I've owned my Ti-Bone for 15+ years. I have only replaced the head once. About once a year I have to tighten the head but I use blue locktite to keep it in their. I frame houses for a living so a good hammer is essential. I have had practically ever hammer out on the market and my stiletto's still my go too.

I love learning things. All kinds of “creation” things like carpentry, drywall, woodworking. I’m happy I get to do it here from your videos and often from the comments. This is a great community. 👍

I've been a framer for around 7 years, I love the Vaughan 23oz California Framing Hammer (curved handle). I actually bought a 16oz Stiletto, but found I didn't like it because it worsened my carpal tunnel and elbow pain due to needing more force to pull out nails, whereas the heavier hammer has more momentum and impact force and makes it a lot easier. And plus, it's only around $45 and lasts several years easily, whereas, like you said, I found the face on my Stiletto flattened quickly. I also love my Daluge 16oz Smooth-Face Curved handle hammer for working on more finished jobs where you don't want to leave marks. Tip: make sure the grain direction on your handle has the grain running front to back, not side to side on the hammer, this makes it stronger in that axis and will be less likely to break when really prying on it.

I love the side nail puller. I’ve used that to clasp onto stubborn concrete anchors then hit the side of the head with another hammer to drive them in. Great multi use addition to the tool

Ben, been skating my whole life and watching your videos for years and just now at 24 years i acquired a job framing houses on the beach. Now i get to enjoy these videos as well. thanks buddy

I bought a Stilletto TI15 about 6-7yrs ago. Comcerning the interchangeable head I almost immediately switched over to a smooth face even though the bulk of my work at the time was framing. I though I would switch back and forth between the waffle head and smooth face head but I just stuck With the smooth face. Awesome Hammer. I cracked the head down about 4 years ago and it has not moved,in fact I'm not sure I could change it out if I wanted to. I have beaten in nails, demoed, cranked and pryed, hammered wood and steel stakes, used the face and claw to chip off concrete seams, chiseled, etc. Zero complaints. I'll probably be using this hammer until my last day on the job.

I just switched to a Boss Pro series and I am loving it. tons of features and made in the U.S.A.

For wood handles, axes, shovels, etc., I always take off the varnish top coat too. And apply boiled linseed oil once a year instead to help the wood out. Feels better in the hands that way, less slippery when wet too and less blisters.

I bought a Boss framing hammer last year and I love it, for the price and quality. I was looking at the TBone but honestly the price was the issue. You raised the question on balance on the wood handle. Great video and content as always.

I have the ti-bone 2 for over 10 years. I love this hammer. I have never had any issues with it. I just make sure never to loan it out. The grip on the ti-bone 3 sux. And the thumb indent is perfect. Thanks.

I have a 16oz wood handle. Wanted a smooth face, but ended up getting the milled face. I LOVE this hammer. It has “grown” to fit my hand beautifully and the milled face has smashed pretty much all the way gone. That’s ok, cuz it’s way better for trim work. The t-bone I think would be fine for framing, but it’s soooo expensive. I don’t know. For really rough stuff, I pull out my old Estwing that I’ve been swinging for 30 years. Lol THAT is a tough hammer, but heavier.

I bought a used TBII, and it was well worn. The waffle face was worn completely smooth, and the claw was worn shorter...lots of use for sure, but still very usable.

Now THATS a guy who loves hammers and loves hammering nails!

Love your videos! You always make me smile!

I bought a Martinez M1 after snapping the claw on my Ti-bone a few years back. Had it for about a decade but I had a "brave" moment at a new job lol. Had a 14 oz woody too but sold it because it felt unproductive. Had a 23 oz Vaughan too but it wore me out so fast for overhead work that it lasted less than 3 months on the belt. YMMV but the Martinez helped sooooo much with my carpal tunnel and I can honestly say it's been the only hammer I've used for everything from finishing to high rise formwork for 3 years now

I bought a 19 oz Vaughan you recommended a few years ago, absolutely love it. I also sanded down the handle and added hockey stick grip tape. Down in FL, so kuch frio when its humid and sweat covered.

I bought a estwing Al pro about 4 years ago, and love it. Been given a tibone 3 and wow. Awesome for framing. But I find myself picking up the estwing by default now and actually using it for everything...

