
Estwing 22 Oz Framing Hammer
Score: 92/100
DeWalt 20 Oz Rip Claw Hammer
Score: 85/100Rankings

The Estwing E3-22S is a heavy-duty, one-piece forged steel framing hammer featuring a 22 oz head and a 16-inch straight rip claw handle. It is designed for professional carpenters and framers, offering unsurpassed balance and a molded-on Shock Reduction Grip that reduces vibration by up to 70%. It is ideal for rough carpentry, timber framing, or demolition where 22 oz head and 16-inch leverage provide striking force.

The DEWALT DWHT51054 is a 20 oz. one-piece rip claw steel hammer designed for framing, basic construction, and demolition tasks. It features an oval-shaped strike face for easier toe-nailing, a side nail puller, and a built-in magnetic nail starter for one-handed placement. Ideal for users prioritizing balance and nail-pulling features over maximum durability.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
22 ozbest | 20 oz | |
70best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 34.24 oz | 28.16 ozbest |
16 inbest | 14 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Grip(2) | ||
Handle Length (in) | Long in | in |
Grip Type | Shock Reduction | |
Core Specifications(4) | ||
Hammer Type | Framing Hammer | Rip Claw |
Head Weight (oz) | 22 oz | 20 oz |
Overall Weight (oz) | 34.24 oz | 28.16 oz |
Head Material | Steel | Alloy Steel |
Head & Face(3) | ||
Claw Type | Straight Rip | Rip Claw |
Face Type | Smooth | Oval |
Head Width (in) | Not Specified in | in |
Features & Build(6) | ||
Magnetic Nail Starter | false | true |
Construction Type | One-Piece Forged | One-piece |
Overall Length (in) | 16 in | 14 in |
Intended Use | Framing | Framing, Construction, Prying, Splitting, Demolition |
Warranty | Lifetime | Guaranteed Tough |
Finish | Polished | Black/Yellow |


Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Estwing E3-22S as a pro-grade tool built for heavy-duty framing jobs. They emphasize the unsurpassed balance, temper, and one-piece forged steel construction as key factors for professional endurance.
Everyday users and customers echo the professional praise for the hammer's durability and vibration reduction. Common themes include appreciation for the grip that 'will not come off' and the ease of driving large common nails due to the tool's balance.




Professional sources praise the hammer's balance and versatility for framing carpenters. DEWALT's site highlights the rip claw's ability to remove framing nails, finishing nails, and staples with long-lasting one-piece steel performance.
Consumers rate the product highly for its balance, reduced pain/fatigue, and nail-pulling performance in framing. Common praise includes controlled swings and toe-nailing ease.