Walk into any hardware store and you'll find at least six different types of hammers. If you've ever stood there wondering which one you actually need, this guide is for you.
The short answer: for most home and DIY use, a claw hammer is all you need. But knowing what the others do means you'll reach for the right tool when a job calls for it.
THE CLAW HAMMER — The everyday essential
Weight range: 340g–680g (most common: 450g–560g)
Used for: Driving and pulling nails, general construction, carpentry, framing
The most common hammer in any home. One side of the head drives nails. The other side — the curved claw — removes them.
- Wood: Traditional feel, absorbs vibration well, but can crack and loosen over time
- Fiberglass: Stronger than wood, doesn't absorb moisture, lasts longer
- Steel: Most durable, but transmits more vibration to your hand on heavy use
Best for: Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, carpenters, general use
Buy this if: You only own one hammer.
THE BALL PEIN HAMMER — The metalworker's choice
Used for: Metalwork, shaping metal, setting rivets, striking chisels and punches
The rounded end (the "ball") is used for peining — shaping and hardening metal. The flat face is used for striking.
You'll use this if you work with metal, do automotive bodywork, or use cold chisels and punches regularly.
Best for: Mechanics, metalworkers, anyone who uses punches or chisels on metal
Buy this if: You work with metal or do automotive DIY.
THE CLUB HAMMER (LUMP HAMMER) — Heavy hitting
Used for: Demolition, driving cold chisels, breaking up tiles, masonry work
A short, heavy hammer with a double-faced head. Both faces are flat. It's designed for impact — not finesse.
This is what you reach for when a claw hammer isn't heavy enough. Knocking down a wall? Club hammer. Breaking up concrete? Club hammer. Driving a masonry chisel? Club hammer.
Best for: Builders, renovators, anyone doing demolition or masonry
Buy this if: You're doing any kind of heavy construction or tile removal.
THE MALLET — When you need force without damage
Types: Rubber mallet, wooden mallet
Used for: Assembling furniture, tapping chisels, fitting joints, working with soft materials
A mallet delivers force without marking or damaging the surface. The rubber or wooden head absorbs impact rather than transferring it.
Use a rubber mallet when you need to tap something firmly into place without scratching it — flooring, tiles, furniture assembly.
Use a wooden mallet with woodworking chisels — it gives you control and doesn't damage the chisel handle.
Best for: Furniture assembly, flooring installation, woodworking
Buy this if: You work with wood, tiles, or anything that can't be marked.
THE CROSS PEIN (WARRINGTON) HAMMER — The joiner's hammer
Used for: Starting small nails, joinery, cabinet making
The cross pein (a wedge shape perpendicular to the handle) is used to tap small nails into position before switching to the flat face to drive them home. Useful when you need to hold a nail in one hand and start it with the other.
Best for: Joiners, cabinet makers, detailed woodwork
Buy this if: You do fine woodworking or joinery.
Browse hammers at toolnation.co.za