Estwing MRW20S
Score: 88/100
Spec Ops Framing Hammer
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Estwing Sure Strike 20 oz is a professional-grade hammer designed for framing, roofing, and demolition, featuring a drop-forged solid steel head and a traditional hickory handle. While it offers excellent balance and vibration reduction, the hickory handle requires more maintenance than synthetic alternatives. It is best suited for professional tradespeople who need a durable rip hammer for high-impact work.
The Spec Ops 28 oz Framing Hammer is a heavy-duty tool engineered for framing, demolition, and nail work, featuring a ballistically balanced high-carbon steel head and a shock-absorbing MOA grip. The inclusion of a removable rubber mallet cap adds versatility for non-marring strikes. It is best suited for elite builders, contractors, and tradesmen on demanding jobsites requiring high impact velocity and controlled swings.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
20 oz | 28 ozbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 ozbest | 36.3 oz |
13.63 inbest | 13 in | |
13.63 in | 16.5 inbest | |
1.28 in | 6.5 inbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Grip(3) | ||
Handle Material | Hickory | Steel/Composite |
Handle Length (in) | 13.63 in | 13.0 in |
Grip Type | Cushion | Shock-Absorbing |
Core Specifications(4) | ||
Hammer Type | Rip Claw | Framing Hammer |
Head Weight (oz) | 20 oz | 28 oz |
Overall Weight (oz) | 20 oz | 36.3 oz |
Head Material | Steel | High-Carbon Steel |
Head & Face(3) | ||
Claw Type | Straight | Rip Claw |
Face Type | Smooth | Milled |
Head Width (in) | 1.28 in | 6.5 in |
Features & Build(6) | ||
Magnetic Nail Starter | false | true |
Construction Type | Triple Wedge | Ballistically Balanced |
Overall Length (in) | 13.63 in | 16.5 in |
Intended Use | Framing/Demolition | Framing / Demolition |
Warranty | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
Finish | Silver | Black/Tan |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Estwing Sure Strike hammer for its strength, professional design, and unsurpassed balance. Sources highlight the solid forged steel head and lightweight handles as ideal for tradesmen, with specific recommendations for framers and roofers due to the vibration-reducing grips and ease of use.
Everyday users commonly praise the hammer's balance, comfort, and durability. Recurring themes include ease of use for daily tasks and satisfaction with the quality of materials like hickory. There are no major recurring complaints regarding performance, with users giving full endorsements after months of use.
No independent professional reviews or editor quotes appear in the search results. Product listings from retailers repeat manufacturer descriptions emphasizing performance claims.
Search results provide no consumer reviews, testimonials, or forums with praise or complaints. A similar Spec Ops hammer model has a 5.0 star rating from 3 users, but none specifically for this milled-face version.
“perfect, well balanced, with a nice smooth face and quality hickory handle”
“extremely well balanced, easy to use, lightweight”
