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Best Sledgehammers for Getting Your Job Done Perfectly

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By Woodsmith Review Team
Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

Among all the tools in existence, sledgehammers are the most useful by far. These tools can be used to construct anything; think how many sledgehammers were used while driving stakes into the ground to lay down miles and miles of railroad track. But they’re just as good at destroying everything as they are at creating it. You may even use them to demolish brick walls. Whatever the job, it requires having the leading sledgehammers in 2023 at your disposal.

It’s impossible to know which sledgehammer is ideal because there are so many on the market. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the finest sledgehammers currently available, along with a breakdown of their essential characteristics. That way, you won’t have to waste time looking for a sledgehammer and can focus on the important task at hand!

Top Pick
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Estwing Sure Strike Hammer
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Best Grip
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Real Steel 0508 Sledgehammer
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Best Durability
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Craftsman 10 Pound Sledgehammer
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Best Combination
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Heavy-Duty Hooyman Sledgehammer Construction
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Best Choice
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Wilton B.A.S.H Sledgehammer 6 LB
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Show contents
The Quality Sledgehammer You Can Buy in 2023
  • 1 Estwing Sure Strike Hammer
  • 2 Real Steel 0508 Sledgehammer
  • 3 Craftsman 10 Pound Sledgehammer
  • 4 Heavy-Duty Hooyman Sledgehammer Construction
  • 5 Wilton B.A.S.H Sledgehammer 6 LB

Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Elite Sledgehammer

Whether you’re looking for a job that should have begun last week or want to learn the basics, this detailed buying guide provides information to help you make an informed purchase.

What Is the Easiest Way to Find a Sledgehammer?

Use these helpful hints to find the perfect sledgehammer for your needs. Even if you’re not an expert, following these seven suggestions will help you pick a quality product for the job.

Material

The material used to make a sledgehammer has a significant impact on its overall quality. The Head and handle are the two main components of a sledgehammer. Metal-like steel is utilized in the construction of the head. Metal, wood, and rubber are all employed in the handle’s construction.

Design

When purchasing a sledgehammer, it is always good to opt for an ergonomic design. Swing and balance problems, a hand slipping off the handle after a while, and difficulty gripping the handle indicate that your chosen sledgehammer isn’t ergonomic. A well-designed ergonomic sledgehammer will keep you comfortable and safe when you use it.

Durability

Of course, you won’t want to get a new sledgehammer so soon after you get it. Consequently, invest in a long-lasting sledgehammer.

The cost

Depending on the type of material used, size, design, and value of the brand, prices might vary widely. It’s a bad idea to save money at the expense of quality. Remind yourself that saving money at the time of purchase will result in more money on the road because a low-quality product will give you more headaches as you try to use it.

Customer feedback

What other people think of the product can give you a good idea of its quality. This means you should listen carefully to what other customers think of their shopping experience.

What Sledgehammer to Use?

What are you doing with a sledgehammer that necessitates its use? You’re either driving in rebar or stakes, aren’t you? When tearing down a wall, you’ll need a different kind of sledgehammer than when knocking down a door.

Sledgehammers for driving

If you’re working with a chisel on concrete or driving the stakes into the ground, sometimes you might need some extra boost behind your swing. So it would be best if you had a sledgehammer with flat faces that don’t bounce off the stake. You don’t need a huge, powerful sledgehammer for this kind of task. Smaller, more controllable, and easier to control things are better for you.

Using sledgehammers to break things up

Sledgehammers are also commonly used in demolition projects. There should be plenty of leverage in your demolition tool so that you can get the job done quickly. Put another way that means the handle will be longer and the head will be larger.

Demolition work is best performed with faces fashioned like bullets. They have a destructive power that is many times more than a flat hammer face; thus, they save you a lot of energy. As a result of the force you’re exerting with each swing, a demolition hammer should have lots of vibration dampening. You’ll need more dampening if your head is heavier because a heavier head means a harder impact.

How Should a Sledgehammer Be Used?

If you’re going to use a sledgehammer, be sure you’re familiar with its weight and feel. Please stop using the sledgehammer as soon as you feel it is too heavy or lose control of it. If you’ve never used a sledgehammer before, here are some pointers on how to properly wield this powerful tool.

  • Grip the sledgehammer’s bottom end with your non-dominant hand.
  • Re-grasp the sledgehammer’s handle with your dominant hand, this time at the sledgehammer’s base.
  • Your feet should be placed in a manner consistent with the type of swing you desire. When swinging a hammer vertically, it’s best to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and face the target.
  • To begin, raise the sledgehammer to shoulder level and drive it into the target’s core. Use your dominant hand when swiping, and meet your non-dominant hand at the bottom of your handles so that your swing is controlled. Swing again by retracing your steps.

What Else Should I Keep In Mind When Shopping for a Sledgehammer?

You now have a better idea of what to search for now that you’ve identified the most important characteristics. You need to keep these in mind if you are interested in getting the job done, and not done but perfectly done. 

  • Choose a sledgehammer whose head and handle have been bonded with industrial-grade resin. If the head separates from the handle while you’re swinging, it could lead to significant injuries or property damage
  • Although the tool’s effectiveness will not be affected by the color, it is something worth considering. If your home resembles a construction site rather than a cozy refuge, a neutral or dark-colored sledgehammer will blend in! Even when you’re knee-deep in the trash, your yellow (or other brightly colored) sledgehammer will stick out
  • Your tool’s weight ratio is critical because it will influence the amount of swing you can produce while operating. Even though the tool’s head is theoretically considerably heavier than the handle, you must ensure that the handle’s weight and length balance this out!

