electrician using a hammer for clipping

Electricians rely on a variety of tools to perform their jobs effectively, and among these tools, the humble hammer stands out as an essential piece of equipment. Electricians need a reliable and durable hammer that can handle tough jobs. Like most people in the trade, electricians understand that they have to invest in good quality tools that will last. That initially can be expensive, but it just needs to be considered as a long term investment in their business.

There are numerous types of hammers available, not all are equally suited for the specific needs of electricians. We'll explore the top five best hammers for electricians in the UK, highlighting their unique features, pros, cons, and suitability for different electrical tasks.

Our Top 5 List

Name

Weight

Size

Claw Type

Average Price

Estwing Electricians Hammer

450g

31.8 x 12.4 x 3.2 cms

straight claw

£45-£60

Wiha Electrician's Hammer

500g

38 x 2.5 x 14 cms

straight claw

£30-£40

Klein Electrician's Hammer

861g

10.16 x 38.1 x 2.54 cm

straight claw

£46-£60

Stiletto Electrician's Hammer

425g

51.3 x 17 x 5.1 cms

straight claw

£220-£250

Milwaukee Electrician's Hammer

500g

38.7 x 14.3 x 3.8 cms

straight claw

£45-£60

1. Estwing Electrician's Hammer

Estwing Electrician's Hammer

This is an electrician's ideal hammer at an affordable price. Estwing make a number of models of hammers. The one we would recommend in terms of value for money is the Estwing E16S 16 Oz Rip.(Also available as a 20 ounce option)

Some Estwing hammers cost over £100, but this one is a more modest £40-£50.

This is a straight claw hammer with a leather grip. It is made from alloy steel and is classed as a straight claw hammer with a metal plate on the bottom of the handle. The handle can be engraved to make it more secure if working on a site.

Buyer Ratings

Weight 96% , Comfort 97%, Value for money 95%

Pros

  • The vast majority of buyers say this is the best hammer they have ever owned  
  • Buyers don't like the price but they do love the hammer
  • The perfect hammer for any tool buff
  • Buyers say this hammer is beautifully balanced

Cons

  • A few buyers say this is expensive  

Check Amazon UK for Availability Average Price:£45 96% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

2. Wiha Electrician's Hammer

Wiha Electrician's Hammer

There isn't an electrician who doesn't know about the Wiha brand and their range of electrician's tools from torque screwdrivers to tool boxes.

This is their best selling electrician's hammer and the most affordable on our list, but still not cheap at around £30-40, depending on where you are buying it. It has a U-shaped striking surface, perfect for working in tight spaces

The straight flat claws allow easy removal of nails and nail clamps easily without damaging walls.

Buyer Ratings

Weight 95%

Comfort 97%

Value for money 98%

Pros

  • The vast majority of buyers say this is the best hammer for clipping 
  • Buyers say this is really good and fast at removing clips
  • Most buyers say the base is handy for tapping in raw plugs
  • Buyers say this hammer is lightweight and ideal for hanging into a hammer loop

Cons

  • A few buyers say the grip is rubber which makes it more difficult to get into a holster  

Check Amazon UK for Availability Average Price:£28. 96% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews

3.Klein Electrician's Straight-Claw Hammer

Klein Electrician's Straight-Claw Hammer

The Klein Tools Straight-Claw Hammer is a versatile and durable option that is well-regarded among electricians.

Its lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy to handle for extended periods, while its straight claw provides precise nail removal and positioning.

The hammer's head is made from high-quality, drop-forged steel for exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Key Features

Lightweight design for reduced fatigue
Comfortable grip for extended use
Straight claw for precise nail removal and positioning
Drop-forged steel head for durability

Buyer Ratings

Weight 96%

Comfort 96%

Value for money 90%

Pros

  • The vast majority of buyers say this lightweight and well balanced
  • Remains comfortable even with extended use
  • The straight claw is really good for electrical work
  • Buyers say it's well made and very durable

Cons

  • Not ideal if needed for heavy demolition
  •   A bit more expensive than other options

Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average Price:£48. 96% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

4. Stiletto Electrician's Hammer

Stiletto Electrician's Hammer

The Stiletto brand does get a really good name when it comes to buying a hammer. Not many of these are sold in the UK and that is down to the heavy price point.

