Hammer

The best all purpose hammer will generally be at least 20 oz.  Lighter than that and you can’t drive a nail.  Heavier than that and you’ll be fighting off urges to frame houses.

A smooth face is far more versatile.  A waffle face is only for framing.

ALWAYS buy a straight claw.  The only thing a curved claw is good for is pulling nails, and that is not what a hammer is for.

I absolutely love the Vaughan.  I had my Vaughan for sixteen years until one of the fingers of the claw broke off.  I deserved for it to break.  I worked that hammer hard.

I bought a Stanley because that’s all that was available when I needed it. I have to say that I like it but I don’t love it.  The fiberglass handle of the Vaughan has so much over the steel one of the Stanley.

Somewhere along the way (maybe even at a garage sale) I picked up an old Estwing. I’m not even sure if it’s a full 20 ounces, but it comes in handy for finish work.

In conclusion, don’t buy a girlie hammer!