Milwaukee Framing Hammer
Score: 92/100
Vaughan Soft Face Hammer
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Milwaukee 17oz Milled Face Framing Hammer is a premium tool engineered with a steel I-Beam handle and SHOCKSHIELD grip to deliver up to 10X less peak vibration than conventional hammers. It features a precision-balanced design, an anti-ring straight claw, and a magnetic nail set to enhance durability, reduce user fatigue, and improve efficiency on the jobsite. Best suited for professional framers working extended hours who need vibration reduction to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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 | Milwaukee Framing Hammer | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
17 ozbest | 12 oz | |
| ↓ lower better | 30.4 ozbest | 82 oz |
16 inbest | 12.5 in | |
16.125 inbest | 13 in | |
5.75 inbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | Milwaukee Framing Hammer | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Grip(3) | ||
Handle Material | Steel | Wood |
Handle Length (in) | 16 in | 12.5 in |
Grip Type | Shock Shield | PVC |
Core Specifications(3) | ||
Hammer Type | Framing | Hammer |
Head Weight (oz) | 17 oz | 12 oz |
Overall Weight (oz) | 30.4 oz | 82 oz |
Head & Face(3) | ||
Claw Type | Straight | None |
Face Type | Milled | Replaceable |
Head Width (in) | 5.75 in | in |
Features & Build(5) | ||
Magnetic Nail Starter | true | false |
Overall Length (in) | 16.125 in | 13.0 in |
Intended Use | Framing | Woodworking/Finish Carpentry |
Warranty | null | Limited Lifetime |
Finish | Steel | Yellow/Red |

Professional commentary emphasizes that the hammer was designed from the ground up to address common user frustrations with existing market options. The manufacturer highlights superior driving performance and significant vibration concerns as key differentiators.
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