They are known for their light weight and how easy they are to swing. When compared to other brands of hammer, the handle is longer and curved which means more force behind each swing

The hammer is made from titanium with a rubber grip which is very good at absorbing shocks. It also has a magnetic plate to help when setting nails along with a side nail puller

Buyer Ratings

Weight 96%

Comfort 98%

Value for money 80%

Pros

  • The vast majority of buyers say this is the their favourite tool in the bag
  • Any buyer who can afford this one call it their pride and joy
  • The perfect hammer for any tool buff
  • Buyers say this hammer is very well balanced and has a great feeling to it

Cons

  • Buyers say this is expensive  

Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average Price:£215. 92% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

5. Milwaukee Electrician's Hammer

Milwaukee Electrician's Hammer

More and more people working in the trades are moving to the American brand Milwaukee when it comes to buying tools.

The hammer shown to the right is their hammer designed for electricians

It has a fibre glass handle with a straight claw and smooth face and also has a magnetic nail set

There are not a huge number of sales in the UK but they are growing in popularity

Buyer Ratings

Weight 96%

Comfort 97%

Value for money 90%

Pros

  • Buyers say this is a solid hammer with a nice balanced weight
  • Buyers don't like the price but they do like using Milwaukee tools
  • The fibre glass handle makes this a nice weight
  • Buyers say this hammer is well balanced

Cons

  • Many buyers say this is expensive  

Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average Price:£55 96% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Choosing the right hammer

  • Weight: Electricians often work with their hands for extended periods, so choosing a lightweight hammer can help reduce fatigue.
  • Claw Design: Curved claws are ideal for reaching into tight spaces and removing nails without damaging surrounding surfaces. Straight claws offer more precision for general nail removal and pounding.
  • Head Material: Drop-forged steel heads provide exceptional durability and can withstand heavy-duty tasks. Fiberglass handles absorb shock and reduce vibration, making them comfortable for extended use.
  • Grip: A comfortable and ergonomic grip is crucial for reducing hand fatigue and ensuring control over the hammer.
  • Price: Hammers range in price from budget-friendly options to more expensive, high-performance models. Consider your budget and the specific features you need.
  • Working in tight spaces: Ideally any hammer should be suitable for working in tight spaces. As such, any hammer should be lightweight but still heavy enough to get the job done. A combination of a round and square head does allow you to get into corners. Many electricians will hang this off a hammer loop and weight is an important consideration.
  • Removing Clips: Clipping and removing clips is one of those things that all "sparks" have to do. Not the most exciting job in the world but a necessary one. A flat straight claw makes this job a great deal easier.

Other Considerations

  • Local Availability: Choose hammers that are readily available in the UK to avoid lengthy shipping times or higher costs.
  • Brand Reputation: We recommend buying hammers from reputable brands known for their quality and durability.
  • User Reviews: It is always a good idea to read user reviews to gain insights into the real-world performance of different hammer models.


Safety Precautions

  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles when using a hammer to protect your eyes from flying chips and debris.
  • Use the correct hammer size and type for the task at hand to avoid accidents.
  • Store hammers properly to prevent damage and accidental injuries.
  • Maintain your hammer regularly to ensure it is in good working condition.

Having the right hammer for the job can significantly impact an electrician's productivity, safety, and overall experience. By understanding the unique features of different hammer models and considering their suitability for various electrical tasks, electricians can make informed decisions that enhance their work efficiency and minimize the risk of accidents. Remember, a good hammer is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

FAQ

What type of hammer do electricians use?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et nam dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco nam laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

What size of hammers do most electricians use?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et nam dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco nam laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Does an electrician really need a hammer?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et nam dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco nam laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

About the Author

With 50 years experience my expertise is in the use of tools for DIY and other projects around the home and garden. I research anything relating to tools to provide accurate and up to date information.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}