A hammer, closely followed by a screwdriver, is one of the tools you will most likely find at everyone’s house. Most wouldn’t give their hammer a second look. But this can be changed easily.
The Estwing family probably makes the best hammers you can buy. Founded in 1923 by Ernest O. Estwing (a Swedish immigrant), they still manufacture their hammers in Rockford, Illinois. I love that it says on their website that they want to make “attractive striking” tools. What a great company goal. I was happy when I found this Rip Hammer a few month ago at the Long Beach Antique Market.
- Estwing Hammer
With this hammer, head and handle are forged out of one piece. This makes it extremely robust, ensuring that you don’t have to fear the head flying off. The grip is made of thin leather discs, which not only makes the hammer particularly ‘attractive’, it’s also a great way to absorb shock. Estwing’s design prevents the discs from coming loose by pushing them into a triple-circle shaped pattern in the steel.
I’m still trying to find out what year my hammer was made, but thankfully they still make them today.
I’ve never seen a hammer with such a narrow neck.
13 Comments
I “bought” an Estwing hatchet probably 40 years ago using S&H Greenstamps. (Extra credit if you know what those are without looking, and the big prize if you remember using them…) I love my hatchet, still have the sheath for it too. Great products, hell, maybe it’s time for another…
Excellent choice. I’ve used a few hammers in my life, but none better than an Estwing. It feels light in the hand and very balanced, but it seems to strike with greater force than heavier hammers. I don’t know why that is, but that’s the way it feels.
Vaughn, I want to see a picture a picture of your hatchet, if you have one, send it to me (sebastian(at)kaufmann-mercantile(dot)com). I didn’t not know about the S&H green stamps, but I grew up in Germany which puts me a bit in a disadvantage. Ha. They are worth a story of their own. So interesting. Thanks, S.
Hal, I agree. Maybe it’s think the thin neck that makes the difference. It feels so aerodynamic – I’m not sure if there is any scientific proof for it. S.
One of the interesting delights of growing older, is a sketchy memory…so when I saw the Estwing hammer, I thought, gee, I have to comment about my hatchet… then I see that I already have. Yes, I will send a pic or two of my Estwing. In the time since my previous post, I did manage to buy several hammers- though I have plenty- but wanted some of the Estwings after a very disappointing trip to home Depot.
I recently found this exact era hammer at the Goodwill in St.Paul MN…..it was laying there in the tool bin with a $2.99 price tag on it….almost if the hammer had found me, I was instantly attracted to it. Recognizing it’s class, superior craftsmanship and authenticity I knew I had to buy it. (as if there was any doubt)..then after bringing it home I decided to research it a little , leading me to your page.
Glad to see I’m not the only super handyman tool geek out there.
nice hammer,where can i buy a old used ESTWING HAMMER,REGARDS Paula.
Hello Paula, I buy all my vintage tools at flea markets – this is also where i bought this Estwing hammer. You may also want to try ebay. I also know of several websites that specialize in selling vintage tools:
- http://www.wktools.com
- http://www.antique-used-tools.com
- http://www.roseantiquetools.com
But I haven’t used any of these so I couldn’t recommend one over the other. Good luck!
Sebastian
Iwould like top buy a Estwing vintage hammer, can you help?
we just got the exact same hammer from an antique shop. We plan on using it for its purpose, but is it worth something? I just recently discovered that there is a story behind these hammers and tools. I would love to know more!
Hi Bacca,
Do you know how old the hammer is? The one pictured is about 30 – 40 years old and it isn’t not worth a lot. But of course, the older a tool gets the more expensive it gets as well. And they have been making these hammers for a long time.
Please feel free to email me an image and I’ll give you my best guess.
Sebastian
forging dies seam to have date changed regularly. when the tool is forged the date in raised form is struck in the side of the i beam handle .problem being this is under the leather or ”nylon” grip
brad
We have a Estwing Hammer 16 oz. bent claw ; it is stamped 3-7-52. Is that the date it was made and what is one that old worth?