I rest my thumb slightly off centre on the back of the hammer. This adds a level of control over the hammer and stops its tendency to pivot back against the webbing between the Thumb and Forefinger. That's how I was taught when I first started Carpentry and it's stuck ever since.

i have the Ti Bone 16 and I love it , used to have a 14 (that one grew legs), then I found online the Martinez M1 when they came out and ordered one of the first ever made at the time, hands down the best hammer of the lot IMHO, the head is forget steel, the milled head lasted me a long time, it has replaceable head and claws, replaceable handle, they even have customizing options, I really think you should check it out, the balance, handle, claw, nail puller, and everything has definately a different feel, the only drawback is the price, it changed the game for my carpal tunnel too, it is a definitely improvement form the TiBone, Mark Martinez was the owner of Stiletto, and made all these improvements for the Martinez hammer.

I had the original version of the tbone ( pre side nail puller with the gray grip) for years and loved it. Before that my go to was a 21-23 oz Hart or Vaughan. I also have a couple 14oz wood handle stilettos that are great as well. Recently I passed on my old tbone because the grip was getting loose and pretty beat. (still had the original face as well because I'm one of the odd framers that prefer a milled face that's so beat it might as well be smooth or just a smooth face.) I bought one of the Martinez hammers and it really is an incredibly nice hammer. Took some getting used to after using the tibone for so long but you'll have that. And sure they're expensive but it's a tool that I actually use extensively every day. I can't say a hammer has ever owed me a dime no matter what it cost me.

Nice. This is Exactly the comparison I was needing. I'm buying one this week!!😋

I joined the carpenters union in 1973. I have used Plumb, Vaughan, Douglas, Stiletto, and Hart. I still prefer Wood handles and steel heads. At 67 I have no wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems. Hardcore Hammers makes a great artisan American made hammer

A nice alternative that won't break the bank is the Estwing AL pro. It's aluminum body and steel head and claws. Been using mine for a few months and I'm super happy with it.

I've got the 14oz Stiletto and honestly it doesn't see much use. For me Vaughan is the best for framing, mostly the 19 oz straight handle and the 23oz when I want a little extra power. They make a pretty nice drywall hatchet as well.

Love a vaughan with a wood handle myself! I take my handles to the bench grinder and carve a shallow groove in a spiral up the handle. Gives me a great grip and I never get my hammer confused with someone elses

I have the TiBone 14. Had it for over a decade. I'd never buy the milled face framer with the wood handle--can't replace the face once it's done for--'Mushes out fast' as you say! I have the little wood-handled Stilletto finish hammer-smooth face- and it's awesome.

I did a bit of an investment in myself about two years ago and bought a Diamondback toolbelt together with a Martinez M1 hammer. I work fulltime building Skateparks in both wood and concrete. We don´t use nails alot but everytime we do or I need to use my Martinez for something I get excited about it. My coworkers have no clue as too why anyone would spend that money on a hammer and a toolbelt, but for me, working with top quality tools is such a joy!

#praisethecamerawoman (seriously, she was on top of the focus of action, framed well, anticipated, kudos!)

I just switched from the estwing all steel 16 oz smooth face framing hammer to a Hickory handle 19 oz steel head milled face Milwaukee. it's a world of difference! I loved the estwing because of how light it is I'm a bigger guy and have no problems swinging a bigger hammer but the smaller one I find less fatiguing also the tines on the back one is about a half inch shorter because I broke it but it works great as a makeshift pulp hook for grabbing and pulling material. The Hickory handle hammer absorbs shock much better the milled face doesn't slip off nails or my nail punch love the difference also the Hickory can be carved to customize it

I’ve always been a “thumb up” kind of hammerer. Just the way I learned, I think it feels better on my wrist

I’ve had the tibone 3 for about a year maybe more and I love it! Rolling those nails out with the side of the head is nice! I want to get a Martinez m4 12oz for finish nails!

