The right hammer depends on the work: use a claw hammer for everyday nail driving and removal, a framing hammer for heavier carpentry, a ball-peen hammer for metalworking, and a mallet when a conventional hammer could damage an assembled part. These eight designs cover common construction and workshop tasks; they are examples, not a complete taxonomy.
Choose by the job
Start with the material and task, then consider the hammer’s head or face, weight, handle length, and whether rebound or surface marking matters. The descriptions below reflect Lowe’s buying guidance, not controlled performance comparisons. Lowe’s current hammer category also includes other designs, such as club and tack hammers, so this is not an exhaustive list.
Hammers for carpentry and nail work
1. Claw hammer
A general-purpose carpentry hammer for driving nails. Its curved claw provides leverage for pulling them back out. Lowe’s guide gives 12–20 ounces as a typical range for curved-claw examples; that is retailer guidance, not a universal specification. For a claw hammer, choose a weight and handle you can control for the work you do.
2. Framing hammer
Designed for heavier carpentry, a framing hammer typically has a longer handle than a curved-claw hammer and often a milled face intended to grip nailheads. Lowe’s guide gives 22–32 ounces as a typical range. The added size suits heavier work, but the best choice depends on what you can control comfortably.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts—working in tight framing corners or removing stubborn nails from reclaimed wood—know the frustration of a fixed claw hammer that can't reach or grip properly.The SEESE framing hammer features a fully adjustable nail puller slot, allowing you to change angles and extract nails from any position, even in confined spaces.
- Stop damaging your workpiece with a traditional claw hammer that slips or misses the nail head. Our adjustable nail puller design lets you set the perfect pulling angle for flush extraction without marring the surface. Combined with a drop-forged steel head and precision-milled claw, it delivers superior leverage for demolition, framing repairs, and prying tasks in any workshop.
- Worried about smashing your thumb while starting a nail? The SEESE hammer features a magnetic nail starter slot that holds the nail securely with one hand, enabling precise, safe strikes every time. The anti-slip, shock-absorbing rubber handle reduces vibration and fatigue, giving you full control and confidence—even during long hours in the woodshop.
- More than just a nail puller—this construction hammers. The one-piece cast steel body (medium carbon steel) offers exceptional strength, combining the hardness needed for heavy demolition with the toughness to resist breakage. Handles high-intensity tasks on job sites or delicate finish work in your garage with ease.
- Trusted by over 100,000 professional carpenters and DIYers. SEESE crafts each hammer with a premium adjustable puller slot, integral casting process, and upgraded medium carbon steel for unmatched durability. Complete with a comfort grip handle and backed by responsive customer support—your satisfaction is our standard. Add to cart and upgrade your toolkit today.
Hammers for metal and masonry
3. Ball-peen hammer
Used for metalworking, a ball-peen hammer has a flat face for driving punches and chisels and a rounded end for shaping or bending metal. Lowe’s guide gives a 4–32-ounce range, reflecting the variety of sizes rather than a single recommended weight.
4. Bricklayer’s hammer
Also called a brick hammer, this tool is used to set or split brick and other masonry products. Choose it when the work calls for a hammer designed for masonry rather than a general carpentry hammer.
Rank #2
- Durability: overstrike protection where fiberglass handles are most prone to break
- Improved grip during use: over mold grip
- Driving and pulling nails
Hammers for assembly and surface-sensitive work
5. Rubber mallet
A rubber mallet is useful for assembling pieces when a conventional hammer could damage the parts. The head’s finish matters: Lowe’s says a gray head is non-marring, while a black head may leave marks. Check the product details for the head material and finish before using it on a visible surface.
6. Dead-blow hammer
Often used for metal assembly, a dead-blow hammer has a head filled with steel shot to reduce rebound. Its polyurethane cover is intended to reduce marring. It may be a better fit than a conventional hammer when rebound or surface marking is a concern.
Rank #3
- Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer, Made from High Density Carbon Steel, Anti-rust and Durable
- Ergonomic Non-Slip Soft handle
- Perfect Size, Easy to Carry, convenient for work
- Magnetic Nail starter and Hammer Claw to easily remove nail
- Ideal for woodworking, DIY Projects, Either at Home or Shop
Hammers for heavy striking and demolition
7. Drilling or engineering hammer
This compact, heavy-striking hammer is used for heavy hammering or demolition. Lowe’s describes a typical range of 2–4 pounds. Its compact form distinguishes it from a longer-handled sledgehammer.
8. Sledgehammer
A sledgehammer is used for demolition and for driving stakes, pins, and wedges. Lowe’s guide gives 8–16 pounds as a typical range. Select a size suited to the job and your ability to control the swing.
Rank #4
- Forged steel head for superior durability
- ProTouch grip for maximum comfort even after prolonged use
- Smooth face leaves fewer marks on surfaces
- Fiberglass construction absorbs vibration and reduces fatigue
- Hybrid handle design is rounded for more comfort and fit with a curved base to prevent slippage and a hardened end cap
Compare handles, weight, and finish
For several of these designs, Lowe’s lists wood, fiberglass, or steel handles. Its guide does not establish one handle material as best for every person or task, so compare the specific tool and choose one you can control. Follow the product’s instructions for use.
These distinctions help narrow the choice: a claw hammer handles routine nail work and removal; a framing hammer is aimed at heavier carpentry; a ball-peen hammer serves metalworking; a brick hammer is for masonry; and a rubber or dead-blow hammer is worth considering when protecting an assembled part or managing rebound matters.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- RIP CLAW VERSATILITY – Estwing hammers are ideal for pulling nails, prying boards, demolition work, and more. The longer handle provides increased striking power making your job easier.
- BUILT FOR THE PRO – The optimal claw hammer for framers, roofers, carpenters, contractors, tradesman & serious DIYers.
- FORGED IN ONE PIECE - Forged using one solid piece of American steel. This means no poor quality castings or welds to fail. The result is the most durable, longest lasting striking tool available.
- PATENTED SHOCK REDUCTION GRIP - Reducing impact vibration by 70%, Estwing's molded shock reduction grip provides optimal slip-free comfort, durability and superior grip in all jobsite conditions
- MADE IN THE USA – Since 1923, our tools have been proudly American made in Rockford, IL using only the finest American steel.
Sources: Lowe’s Hammer Buying Guide (updated August 5, 2022) and Lowe’s hammer category (retrieved October 7, 2026; assortment and availability may change).
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
