Review of the best sledgehammers for 2020

The sledge hammer is one of the most powerful and reliable tools designed for breaking various surfaces and driving heavy anchors and hardware. To date, manufacturers produce several types of percussion instruments, which will be discussed in this article.

Sledgehammer selection criteria

Before purchasing a percussion instrument, it is worth considering the following parameters, on which the efficiency and safety of work will depend:

1. Striker weight and shape. Often, strikers of different shapes and masses are installed on the sledgehammers. The optimal instrument is one with a combined percussion element. There are flat and sharp-nosed strikers. The latter option is effective for breaking surfaces and for performing more precise work. Flat elements are widely used in construction and blacksmithing. Such an instrument has a huge impact mass. Depending on the goals, you can choose the weight of the striking element, which will vary from 1 to 7 kg.
2. Firing pin material. During the manufacture of the striking element, special attention is paid to the wear resistance and durability of the striker. The problem is that over time, the firing pin can undergo mechanical deformation due to powerful impacts. The use of tool steel, which is forged, helps to protect the tool from losing its original shape. As a rule, the hardness level of the striker material should reach 55 HRs, therefore, selective hardening technology is used, which simultaneously strengthens the metal structure and softens the internal composition of the striker. This prevents the tool from cracking. The essence of hardening is heating the metal by passing a high frequency current through it.
3. Handle material. Most of the tool is occupied by the handle, which plays an important role during work. First of all, the safety of the master depends on it, and then the power of the blow. Mostly wooden handles are used in the manufacture of sledgehammers. Hardwood trees such as walnut, birch and beech are used by the standards. The advantage of wooden handles is low cost, maintainability and reliability. Of course, over time, the main coating of such a handle begins to wear out, and the shock vibration is completely transmitted to the hands of the worker. Therefore, it is best to use a fiberglass handle, which is not only reliable and durable, but also provides safety and convenience during operation. Shock vibration is absorbed by the inside of the handle, while rubber inserts provide an easy grip.

Best lightweight models

Such sledge hammers are widely used in blacksmithing and car locksmithing. Instruments not exceeding a weight of 3 kg are manufactured by both foreign and domestic manufacturers. The following models belong to this category.

Matrix 10922 - 1200 rubles

The tool is a vivid representative of the ideal balance of reliability and strength, thanks to which it is widely used during locksmith and blacksmith work. The sledgehammer is designed for crushing surfaces, creating and driving large hardware. The main advantages of the equipment include a forged head, which makes the tool more durable. The material for the impact element is 50 steel, and the hardening hardness is 52 HRs. Safety and convenience during work is ensured by a fiberglass handle, which dampens the shock load with a rubber pad. The tool weighs 3 kg and the length is 900 mm. The Matrix 10922 sledgehammer is one of the best lightweight options available.

The average consumer notes the comfortable grip, durable impact element and long life of the sledgehammer. In work on construction sites and small workshops, the tool is indispensable.

• Durable forged impactor
• Rubber grip;
• Attractive price;
• Long service life;
• A light weight.

• Not found.

King Tony 7833-20 - 1200 rubles

The next best sledgehammer in the ranking is the Taiwanese tool King Tony 7833-20, which can surprise with its small dimensions (300 mm) and light weight (2.1 kg). The striker is square and has been selectively hardened. Hazel was used as a material for the handle of the tool, due to which the inventory is lightweight. The manufacturer took care of the comfort and made a comfortable grip on the handle. The striking element has a reliable connection with the base of the sledgehammer; an adhesive composition is applied between them. This tool is widely used for dismantling structures and during car repairs.

The consumer notes King Tony 7833-20 as a convenient and compact tool that is easy to carry out any locksmith work. The main drawback is the handle material.

• Durable firing pin;
• A light weight;
• Strong connection of nodes;
• Small length;
• Low cost.

• Wooden handle.

Fiskars 1020218 - 2500 rubles

This one-handed Finnish tool shows real aggression during demolition and plumbing work. It is worth noting that the assembly of the sledgehammers of this company is made in China, but this does not affect the quality at all. Light weight (2.15 kg) and short base length (350 mm) contribute to easy holding in one hand. The impact element was made by forging, after which it was subjected to heat treatment and induction hardening. One end of the head of the tool has a pointed shape, which contributes to the wide use of the sledgehammer in various fields. The two-piece handle significantly reduces vibration, making it easier to use the sledgehammer when breaking surfaces.

