I’ve been using Hart hammers exclusively for about ten years with zeal. They were always available at big-box stores and boutique places alike. When my 21-ounce deck hammer was stolen recently, I had to resort to sniffing around the internet until I found them (Hart hammers) at Northern Tools. I placed the order and waited, building a deck with a waffle-head and nail set in the meantime.
When my new “Hart” hammer arrived, I was put off to say the least. The head is awkwardly balanced and engraved “Born in the U.S.A.” Opposite this claim on the head was a cruddy little puff sticker in red, white, and blue. On the too-light, over-varnished handle was a huge gaudy logo: “Hart Tool Co., Born in the U.S.A.” Compared to all the Harts I’ve used in the past, it handles like (expletive). Also, if it were made in the U.S., shouldn’t it say so?
It seems that I can’t get through to Hart Tools to complain. Does anybody know what happened to my elegant tool maker?
Replies
Here you go - http://www.douglastool.com/history.htm
The Douglas has more than a few fans here.
Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
Douglas does make a nice club, but I'm still into the mystery of the Hart that isn't.
Mr. Coonrad took his patent with him. The Douglas is the Hart Woody re-invented.Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
Try http://www.justhammers.com. Don't know if they're "born in the usa" or the originals, but they have Harts. Good luck.
Hart and Dead on were bought out by Maasdam power pull
Now they have a lame website but you can at least reach someone
http://www.maasdam.com/
Ratchet hammers are next Boys..............
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I'll have to agree with you on the quality of the new Hart 21 oz.
The plastic sticker on the head will come off and it doesn't even fit the recess.
I'll see If I can still get the California framer for you......That's a sweet hammer.
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Hart 21oz
You can try Dead on tools
Hart became Double Eagle then Dead on
Hart Hammers
Hart hammers are available at The Hammer Source. http://www.hammersource.com/Hart_Hammers/
Also, the new Vaughan Woody VW18 at http://www.hammersource.com/Framing_Hammer_Wood_Handle/
lets hope he hasnt been hammerless for 11 years...
Andrew
Since you're in sales at hammersource would this be a try at a spamodic free ad or do you intend on giving information on this age old tool?
Bob Hart, the founder of Hart Tool, passed away Feb 12th 2023. He is survived by his wife Linda Hart, daughter Janet Salmon (Hart), sons Jamie Hart, and John Hart.
RIP
Please pass on our condolences.
Thank you Calvin, I will do that.
sad news. i have over 100 of his finest hammers. wish to have met him. swinging his hammer in CA since 1996 before and after leaving military. condolences to the family.