I was given a Stiletto mini 14 that is pretty much cooked. (Face is worn and Allen bolt is siezed, grip is work and not replacable on this model) but I love it! I've had a few cheaper framing nailers and I need something incredibly heavy to get the power I need for working with hardwood but the Stiletto gives my the same result as an 18 but with the weight of a 14. It's awesome. I've been considering buying a new one but the issue is I use it for demo as much as I do general construction so a $400 hammer breaking off dry mortar doesn't sound appealing for me.

It’s all about the side puller on the TiBone!! Easier to pull nails than with a 48” crowbar…not even kidding…game changer. Really saves your shoulders over time.

Most framing crews I’ve worked with the past couple years have banned milled face hammers, too many guys forget to swap out for a smooth face when doing some like putting fascia boards or window trim on (most of the houses I work on use cedar trim) or some thing a milled face hammer shouldn’t be used for

I must say, absolutely love the threepeat of your reaction to pulling the nail out 😁

Love the wind thing and great review ,,thanks from nova scotia

Don't worry the tires on the car will pick up those nails. 🤣🤣🤣

I have been framing for 4 years and have been using the TBone3 the whole 4 years.. Never had to re-tighting screw on head.. Almost the framers i work with on the subdivisions sites use the same hammer and say it the best..

I just bought the stiletto a few days ago, before I was even aware of this video. I immediately noticed the slippy grip. I'm going to try wrapping friction tape around the handle

I use a 19oz Vaughn straight claw. Absolutely love it. Had it for about 3 years now and just noticed about a month ago my head is cracked on the neck web. I have completely abused this hammer and it will be my next. Just couldn't see me spending that much on a hammer.

I love a 16oz smooth face straight wood handle Stiletto. Now that most nailing isn't done with a hammer the downsides are less of an issue for me. Just remember a hammer is not a pry bar and your handles will last much longer. I do however switch out my hammer for an Estwing when doing concrete jobs..

I agree the Vaughn hammer quality is great and love them. Have a 22 waffle framer, a 20 flat face, and a 12oz finish nailer. Never used one of these expensive hammers.

I'm an electrician so I only ever hammer staples (thousands of em though) and scab in some 2x4s with nails. I tried every steel hammer out there, Vaughn was my favorite. Then I tried my buddie's 14 oz wood handle Stiletto, bought one that night and never looked back. It's like having a cheat code. The palm swell about halfway down fits me like a glove, hands are on the larger side.

Thanks Ms Vancouver Carpenter for asking questions for us, I was not sure either if this was the only reason :P (at 8:00)

I like that your nerded out on hammers.

Funny you say the more expensive option tends to grow legs and walk off the job site. It think that depends a lot on where you're located. In Portland we had to secure all our tools in a big chained up job box or in our truck every night. We rarely ever left our tools unattended. Here in AK we can leave carts full of tools on site for a couple days and they are fine. It helps that the buildings we do are usually secure at night but any of the other trades could easily take things when we aren't there if they really wanted.

you nailed it.

the thumb indention on the hammer is good for nailing above your head, like installing soffit or ceilings

I have had my tibone for close to 6 years, best hammer I've ever owned

This is a comment to help the algorithm.

I can relate. My wife likes to ask questions and make helpful comments while I am on the phone.

I have the Ti Bone love it. Sometimes if your on a job and another Carpenter asks you for a loan of a Hammer and you hand it to them they very rarely want to give it back. The biggest job i have is to watch it at teabreak i never leave it out of sight because it could go walking. The thumb imprint on the handle is very useful and suits my hands perfect. The only thing downside to the hammer is in very warm weather your hand gets sweaty and the handle becomes slippery.

I love the Hickory curve handle, all the OG carpenter told me it save their elbow. I've try the straight wood handle and the hammer flies off my hand even with gloves, I have to buy a new curve handle for my new hammer. I usually buy the stiletto handle wrap for my hammer, to have a better grip.

I have a 20oz Estwing that I’m happy with for most things, and a 22 oz Estwing milled face for heavier framing jobs. I honostly like the 22 oz best weight wise but use the 20 oz for most things because it’s better balanced

I loved my Stiletto but still preferred my 27 oz California Framer by Vaughn, that was a beauty of a hammer, just had to file and sand in some finger grooves and seal it up as the finish on the original was slippery.