Buyers praise the tool for its reliability, durability, convenience and versatility. The only drawback is the high cost.

• Unusual head shape;
• Reliability and durability of the tool;
• Tool versatility;
• Small size and light weight.

• High cost - 2500 rubles.

Inforce 2000 59 070 - 700 rubles

One of the best models designed for repair, locksmith and household work. A distinctive feature is the presence of a fiberglass handle, which is impregnated with glass fibers. Such a coating improves the perception of the substrate to vibration waves and mechanical shock. The handle can withstand high temperatures. The weight of the tool is 2 kg, which is quite enough for leveling thin surfaces and hammering in hardware. As a protection, there are stops on the handle that will not allow the tool to slip out of your hands.

The buyer appreciates the sledgehammer for its compactness, convenience and reliability.

• The impact element is protected from moisture;
• The handle is equipped with stops and covered with glass fibers;
• The presence of rubber pads;
• Strong and durable firing pin;
• Vibration-absorbing handle;
• Small base length - 280 mm;
• Long service life.

• Not.

Sibrtech 2000 10918 - 760 rubles

A sledgehammer Sibrtech 2000 10918 is the best lightweight version with a forged head and a weight of 2 kg. The material for the striking part was carbon steel, which was forged 30 mm deep. This move makes it possible to destroy concrete coverings and drive in metal assemblies.

The surface of the striking element is made evenly, due to which the tool has excellent contact with the material being processed.

• The presence of fiberglass in the handle, due to which the shock absorption is improved;
• Durability and reliability of the tool;
• Installed rubberized pads on the handle;
• Short base length;
• There is a lace clip on the bottom of the handle.

• Not found.

Vira 800 902080 - 350 rubles

Quite an easy option for destroying small structures. The tool consists of a striker weighing 800 grams and a base covered with impact-resistant plastic and thermoplastic rubber. The handle length is 240 mm and the coating thickness is 1.5 mm. The impact element is spherical and made of hardened tool steel.

Consumers refer to the Vira 800 902080 as a compact sledgehammer that can handle the tasks with ease. The handle and the high strength of the striker are commendable.

• Two-component handle coating;
• Low cost - 350 rubles
• Compactness and efficiency of the tool;
• Easy transportation of the sledgehammer.

• Too light firing pin;
• No lace hole.

Hart HS8FSDB 5132002971 - 3700 rubles

The lightweight Hart HS8FSDB sledgehammer differs from other models in the cruciform shape of the striker, due to which the impact force is increased by up to 50%. Otherwise, it is worth noting the high strength and wear resistance of the head, the material for which was high-alloy and heat-treated steel. The tool is ideal for working in tight spaces and demolishing concrete structures.

• Cross-shaped striker;
• High strength of the head;
• Ability to work in narrow areas.

• Too high cost - 3700 rubles.

Best Medium Models

The mid-weight tool ideally combines versatility, strength, compactness and low cost. Hammers of this type are designed for blacksmithing, construction and household work. The following models are available in this rating.

Stayer 20110-6 - 1600 rubles

It is a powerful German-Chinese tool that weighs about 6 kg and provides a tremendous impact. The handle of the sledgehammer is made of fiberglass material, and the protection of the worker's hands is provided by a rubber corrugated pad. Thanks to this surface, the instrument sits firmly in the hands during impacts. The head is made of high-alloy steel, which has been selectively hardened by high-frequency currents, due to which the impact element has increased hardness. The expert opinion says that the Stayer 20110-6 sledgehammer is the best representative of the middle category.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, the product of this manufacturer has long won the title of a reliable tool that has unique technical characteristics and reasonable prices.

• Corrugated handle surface;
• Shock and vibration protection;
• Increased hardness of the impactor;
• Relatively small dimensions of the tool.

• Not found.

Sturm 1011-02-5000 - 1600 rubles

The German manufacturer has made a truly destructive tool that has a handle length of 890 mm. The advantage of the tool is the increased shock load due to the large shoulder. The hammer striker is made of hardened tool steel, and therefore the striking element can withstand enormous loads.The handle is made of fiberglass, and the surface has rubberized pads that absorb shock, absorb vibration and contribute to a secure grip.

The consumer notes the durability and reliability of the tool. Also commendable is the comfortable handle and the destructive power of the sledgehammer. Unfortunately, it is not adapted to other areas of work.

