of my first tools. I wanted an Estwing hammer like my Dad’s. I was probably 13 at the oldest. I knew it had to be a straight claw, but got the weight wrong his was 16oz. Mine was really much too big for me.

A friend of mine borrowed it about 8 years later without me knowing, he was working on his truck and returned my like new hammer covered in axle grease. I was not happy. But I’ve used it hard since then and it wasn’t going to stay new looking forever.

The friend died a few years ago, so the hammer has a lot of sentimental value now.

Ironically as big as a 22 ounce framing hammer is, it is one of Estwings smaller framing hammers! They make them up to 30 ounces!

I inherited my Dad’s hammers, and bought more since then, and now have about 50 Estwing hammers and hatchets.

Those international hammers are interesting for sure, I’ve been tempted to buy the Estwing German Latthamer, it has a square head and a strange claw were one claw is longer and shaped like a spike. Mostly used for slate roofing I believe.

Another neat one Estwing doesn’t make anymore is an electrician claw hammer. It has a really long head to reach inside electrical boxes. I don’t have one yet.

A cool Estwing I do have is a concrete form hammer. Picture a 28oz framing hammer with a straight masonry chisel instead of a split claw. It has a tear drop cut out to pull the double headed nails out. Really unusual.

 

[Blues]

My only Estwing...

 

[elevator man]

I use a framing hammer as my go to, its a great size. More convincing than a regular hammer and easier to use than a sledge. The waffle face was an issue, I took mine to a bench grinder and just made it a smooth face

 

[thebrain]

I could never get used to the rubber grip on the Estwing hammers, it always felt too soft and on old used ones it felt too hard and slippery. I prefer a wood handle after all these years , second would be a tie between a fiberglass and a welded type. The Vaughan hammers I have used (one every day for 10 years) have always been very nice, it is my favorite brand. I will give a recommendation for some of the modern DeWalt hammers like the Mig welded ones as they are light, durable, comfortable and very strong.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I could never get used to the rubber grip on the Estwing hammers, it always felt too soft and on old used ones it felt too hard and slippery. I prefer a wood handle after all these years , second would be a tie between a fiberglass and a welded type. The Vaughan hammers I have used (one every day for 10 years) have always been very nice, it is my favorite brand. I will give a recommendation for some of the modern DeWalt hammers like the Mig welded ones as they are light, durable, comfortable and vary strong.

Sadly they may be closing doors soon and it's a shame.
At least most of Estwings hammers are still made here, but they don't make anything with a hickory handle.
I think that'll basically just leave Estwing Hardcore hammers and Barco industries unless for some reason a person wants one of those ridiculous titanium things that are overly complicated and cost hundreds of dollars.

 

[Blues]

My non-Estwing hammer is a Barco I've had for many years.