Sledgehammers with safety plates help keep the hammer’s head securely attached to the handle. In that manner, it will resist breakage due to vibrations and the power of the hammer’s head striking the work surface.

The Quality Sledgehammer You Can Buy in 2023

1

Estwing Sure Strike Hammer

– Top Pick
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The MRF3LB Sure Strike hammer is a three-pound sledgehammer that is ideal because using it with chisels, punches, and hardened nails will yield great results. Due to its modest size, it’s not the ideal option for demolition. With its lower weight and shorter length, this sledgehammer is also cheaper than others. This hammer is comfortable to hold because of its well-balanced design. When utilizing the Estwing MRF3LB, you’ll notice that a well-balanced hammer provides better leverage and reduces fatigue. The ribbed grip keeps it firmly in your hands, preventing costly mishaps. Overall, we believe the combination of excellent build quality and affordable pricing make this sledgehammer one of the greatest values available.

Pros
  • A well-balanced hammer is easier to use and lasts longer
  • The ribbed grip makes it easier to keep the hammer steady in your hand when using it
  • Offered at a reasonable cost
Cons
  • This sledgehammer is not so effective for breaking things
2

Real Steel 0508 Sledgehammer

– Best Grip
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The Real Steel 0508 Rubber Grip Forged Jacketed Graphite Drilling Sledgehammer delivers powerful blows with a single, effortless stroke. This sledgehammer’s balance and temper make it a long-lasting, reliable tool that is also enjoyable to use. Due to the no-slip cushion on the hammer, you won’t have to stress about losing control of the tool. Whether it’s carpentry, do-it-yourself jobs, or home installs, the Real Steel 0508 Sledgehammer will make quick work of any task. Aside from DIY projects around the house, you’ll be able to utilize this hammer with various tools, including chisels, punches, and star drills.

Pros
  • Rubberized non-slip texture provides a firm grip
  • Core made of graphite for increased strength and durability
  • An extra-strong grip for a super-powerful swing
Cons
  • Handle not sturdy
3

Craftsman 10 Pound Sledgehammer

– Best Durability
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The CRAFTSMAN CMHT56019 Sledgehammer is a good option if you want to smash anything at a reasonable price. Each of the hammer’s four sides has a bullet nose to increase the hammer’s striking power by two times.  The handle is designed to absorb the additional shock. It consists of particulate-filled fiberglass with a particulate core. A shock-absorbent collar further reduces vibration. It is a cost-effective option for demolition because it can survive the damage. This hammer comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know your money will endure for a long time. As a result, the handle is shock-absorbent while also being shatterproof. It’s also got a textured grip so that it won’t slip from your hands.

Pros
  • Designed to lessen the impact of vibrations
  • A lifetime warranty is included with every purchase
  • A textured over-mold grip provides additional comfort and control
Cons
  • The bullet nose is unsuitable for driving
4

Heavy-Duty Hooyman Sledgehammer Construction

– Best Combination
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Hooyman Sledgehammers combine power, strength, and durability. High-strength steel 1045 is used to manufacture the head. The ergonomic, trademark green No-Slip H-Hold handle with a reinforced fiberglass core will help you maintain a firm grip on the club during every swing. Using the huge sledgehammers’ handle peg hole, you can conveniently store them in your garage, shed, or workshop. The handle peg hole on the hammers makes it easy to hang them in your workspace or carry them in your toolbox.

Pros
  • Even in slippery circumstances, the h-grip on critical contact points provides additional stability and grip
  • You can choose from five different combinations of weight and length to get the exact tool you need
  • Extra-strength fiberglass core
Cons
  • There’s some bowing in the handle
5

Wilton B.A.S.H Sledgehammer 6 LB

– Best Choice
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Wilton B.A.S.H Sledgehammer remains a quality choice if you can afford it. Holding it feels like you’re holding Thor’s hammer, and it gives you tremendous strength. This 6-pound hammer has a 16-inch handle, so you’ll need to be strong to pull it around. You hold a great deal of power, but if you can’t keep it under control, things could get out of hand. You can easily break down brick walls with such a powerful hammer. The Wilton BASH is your ideal choice for optimal results.

Pros
  • Its long handle provides an incredible amount of flexibility
  • Handle made of vulcanized rubber for added security when hitting
Cons
  • Expensive

People Also Asked

Q: What's the guarantee of a sledgehammer?

A: Warranties for sledgehammers range from roughly two years to lifetime warranties, including sledgehammers used in commercial applications. In our opinion, investing in a quality sledgehammer that will be with you forever is well worth the extra money.

Q: Is it safe to bash wood with a sledgehammer?

A: To avoid splitting wood, we don't recommend using a sledgehammer on wood unless that's exactly what you want to do! Concrete, metal, and other demolition projects should only be tackled with a sledgehammer.

Q: Is it possible to crack concrete with a rotary hammer?

A: The great impact energy generated by rotary hammers' electro-pneumatic hammer pistons makes it possible to drill or demolish concrete.

Q: What is it about a sledgehammer that makes it so pricey?

A: Prices for sledgehammers are often influenced by the material of their handles and how big their heads are. For example, a large steel sledgehammer with a strengthened steel handle costs more than a little wooden sledgehammer.

Q: What's the safest way to carry a sledgehammer?

A: It is best to use two hands when swinging a sledgehammer and to lift the weight of the head with the legs and core rather than the back muscles. Wearing protective gear like a hard hat, gloves, elbow pads, and a neck brace is a must.

Demolition & Construction
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By Woodsmith Review Team

The Woodsmith Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best tools and gear to build great-looking projects confidently. The content is created by The Woodsmith Review Team. Woodsmith’s editorial staff is not involved. Woodsmith is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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