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New Hybrid Estwing Hammers

Canabuild | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 30, 2004 10:22am

Have any of you guys swung one of these clubs. I mean, Estwing has long held a special place on the side of my apron, but this thing is a bad idea gone wrong.The only time it felt like it had potential was when i was swinging one at the building store. The face forward design”to deliver maximun power to the nail” turned out to be akward at best, let alone trying to remove it from my hammer-hook while in out- of -balance situations. And the flat face seemed to work fine until i nearly missed on a swing (windy),lol, and the nail i was driving folded over into a mangled piece of scrap, which seemed to be a common phenominom when driving nails into knots with the slightly destorded angle the face has to compensate for the angled handle.

Anyway, just had to vent a little, it’s back to the old 20 oz Estwing for me.

However, the new fibre Estwing Hybrid does look Nasty, maybe I’ll give it to the new kid on my crew.

Have you guys tried this thing and if so what are your takes??

 

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  1. Buglehead | Apr 04, 2004 10:05am | #1

    Canabuild,

    I swung it in the store.  It felt wrong, very heavy in an awkward sort of way.  The sharp corners of the square face seem dangerous, too.  It would need to be free to tempt me.

    Bugle

    1. Lateapex911 | Apr 04, 2004 11:07pm | #8

      The guy who works for me was commenting on it so I got it for him at Christmas. He LOVES it. Thinks it's way netter than my Estwing framer. Jake Gulick

      [email protected]

      CarriageHouse Design

      Black Rock, CT

  2. toolbear | Apr 04, 2004 01:20pm | #2

    As a known hammer junkie ( 5 Stilettoes, but I can quit at any time.), I had a go at it - at the Depot.  Swung it a bit.  Thought the grip a bit agressive.  Could see blisters.  Put it back.  Have not been temped since - by that.

    The grip on my hammers is custom BearGrip - sand in colorful enamel paint.  Same method I use for boat decks.  Works just fine.  It puts the non in non skid.

    I happily recommend the Dalluge Sweet 16 titanium framer.  My boss, who does know how to nail, was sinking them in two with it. 

    ToolBear

  3. VinceCarbone | Apr 04, 2004 01:47pm | #3

    I tried it in the lumber yard, put a few nails into a 2x. the square edge on the face made a heck of a mark in the wood,almost a Diamond shape gouge because of the angle of the hammer to the wood. I'd hate to see what it would do to your finger,I put it back on the shelf.

    Vince Carbone

    Riverside Builders Franklin NY ICQ #47917652

  4. maliseetroofer | Apr 04, 2004 03:40pm | #4

    canabuild,

    I love it. it really drives the nails, but if you miss the nail when you start it drives you finger.  I use mine for roofing,(no roofing guns), and it sets the nails faster.  It is a pain in the behind to get it out of the hook but they'll come out with something better to hold these hammers

  5. ravenwind | Apr 04, 2004 04:40pm | #5

              My friend Steve has it and I almost bought it , But I thought it to be too awkward to use much. He seems to like it ,  I think it makes a good prying tool,  I think I like the feel of my old estwings best. its not for finish work for sure.

                                                                Dogboy

  6. User avater
    Sphere | Apr 04, 2004 08:10pm | #6

    Bought one a month or so ago..the woody broke..(sigh)...I don't grab it first, that's for sure. Bad milling on the face..I re-did some cross hatches with a metal cutoff wheel in my angle grinder..it just skipped off CC nails too much..all I use are CC's. And cutnails.

    The claws were incredibly dull..blunt actually. A grinder to them and now it's like an adze..

    I would not buy another one.

    View Image

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

    1. FastEddie1 | Apr 04, 2004 08:51pm | #7

      About a year ago there was a discussion here with someone who was part of the management team at Estwing.  Wonder if that person will come back?

      Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

  7. Paradiscic | Apr 05, 2004 01:33am | #9

    The square head is very nice for banging away the drywall before casing a window.  It is awkward in the belt but you get used to it.  Still does not feel as nice as my wooden handles but it don't break either.

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