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 handle	WATTMASTER – Hi-Vis Claw Hammer	KLEIN TOOLS – Electrician’s Straight-Claw Hammer
RRP $42.90	RRP $66.57	RRP $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