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The Resources Issue
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The Resources Issue
Feb-Mar 2025
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!
In this Article:
Our expert panel put hammers to the test
Hammer weight was a sticking point for some
Bright colours for the win!
The Tools
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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
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| Matthew Cwikla
from Heatherton Electrical Experience: 20 years |
Jim Tziouvelis
from Ivolt Electrical Experience: 5 years |
Bruce Godwin
from Surelink Electrical Experience: 40 years |
The Verdict
REPELEC – CH-20 Claw Hammer, 20 OZ with fibreglass handle
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“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*
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VERDICT: Solid and bright
RATING: 6/10
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VERDICT: It’s a winner
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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WATTMASTER – Hi-Vis Claw Hammer
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“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
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VERDICT: My pick
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: Hard pass
RATING: 4/10
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KLEIN TOOLS – Electrician’s Straight-Claw Hammer
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“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
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VERDICT: Last choice
RATING: 4/10
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VERDICT: Not for electricians
RATING: 3/10
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Find the latest hammers at your local Gemcell Member branch
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