A sledgehammer is basically a tool with a flat metal head that is attached to a long handle. The handle length may vary but the application is the same.
The long handle allows you to make a good swing which results in a lot of force.
You may use it when doing some outdoor work like driving in fence pickets or some other construction work.
Here are some of the best sledgehammers you can buy online today.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Wilton 20816 8-pound HEAD, 16 B.A.S.H Sledge Hammer with Safety Plate Securing Head to Handle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
![]() | Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer - 3-Pound Sledge with Fiberglass Handle & No-Slip Cushion Grip - MRF3LB | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
![]() | Real Steel 0508 Rubber Grip Forged Jacketed Graphite Drilling Sledge Hammer for Striking 3 lb | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
![]() | Jackson 1199800 J-450 16 Pound Sledge 36 in. Fiberglass Handle, 16-Pound Hammer | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Best Sledgehammers You Can Get Today
Below are five options of sledgehammers you can consider. You may only need one but it’s better to look at the options available.
1. Wilton sledgehammer – 8 pound head
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
First on this list is a Wilton hammer and they’re really well known in this industry. It comes with a black handle and a greenish-yellowish head.
One thing this sledgehammer is known for is its longevity. Many have used this product and so far, and we haven’t heard of any of them breaking yet.
Also, the weight of the hammer is pretty balanced, making it less tiring when swinging it.
Pros of the Wilton hammer
- Long-lasting. This Wilton sledgehammer is pretty reliable, works well and lasts very long.
- Great weight. The head of the hammer is 8 pounds, which is just nice for many. The max should be around 10 pounds and anything heavier is usually less productive. But it also depends on the individual’s strength.
- Safety plate. It secures the handle and the head together.
Cons
- It’s not the cheapest hammer here.
2. Estwing 3-pound sledge
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Estwing is another pretty reliable brand in this industry and this sledgehammer is unlike the one above. It comes with a short handle and the head is only 3 pounds.
This one’s meant for more lightweight work, like using it with hardened nails or chisels.
Even though it’s short and light, it still gives powerful blows. It’s also meant to be used in one hand, unlike the heavier sledgehammers.
This Estwing also comes with a fiberglass handle which gives a pretty comfortable grip when swinging.
Why buy the Estwing?
- Lightweight and solid. If you’re in need of a lightweight sledgehammer, this one’s just nice. With only 3 pounds on the head, it should be light enough to swing with one hand without feeling tired too quickly.
- Fiberglass handle. These days, many may prefer fiberglass handles as they’re lighter and you won’t get splinters (unlike wooden handles). It also provides a good grip.
- It’s relatively cheap.
Cons
- Only meant for lightweight work.
3. Fiskars Sledgehammer – 10 pounds
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Fiskars hammer is meant for heavier duty work as it comes equipped with a 10-pound head. You can use it for construction or demolition work like destroying concrete.
It has a pretty cool design and is similar to their other products with a black and orange color scheme.
Like the other Fiskar products, this sledgehammer also has the well designed and patented grip that reduces shock and vibration.
Why buy the Fiskars hammer
- Wedged demolition face. It comes with a wedged face at the back of the head, and it apparently drives up to 5 times more force. This makes it suitable for demolition work.
- Good handle. Their patented isocore grip reduces shock and vibration if compared to the typical wooden handles.
- It also has a lifetime warranty (at the time of writing) but it’s limited to certain things.
- Bigger face diameter, giving you more accuracy.
Cons
- 10 pounds can be heavy if you’re not physically strong.
4. Real Steel Sledgehammer – 3 pounds
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Next up is a sledgehammer belonging to the Real Steel brand. Like the Estwing featured above, this is also equipped with a 3-pound head, making it suitable for lightweight jobs.
It has a short handle as well and is not meant for heavy duty work. With the short handle and manageable weight, you can use it in one hand.
This Real Steel sledge also comes with a rubber grip that gives you a better grip of the mallet.
Pros of the Real Steel
- It’s quite cheap, similar to the Estwing.
- Lightweight, making it suitable for lighter jobs.
Cons
- Not meant for heavy duty work.
5. Jackson Sledgehammer – 16 pounds
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Last on this list is a Jackson sledgehammer and it’s easily the heaviest on this list with 16 pounds. This hammer is mainly used in demolition work or heavy duty hammering.
It also comes with a fiberglass handle which is 36-inches long. If you’re looking for a solid hammer for all kinds of concrete, metal or woodwork, then this one may be suitable.
Pros of the sledgehammer
- Very solid. Very powerful with its weight.
Cons
- Too heavy for most people. If a hammer is too heavy for you, it may get you fatigued really fast, resulting in lower productivity overall.
Buying guide for sledgehammers
Q: Short handle or long handle?
It all depends on what the job is for. If you’re using it mainly for demolition work like breaking concrete and other hard stuff, then getting a long handle sledgehammer is suitable. This is of course assuming that the head of the hammer is pretty heavy.
A short handle hammer is used in situations where you only need to do some lighter hammering and you require only one hand to hold it. An example of lightweight work would be using it to hit hardened nails.
Q: Best weight for the sledgehammer head?
For light work, a 3 pound head is more than sufficient. Anything more is pretty heavy when wielded in one hand.
As for heavy duty work, an 8 – 10 pound head is great. It’s perfectly balanced, but it also depends on your individual strength. Stronger guys can wield heavier sledgehammers. That being said, if it’s too heavy, it may get you fatigued pretty easily.
Q: Best brands for sledgehammers
Any of the brands mentioned above should be good but the common ones are from Estwing and Wilton.
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