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News, Tool Reviews

The Panel Decides: Hammers Tool Review

April 1, 2024
The Panel Decides: Hammers Tool Review

In the market for a new hammer? Don’t make a move until you’ve read our tradies’ reviews!

  • Our expert panel put hammers to the test
  • Hammer weight was a sticking point for some
  • Bright colours for the win!

The Tools

REPELEC – CH-20 Claw Hammer, 20 OZ with fibreglass handleWATTMASTER – Hi-Vis Claw HammerKLEIN TOOLS – Electrician’s Straight-Claw Hammer
RRP $42.90RRP $66.57RRP $57.70
THE LOWDOWN
The Hamer 20oz drop-forged claw hammer has a weighted, carbon steel head, while the anti-vibration features are incorporated through the fibreglass shaft, making striking hard surfaces less tiring. The head-securing wedge is epoxy sealed, so there’s less chance of separation, while the moulded, rubberised, anti-slip grip allows for a more comfortable feel during prolonged use.		THE LOWDOWN
This hammer has a bright fibreglass handle for high visibility and a durable, non–slip rubber grip. It has a carbon steel, hardened medium head that is specially forged and polished, while the claws have a good tensile strength.		THE LOWDOWN
Made of high-strength fibreglass for optimal shock absorption, this hammer features a 510 g forged steel head with smooth head for reduced marring. The durable handle has a non-slip grip for comfort and a hang hole for tethering ability or hanging storage, while the straight claw was engineered specifically for removing NM (Romex®) staples.

The Panel

  
Matthew Cwikla
Heatherton Electrical
Experience: 20 years		Jim Tziouvelis
Ivolt Electrical
Experience: 5 years		Bruce Godwin
Surelink Electrical
Experience: 40 years
   

The Verdict

REPELEC – CH-20 Claw Hammer, 20 OZ with fibreglass handle

“A great hammer!” – Bruce
Matthew: Everyday choice
This is a good, everyday tradie hammer. It’s got a good feel to it – nice balance and it’s a good weight. It’s a bright colour, too, which is great – makes it easy to spot. Nothing to fault this one on.		Jim: Pros and cons
On the positive side, it’s got a nice feel to it, it’s solid, and it’s bright too, which makes it easy to locate in a busy van. On the negative side, the balance is not great.		Bruce: A great hammer!
This hammer is nice and bright, has a great handle, and is easy to grip. I found the balance and weight to be good, so no complaints on that score. It’s just a great everyday hammer.
VERDICT: Can’t fault it
RATING: 7/10 *TOP PICK*
 		VERDICT: Solid and bright
RATING: 6/10 		VERDICT: It’s a winner
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK* 

WATTMASTER – Hi-Vis Claw Hammer

“Perfect for electrical use!” – Jim
Matthew: Handyman’s hammer
It feels a bit light duty in comparison to the others, and maybe is more of a handyman hammer than one for tradies. It’s got a very original style with a regular grip, and is very easy to use.		Jim: Perfect for electrical use!
This was the pick of the bunch for me. It has a very familiar style and the weight feels right, too. This one really suits electrical use – it’s long, and has an easy hold grip. No complaints at all!		Bruce: Lightweight
Everything was ok with this hammer, but I do feel it’s more suitable for domestic use than professional. It seems too lightweight for a contractor to use regularly, and has poor balance. Not for me, I’m afraid.
VERDICT: Not for me
RATING: 5/10 		VERDICT: My pick
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK* 		VERDICT: Hard pass
RATING: 4/10 

KLEIN TOOLS – Electrician’s Straight-Claw Hammer

“This hammer has a nice handle, a good grip and is a bright colour, making it easy to find.” – Bruce
Matthew: No thanks
This one is a different style and weight compared to what I’d usually use. It’s far too heavy and the claw is not user-friendly at all. However, it is large and bright, and easy to locate.		Jim: Difficult to use
This hammer has a solid feel, and has an easy grip handle. That’s the good news. It’s got an unusual claw, and is difficult to use. And it’s way too heavy.		Bruce: Weight is an issue
This hammer has a nice handle, a good grip and is a bright colour, making it easy to find. However, this one is far too heavy for an electrician’s needs, making it impractical.
VERDICT: Too heavy
RATING: 4/10 		VERDICT: Last choice
RATING: 4/10 		VERDICT: Not for electricians
RATING: 3/10

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