My grandpa insisted I use a 16 ounce hammer for framing, not a 20

He said the lighter swing would save my shoulder over a 40 year career, and after framing a whole house in Boise last summer, my elbow feels way better. Do you guys stick with a specific hammer weight for different jobs?

4 comments

4 Comments

margareto2628d ago

My neighbor's been framing since the 80s and he still uses an old 16-ounce Stanley with a wooden handle, wouldn't touch a 20-ounce if you paid him. But then my cousin's crew all use 22-ounce Estwings and swear by them, can't imagine going lighter. I guess it's one of those things where different people's bodies just respond different, you know? Maybe it's more about how you swing than the weight itself, if you're using your shoulder right any hammer could work. Or maybe not, I'm just not convinced it's some huge life changing difference for everyone.

joel_jones1mo ago

My 22-ounce Estwing has driven thousands of nails without hurting my elbow.

miller.rowan1mo ago

Honestly I always thought the whole hammer weight thing was overblown, like just pick one up and swing it. But seeing that you've put thousands of nails in with a 22-ounce without elbow pain is actually pretty convincing. I used to grab whatever was in the toolbox but maybe I've been making it harder on myself. Might have to give a heavier one a real try next project.

ellioth371mo ago

My first framing job I used a 16-ounce claw hammer for a whole day. My forearm felt like it was on fire by lunch. Switched to a 22-ounce the next day and it was like the hammer was doing more of the work. The extra weight carries through the nail so you don't have to swing as hard. It sounds backwards but a lighter hammer makes you fight it more.