This Old House Reviews Team

A sledgehammer’s heavy-duty nature makes it an essential part of any DIYer’s tool arsenal. Although most sledgehammers have a steel head attached to a handle, many characteristics distinguish a quality sledgehammer from a run-of-the-mill product. Handle material, length, and arrangement all play a crucial role in a sledgehammer’s quality and use. 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 easily deliver the most force and break through sheetrock, tile, brick, and concrete. While sledgehammers are intended for demolition, selecting the right make and model for your job is essential. This buying guide will help you select the right sledgehammer by explaining how a sledgehammer’s handle, weight, cost, and intended use impact the user experience.

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.

Handle Material

Sledgehammer handles are made of wood, fiberglass, or steel wrapped in a rubber grip. Most sledgehammers are equipped with fiberglass handles because they are lightweight, durable, shock-absorbent, and maintain their condition blow after blow. However, some sledgehammers have 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. However, 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.

 

Use

Each sledgehammer is designed for a specific purpose, so you’ll want to ensure that a sledgehammer’s intended use matches your needs before purchase. For example, 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 3-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.

 

Weight

Most of a sledgehammer’s weight comes from its head, ranging from 3 to more than 20 pounds. A sledgehammer’s head weight is important because it usually determines the head design and handle length. Here are the 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 between 8 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 concrete. Our top recommendation for a lightweight, traditional-sized sledgehammer is the Craftsman 8-Pound Sledge Hammer.
• 20+ pounds: Heads of 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. They are effective in driving rebar and shattering stone or concrete.

 

Additional Content Section

 

How to Use a Sledgehammer

Before using a sledgehammer, you should feel comfortable with the weight and feel of this tool. Sledgehammers are top-heavy and can feel awkward when swinging them the first several times. Stop if the sledgehammer feels too heavy or you feel out of control. Have someone who’s experienced with a sledgehammer help you. 

 

Here are some practical pointers to help beginners safely swing a sledgehammer: 

 

• Grip the bottom of the sledgehammer, at the end of the handle, with your non-dominant hand.
• Using your dominant hand, grip the handle near the base of the sledgehammer’s head. 
• Position your feet based on the type of swing you need. If you wish to swing the hammer vertically, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart directly in front of your target. To swing diagonally or horizontally, stagger your feet with your non-dominant foot in front and your dominant foot behind you. 
• Begin your swing by bringing your sledgehammer up and level with your head before driving it into the target. Aim for the center of the target. Mid-swing, your dominant hand should control the motion and meet your non-dominant hand toward the bottom of the handle. 
• Repeat these steps to swing the sledgehammer again. 
• NOTE: If you’re using a sledgehammer to exercise, the above instructions do not apply. You may need a differently-weighted sledgehammer for your workout or the guidance of an expert in sledgehammer workouts. 

 

 

FAQs

• What makes a sledgehammer so expensive?

The handle material and head size are two of the most significant factors influencing 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 excellent 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. Wear impact goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust. You should also wear work gloves with a cut-resistant design to protect against blisters and lacerations.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. 

 

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

 

 

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 This Old House Reviews Team.