This Old House Reviews Team

A sledgehammer’s heavy-duty nature makes it an important part of any DIYer’s tool arsenal. Although most sledgehammers consist of a steel head attached to a handle, there are many characteristics that distinguish a quality sledgehammer from a run-of-the-mill product. Handle material, length, and arrangement all play an important role in a sledgehammer’s quality and designed use.

To help you weed out second-rate products, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best sledgehammers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. Here are our top recommendations for sledgehammers.

Buyer’s Guide

When purchasing a sledgehammer, customers tend to look for a product that can deliver the most force and break through sheetrock, tile, brick, and concrete with ease. While sledgehammers are intended for demolition, it’s important to select the right make and model for your specific job.

In this buying guide, we aim to help you select the right sledgehammer by explaining how a sledgehammer’s handle, weight, cost, and intended use impact the user experience.

 

Handle Material

Sledgehammer handles are usually constructed using wood, fiberglass, or steel wrapped in a rubber grip. In general, most sledgehammers are equipped with fiberglass handles because of their lightweight and tough composition. Fiberglass provides a sledgehammer with a durable handle that’s shock-absorbent and able to maintain its condition blow after blow. However, some sledgehammers are outfitted with low-quality fiberglass, which causes them to be heavy and fragile.

Wood is a traditional choice for a sledgehammer handle because of its flexibility and feel. Unlike fiberglass, wood handles can’t sustain their shape over time and are prone to cracking, splintering, and cosmetic damage. Steel is the most durable of all handle materials and is crack-resistant. While sledgehammers outfitted with steel handles are effective, they can be more expensive and heavier than their wood and fiberglass counterparts.

 

Weight

The majority of a sledgehammer’s weight comes from its head, which can range from three to over 20 pounds. A sledgehammer’s head weight is important because it usually determines the head design and handle length. Here are features of the following sledgehammer head sizes:

• 3–6 pounds: Sledgehammers with 3–6-pound heads are characterized by their small handle length. These sledgehammers resemble hammers and are used for small demolition projects like cracking floor tile or tub surrounds.
• 8–12 pounds: Sledgehammer heads that are between eight and 12 pounds take on a more traditional sledgehammer look that includes a long handle and large head. These sledgehammers are useful for heavy-duty household projects like removing walls or breaking up concrete. Our top recommendation for a lightweight, traditional-sized sledgehammer is the Craftsman Eight-Pound Sledge Hammer.
• 20+ pounds: Heads that are 20 or more pounds are designed for heavy-duty jobs and professional use. These sledgehammers can be identified by their large head and long handle and are effective in driving rebar and shattering stone or concrete.

 

Use

Each sledgehammer is designed for a specific purpose, so you’ll want to ensure that a sledgehammer’s intended use matches your needs prior to purchase. If you need a sledgehammer for small, heavy-duty projects around the home like breaking up a shower bed or knocking out a tiled backsplash, a three-pound hammer might be a good choice. However, if you’re knocking down a wall for a DIY project, you may need a 10- to 20-pound model.

 

Cost

Like many items, price isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality, though it may be helpful to understand the average cost of a sledgehammer, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’re looking for a 3- or 6-pound sledgehammer, you can expect to pay between $15–$20. For heavier models, like a 10-pound sledgehammer, prices range from $40 to $50.

 

 

FAQs

What makes a sledgehammer so expensive?

The handle material and head size are two of the biggest factors that influence the price of a sledgehammer. For example, sledgehammers with a wide head made of steel and a reinforced steel handle are more expensive than small sledgehammers with a wooden handle.

 

What is the most common size for a sledgehammer?

Most sledgehammers have a 36-inch handle and weigh about 10 pounds. This size is great for household jobs and small, professional projects.

 

Should I wear safety equipment while using a sledgehammer?

Yes. It’s important to protect your hands and eyes while using a sledgehammer. To protect your eyes from flying debris and dust, wear impact goggles or glasses. You should also wear work gloves with a cut-resistant design to protect against blisters and lacerations.

 

 

The This Old House Reviews team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the Reviews team, and do not imply an endorsement by the experts on This Old House or Ask This Old House.