Estwing 22 Oz Framing Hammer
Score: 92/100
Vaughan Soft Face Hammer
Score: 88/100Rankings
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 Vaughan SF12 is a versatile 12 oz soft face hammer featuring interchangeable red Kraton and yellow Avalon faces for surface protection and driving power. Its heavy total weight of 5.13 lbs may cause fatigue during prolonged fine detail work. It is ideal for woodworking and finish carpentry professionals needing non-marring impacts on sensitive materials.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
22 ozbest | 12 oz | |
70best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 34.24 ozbest | 82 oz |
— | 12.5 inbest | |
16 inbest | 13 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Grip(3) | ||
Handle Material | Steel | Wood |
Handle Length (in) | Long in | 12.5 in |
Grip Type | Shock Reduction | PVC |
Core Specifications(3) | ||
Hammer Type | Framing Hammer | Hammer |
Head Weight (oz) | 22 oz | 12 oz |
Overall Weight (oz) | 34.24 oz | 82 oz |
Head & Face(4) | ||
Claw Type | Straight Rip | None |
Face Type | Smooth | Replaceable |
Non-Marring | false | true |
Head Width (in) | Not Specified in | in |
Features & Build(5) | ||
Construction Type | One-Piece Forged | Drop-Forged |
Overall Length (in) | 16 in | 13.0 in |
Intended Use | Framing | Woodworking/Finish Carpentry |
Warranty | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
Finish | Polished | Yellow/Red |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