• The presence of rubber pads;
• Comfortable handle;
• Durable impact element;
• Reliability and durability of the tool.

• Limited use of a sledgehammer.

Zubr 20111-4 - 1500 rubles

This tool has a rather low cost, which makes it one of the best in its category. The main part of the sledgehammer is considered to be a forged head with a mass of 5 kg, which is made of 55 tool steel. The working surface of the striking element was treated by induction hardening. The manufacturer focused on safety and ease of use, since the sledgehammer handle is made in accordance with the AVT technology. Thanks to it, the upper part of the handle dampens vibration waves. Another plus of the tool base is good grip. The handle is firmly gripped due to the ribbed surface.

The customer praises the tool for its low cost, ease of use, strength and durability. The only drawback is the low weight of the striker.

• The head was induction hardened;
• The elaborated surface of the handle;
• Durability and reliability of the tool;
• Low cost.

• Low weight of the head;
• Impressive dimensions.

Santool 5000 030820-500 - 2000 rubles

Not a bad tool of Polish production weighing 5 kg, designed for destruction of hard surfaces and hammering in hardware. The long handle (900 mm) is made of fiberglass and has a rubberized coating, which makes it much more comfortable to hold the tool in the hands during strong blows. The lower part of the base is covered with a ribbed layer, since with a wide swing there is a possibility of the sledgehammer slipping out of the hands.

• Reliably fixed striker;
• The presence of a hole for installing the lace;
• Ribbed rubberized handle;
• Excellent weight-to-length ratio;
• The ability to control the strength of the impact element nozzle.

• The high cost of a sledgehammer - 2000 rubles;
• The stick stop is missing.

Vira 5000 900 250 - 2400 rubles

This tool has found its application in the field of installation work, including driving large hardware. The sledge hammer is great for working in tight spaces, as the top of the base is covered with a special rubber guard to protect the handle from accidental damage. In addition, this unit allows you to hit the surface with all your strength, without fear of damaging the handle on the side.

Another advantage is the thin base of the handle, thanks to which the tool allows you to apply both sweeping strokes and light tapping.

• The fiberglass base is resistant to temperature changes and protected from moisture;
• Suitable length for hard impacts - 900 mm;
• The presence of a rubber stopper that protects the sledgehammer from accidental release from the hands;
• There is a rubber protection for the striker;
• Long service life;
• Memorable appearance.

• High cost - from 2400 rubles;
• Heavy weight - 6 kg.

The best heavy models

This tool is designed exclusively for destructive work or for driving in heavy objects. In rare cases, it is used in blacksmithing for forging metal. For successful use, the employee must have serious physical training.

Topex 02A511 - 3100 rubles

This model is considered the best heavy tool for dismantling and forging work. The efficiency of the process is ensured by a 10 kg impactor combined with a 990 mm long wooden handle. The total mass of the tool is 11 kg, so it is not surprising that the tool is distinguished by colossal impact energy.The Polish manufacturer took care of the quality of the handle and protected the base from dirt and moisture with a varnish coating. The main advantage of the sledgehammer is the combined firing pin, which expands the scope of the tool. A strong adhesive bond between the base and the impactor.

Buyers mark Topex 02A511 as almost impossible to find an analogue tool. The sledgehammer is distinguished by its high power and reliability, but it causes a lot of difficulties due to its weight.

• Strong and durable impact element;
• The presence of varnish;
• Colossal impact energy;
• Combined firing pin.

• Wooden handle;
• High cost - 3100 rubles.

Pavlovo 7000 10965 - 1300 rubles

Another decent tool for blacksmithing. This move is due to the presence of a special striker, which has undergone selective hardening. The impact element is covered with an anti-corrosion layer, and the main part of the sledgehammer is made of wood. In blacksmithing, the wooden handle plays an important role, as this material will not melt at high temperatures.

The material for the head was St 40-60 steel, and its hardness is 50 HRc.

• The open part of the striker allows you to monitor the quality of the fit of the node;
• Optimum handle length 700 mm;
• The wooden handle has a polished finish, making the tool pleasant to hold in your hands;
• Presence of anti-corrosion coating on the striker.

• Overpriced - 1300 rubles;
• Lack of limiters;
• Lack of rubberized pads.

Output

After reviewing the list of the best sledgehammers for 2020, the buyer can decide on the choice of the tool based on their goals and capabilities. However, it should be noted that this rating is not advertising in nature and you should always consult with the seller before buying.