Old school framing hammer vs composite - which side are you on?

I grew up using a 22 oz Estwing framing hammer, thought anything lighter was just for show. Then I borrowed a buddy's Stiletto composite hammer on a deck job in Columbus last summer and my swing felt totally different after 2 days. Now I'm split - the steel hammer gives me more control on nails, but the composite saves my elbow by lunchtime. Has anyone else switched and then switched back, or are you committed to one side?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancythomas22d ago

Buddy switched back to steel after a composite head flew off mid swing on a job site.

jade_johnson22d ago

Had a buddy @nancythomas whos composite handle shattered on a fence post, went right back to steel the next day.

bennett.nora12d ago

Oh man, sounds like that composite handle just gave up and said "nope, I'm out." Guess it figured a fence post was the perfect spot to call it quits. I've seen that before, everyone jumps on the composite bandwagon until physics reminds them that wood and steel have been doing this job for a hundred years without drama. But hey, at least your buddy got a good story out of it, right? Nothing like a tool throwing a temper tantrum to make you appreciate the old school stuff. Must've been quite the sight seeing that head go flying, probably scared the birds off for a mile.