I want to try different hammers but as a trim carpenter I use the butt of my Estwing as a rubber mallet and I can't give up that feature. If I'm doing t&g pine or cypress or something then I'll use the proper tool (an actual rubber mallet), but I don't keep a mallet in my tool bags all the time and when I have a board that needs some coaxing into place the butt of the Estwing works great for pounding in a piece of delicate trim without damaging it.

I used to use my thumb as a guide then I kept wondering why I always snacked my fingers then my inlaw who been a cabinet maker and general contractor taught me a few tricks, heavily critiqued me and laughed at I was going through a box of bandaids. I still have lots to learn but I'm always looking to improve

The DeWalk demo hammer is a must have…it might be called something different…you’ll recognize it the minute you see it..best hammer I have ever owned.. try one it will blow both those away…hamming nails and demolition of showers or walls.

Did I really just watch a guy talk about hammers for the last 20 minutes? Yes, yes I did.

Can you sand off the finish from the Stiletto handle and oil it for better grip?

Electrician here, I love the thumb spot for nailing staples in tight places.

Well, now I want a $230 hammer that I'll use twice a year. Thanks, Ben. Turning your little "woo!" into my notification sound.

Never hammered a nail in my life, still watched this entire video.

My favorite for forming is the martinez M1 for all around, if I'll be just driving nails it would be the hickory stiletto. The tibone is missing a flat spot on the side to drive in nails with the side of it.. Hints the reason I went with the martinez (also drives 6" spiked easier)

If you have a hammerloop on the side or back of your belt the rubberhandle will catch more easily, thats why people using the hammer alot prefer woodhandle.

Forget the hammers, get yourself some new sawhorses! 😉

I have a few decent Estwings that can get the job done for my day to day and as a remodeler. I have borrowed a framer's Stilletto and it is a different world of comfort. I think it might be justified to buy a top end hammer as it is still cheaper than elbow surgery.

WOOOO! Been looking forward to wasting the money on a Ti-Bone for a couple years. Stoked for this vid. Edit: agreed on the claws. Used a 10oz Stiletto wiring houses for years and the claw rocks. Got tired of breaking the wooden handles so it's semi retired in the tool bag.

Put blue locktite on the screw. It will keep it from loosening up.

I haven't liked the Stilettos since Mark sold them to Milwaukee/Hart and they are now made in China. That being said I still have my Stiletto 10oz hickory handle trimmer. But I switched the the Martinez M1 Framer and I LOVE it. I only use the curved handle, never straight, but that may just be because I grew up framing with a rigging axe. And If I was still a spry lad I would still use a rigging axe. NOTHING drives a nail like a rigging axe. I also do not use the thumb rest.

On the wood handle, if you sand off the varnish and replace it with boiled linseed oil, you'll have much better grip.

Been on construction jobs all my life & im 51 now, the Vaughan California Framer 17" straight handle is the best hammer I've ever used. I grew up watching old school construction workers, 100* weather, no shirts, cutoff shorts, speed after coffee, beer before lunch, not a saw on the job had a guard, some guys useing rigging axes, & you got paid by what you got done. First time i took a metal handled hammer to work my boss threw it as far as he could & the lift ran it over & bent it. Told me those where for form setters & sent me to buy a real WOOD HANDLE framing hammer. Hell, nowadays mose people don't even know what a rigging ax is! By the way, if your handle broke you went home put the head in the oven & put on a new handle. And heres a tip, dont used your arm to push the nail in! Swing that hammer & use the wrist, let the hammer do the work.

Do you happen to know if there are thick rubber pads you can put over the striking part of the hammer to make it become a rubber mallet with the heft of the hammer? If there is not such a thing there should be.

I had the tb2, I loved it! But hated that the face would rotate which I believe they fixed with the tb3, but they are not made in America, so I was about to buy the the Martinez m1, which was invented by the guy who designed the stilleto and is made in America but decide to get the erner brand ev3, and so far it is the greatest hammer I have ever tried, the balance, weight and utility of the hammer is second to none, it was designed with heavy-duty construction in mind, might not be for your average framer or residential guy, but high recommended for bridge builders, wall guys form setter etc.

Been pounding nails for over 60 years now mostly on framing .I find now I need handles that are on the thicker side ,I can't hold the handles like in the past.

