Hammer

[LeViAtHaN]

Has anyone used this hammer?

Craftsman 38262 40 oz. Blacksmith Hammer at Sears.com

I was thinking about this for my first forging hammer. Was wondering if anyone might have any comments on it or if you might know of a different one in this price range that would be better to start learning with. Thanks in advance!

[Brian C.]

I bought one when I first started, but never did really like it. Even after reshaping the handle. It just seemed "clunky" to me, for lack of a better description. If you have a SEARS store close enough, stop in & see how it feels.

I ended up donating it to our church to use in the Easter depiction, along with the nails I forged from RR spikes.

I prefer an old Channel Lock brand hammer that I bought at Quad State a few years ago. Similar weight, with a slimmer profile and once I rehandled it, it seems to be much better for me.

[RegionalChaos]

I've bought a few different hammers from Harbor Freight. Then dressed the faces and re-handled them. They seem surprisingly decent for costing 4 or 5 bucks. Also, see if there is a flea market that meets regularly near you. I just picked up a great 3#+ cross pien for 4$.

[Finnr]

my favorite hammers are re worked Harbor Freight cheapies. I also have a couple of excellent antique cross peens, One from e bay and one I bought at the last hammer in the local guild held. All much moe economical than Sears.
Finnr

[Ted T]

Many years ago I bought a hammer similar looking to the one advertised. I did not find anything really wrong with it. I am not sure if it was from sears or not.
But, I dress up my hammers to fit my hammering needs. I re-shape the handle to be comfortable in my hand and dress the hammer head to be with out blemish.
If I buy a really cheep hammer to re-forge to a new shape, of course I also have to reset (wedge) the head/handle for a tighter fit.
In the end, it’s going to be your opinion that counts when you are the one that has to use the tool.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

[Chris Pook]

Yep, I never expect to use a hammer right out of the "box" I always need to make them work for me, reshape or rehandle them. Everyon has their preference.

[Dutchmancreek]

When you buy one of those Harbor Freight hammers remove the black paint and look for any cracks. I used one once and it broke in half.

Here in the midwest, Menards sells a line of engineers and cross peen hammers that I have modified with pretty good success.

Steve

[latvius]

I have one just like it, works great! But you will need to polish the face it comes with little circular lines on the face.

[Jmercier]

My primary forging hammer is a re-dressed 40oz crafstman crosspien. Needs a good bit of work to make it right, having a belt grinder helps alot though. I also chopped hte bottom 4 inches off the handle as well, it comes with a handle that's far too long for smithing work.

[Joseff]

I have that hammer, I'm fairly sure. I rather like it. One of its best features is the size of the eye. The handle is about twice as thick as other hammers, right at the most vulnerable point.
Joseff