Went to my local DIY store last week to get a hammer (somehow managed to lose my tried and tested hammer over the winter).
I had a rough idea a new hammer was going to cost me £10 to £15. When I saw their range I saw prices of £35 to £55.
Just before fainting on the spot, I saw their cheaper items on a lower shelf and picked up a hammer for £9.
My nine quid hammer is nice and solid and heavy and isn't going to wear out or fall apart. But now I'm curious. How does an item as basic, durable and uncomplicated as a hammer vary so much in price? And what are the pros getting for their fifty odd quid?
All the hammers on show had the same shape, size and similar kinds of handles.
Best Answer
The range is actually broader than that. You can get a Stiletto for about $200 US.
The difference between the cheap one and the expensive one depends. Cheaper ones may have handles that go into a head, while more expensive ones may have a cast handle that extends all the way to the base of the grip. Some of the ones that are more expensive and just have a head attached to a handle will actually be made out of composite materials that are designed to absorb the force of repeated nailings.
Cheaper handles that are one cast piece will generally be made out of brittle or light-duty metal. This will not be your father's hammer, and might (literally) shatter if you hit something too hard or wrong with it.
Personally, I never buy cheap tools. They always let me down... or worse, injure me. All of my hammers are Estwing brand with the rubber shock reduction grip. It's worth the money for an expensive hammer if you ever plan to use it all day. Otherwise, a cheap one is fine, just be careful what you hit with it lest the handle crack.