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A sledgehammer is an important part of any professional or DIYer’s tool arsenal. Although most sledgehammers consist of 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 an important role in a sledgehammer’s quality and designed use.
Here are our top recommendations for sledgehammers, and you can also check out our buying guide to tools for more important shopping tips.
Top 3 Sledgehammers
*Links open to product retail page.
- Best for Heavy-Duty Projects: Wilton B.A.S.H. 20-Pound Sledge Hammer
- Best Multi-Purpose: Fiskars IsoCore 10-Pound Sledge Hammer
- Best Light-Weight: Estwing Sure Strike 3-Pound Sledge
Best for Heavy-Duty Projects
Wilton B.A.S.H. 20-Pound Sledge Hammer (22036)
- $195
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The sledgehammer is protected from manufacturer’s defects by a lifetime warranty and is backed by a Wilton $1,000 guarantee, which will award you $1,000 if your sledgehammer’s handle breaks within two years of purchase.
Key Features
- Green sledgehammer head that weighs 20 pounds
- Steel-core handle
- Anti-vibration neck
- Non-slip rubberized grip
- Lifetime warranty for manufacturer’s defects
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews raved about the power delivered by this sledgehammer, commenting on its sturdy, yet comfortable frame. Many customers wrote about this product’s 20-pound head weight, with many arguing that the weight was necessary to deliver a crushing blow to dense stone, brick, and concrete. The negative reviews focused on the strong, chemical-like smell emitted from the product, as well as the handle’s fragility, as one reviewer experienced a broken handle.
Best Multi-Purpose
Fiskars IsoCore 10-Pound Sledge Hammer
- $60.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Patented IsoCore Shock Control System
- Extra-large diameter driving face
- Double-sided head
- Insulated handle sleeve
- Lifetime warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviewers praised the low-shock impact of the sledgehammer, along with the power delivered by its beveled demolition edge. Additionally, many reviewers commented on the security provided by the non-slip handle. Most negative reviews centered around experiences with the product breaking over time or customers receiving wrong or damaged products.
Best Light-Weight
Estwing Sure Strike Three-Pound Sledge
- $21.54
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Jacketed fiberglass
- Balanced, three-pound head
- Forged steel head
- 3 pounds
- Smooth face
What Customers Are Saying
Many reviews commented on the convenience of the three-pound sledgehammer’s light, but powerful frame. Other reviewers praised the hammer for its ability to be used outside of demolition projects, with many customers using the product for splitting wood or chiseling. The limited number of negative reviews centered around Estwing manufacturing this sledge overseas, with some customers disappointed that the product wasn’t manufactured in the United States.
Sledgehammer Buying 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.
Our top recommendation for a steel-handled sledgehammer is the Wilton B.A.S.H 20-Pound Sledge Hammer, whose durable, rubber-coated steel handle minimizes vibrations while increasing control.
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’s length. Take a look at 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 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 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 before purchase. If you need a sledgehammer for small projects around the home, a three-pound hammer might be a good choice. However, if you’re knocking down a wall or breaking up concrete, you may need a 10-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.
How To Use a Sledgehammer
Before using a sledgehammer, you must be comfortable with the weight and feel of the tool. If the sledgehammer feels too heavy, or you feel out-of-control while using it, stop immediately. If you’re new to using a sledgehammer, follow these steps on how to swing your heavy-duty tool the right way.
- Grip the sledgehammer at the bottom of its handle with your non-dominant hand.
- Grip the handle again with your dominant hand near the base of the sledgehammer’s head.
- Position your feet based on the type of swing you need. If you’re going to swing the hammer vertically, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart directly in front of the target. For a diagonal swing, stagger your feet with your non-dominant foot in front and a dominant foot behind you.
- To begin your swing, bring the sledgehammer up and level with your head before driving it into the center of the target. During the swing, your dominant hand should control the blow and meet the non-dominant hand at the bottom of the handle. Repeat the steps to swing again.
Note: These tips are specific to sledgehammers with a 36-inch handle.
Sledgehammer FAQs
What makes a sledgehammer so expensive?
The handle material and head size usually 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 a small sledgehammer 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 heavy-duty 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, consider wearing impact goggles or glasses. You should also wear work gloves with a cut-resistant design to protect against blisters and lacerations.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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