Hammers of Choice
SISSY SLEDGE
The Hammerhead hammer is also known as a drilling hammer. It is a three pound sledgehammer and the cheapest of the steel head hammers shown. I use it for roughing stones and for aggressively driving chisels. This is my favorite hammer because of its utility and the balanced heft of it in my hand; it’s the quintessential work hammer. I call it Sissy Sledge because it’s such a lightweight compared to the Quarry Buster.
Sissy Sledge
CHIP
This is probably the most versatile hammer in my tool bag. Called a bricklayer’s or mason’s hammer, it has a sharp blade at one end and a square striking head at the opposite. It only weighs 24 ounces, but it can pack a decent wallop. This is a brand new Vaughn, barely scuffed. Typically I have used Estwing hammers which have a through handle and cushioned grip. It doesn’t effect performance, but I think the Estwing is easier on the hands and wrists.
Chip
PRETTY PERSUASION
The longer handle and streamlined hammerhead give this three pounder a lot more wallop than Sissy Sledge. I generally swing this with both hands, with intent to harm. It’s been called a lot of things: mash, rock, and spalling hammer amongst them, though I don’t know if any of those are particularly accurate. Freshly re-handled, I like the streak of dark grain in the wood.
Pretty Persuasion
