6 Common Types of Hammers You Need to Know

Think all hammers are the same? Think again. While all hammers are used to perform a striking action, they are available in different types. If you're planning to buy a hammer, you'll need to choose the right type. Below are six of the most common types of hammers.

#1) Claw

When most people think of hammers, they envision claw hammers. Claw hammers are used extensively in the carpentry industry. They are characterized by the use of a claw. They have a traditional hammer head, which is affixed with a claw on the back. You can use this claw to remove nails from wood.

#2) Frame

Frame hammers are similar to claw hammers but with one major difference. Rather than a split claw, they have a closed claw. Frame hammers receive their namesake from their use in framing. Many construction workers prefer frame hammers when framing homes and buildings.

#3) Brick

There are also brick hammers. Brick hammers are typically used to break, split and shape concrete bricks. They feature a flat hammer head with a blunt tip. You can use a brick hammer to strike concrete bricks. They are durable, heavy-duty tools that can easily break, split and shape concrete bricks.

#4) Electrician's 

When researching some of the most common types of hammers, you may come across electrician's. Electrician's hammers look like traditional claw hammers. However, they aren't necessarily the same. Electrician's hammers typically feature a fiberglass shaft, whereas claw hammers feature a wooden shaft. Electrician's hammers also feature an insulated grip, whereas claw hammers generally don't have an insulated grip.

#5) Ball Peen

We can't talk about common types of hammers without mentioning ball peen. Also known as a mechanist's hammer, a ball peen hammer is a type of hammer that features two heads. One of the heads is flat. The other head is rounded. The rounded head is known as the peen. Metalworkers often use ball peen hammers to mold and manipulate sheet metal.

#6) Sledge

You've probably heard of sledgehammers before. Sledgehammers have been around for centuries. They feature a long handle with a heavy head. The head on a sledgehammer has a blunt tip. And because it's so heavy, it's able to perform forceful blows on workpieces.

There are many different types of hammers. All hammers consist of a handheld tool with a head. The design, though, may vary depending on the type  Some of the most common types of hammers include claw, frame, brick, electrician's ball peen and sledge.