Holding that wood handle at the very bottom, almost as low as you can, will help. Guys will say thats a macho man contest thing but it actually aids in the proper wrist action which will save you a lot of unnecessary muscle wear and tear in the rest of your arm. Helps snap it. Larry Haun is one of the best framers of all time. Watching that guy send nails home with one or two blows up into his early 80s is wild. Love your videos! I’d give him a search some time!

With the stilleto 16oz hickory I recommend sanding off the film and staining it and maybe use a different kind of coating on it really could work on any hickory handle hammer

The Vaughns are the best for balance and swing.....i also have the stiletto..love them both....but thevVaughn are my go too......wood handles on all....less transmitted vibration......some hammers ate clubs to swing......and yeah...i like hammers and have way too many..lol

I used a rasp on my wooden handle to reshape slightly then used bee's wax to improve the grip...keep bee's wax in my bag to reapply once in awhile to maintain the grip feel.

I have the T-bone 2, and the waffle wore out very quick. that being said, using the hammer is like swinging joy

I do Formwork and have owned a Tibone 2 for 3 years until it unfortunately grew legs and walked away one day... Once that happened I "upgraded" to the Tibone 3. Do not upgrade to the Tibone 3 if you use a Tibone 2 and here's why... For starters its thinner, the shaft of the hammer is thinner and you can really feel it compared to the Tibone 2. It shakes a lot more and feels a little bit different in my opinion with the years of experience I've had with the Tibone 2, however compared to a wood handle I do enjoy using the titanium better but that's just my opinion. Second the claws are less durable, working with concrete and chipping stuff away these claws like to twist easier and I'm honestly afraid that they will snap so I primarily use the side puller if I can or I resort to using my nail puller and put the nail puller in the upper slot of the Tibone for extra leverage (If you haven't tried that you should because it works a treat especially when combined with the titanium stiletto nail puller). Third the grip on the new Tibone 3 is stiffer, which yes is an upgrade from previous however coming from somebody that never had the grip failure issue with the Tibone 2 I find it uncomfortable when nailing all day. Just today alone I pinned and nailed ledger for a building and my hand was killing after it, it just doesn't have the umff I want and need in it anymore so for those reasons I will be "investing" In a Martinez M1. Yes its more expensive but from using co workers and experiencing it hands on compared to the Tibone 3 I can confidently say that the Martinez M1 is the superior hammer if your looking to spend the 300+ dollars already.

Out east when you miss the nail we say "lightning hammer" since it never hits the same spot twice lol.

I would like to see you review the martinez hammer.

Loved the video. When I was starting out my dad called me lightning because I never struck the same place twice. I've got the t-bone but was one of the first ones out (at least where I live). Was it worth the money? I don't know. Once I paid the price, I just used it and didn't really ask if it was better than something else I could buy. I really like some of it's features, but I only use it for rough framing. Truth be told, I went to a gas powered nailer after a while. It's just easier and a lot faster without the hassle of dragging a hose around. One thing I really like about the t-bone is the fact that you can slide the end of your cat's paw (nail bar) through the holes on the handle and use the hammer as a sort of extension that gives a bunch more leverage for really stubborn nails.

could you wrap cloth around the neck of the T-bone to dampen the vibration?

I think I usually hold my hammer higher up when I'm beating in roof nails for duct boots in a floor or shorter nails where I don't need as much force

I have both, I prefer the wood handled one. The wood helps reduce vibrations.

I love the enthusiasm brother hammer nerds for life

I think I do the thumb thing with my hammer 🤔 it helps with accuracy. I’m not using it every day though. Maybe you’re experience allows you to have better control the way you do it

Ive had a Kobalt hamner for 20 plus years.. still functional.

I bought a tibone second hand (40 bucks) but it was in pretty rough shape. Replaced the face, as my work just happened to have one laying around, and i crafted myself a new handle cover. It was a quick and easy replacement. However the claw is fairly dull, and the groove is quite shallow. does anyone know how one could sharpen up and deepen the claw?

I prefer the wood. That being said if you're buying a 16 oz, pick through the lot. There's diff curves, thickness, etc. Also comes without the ax handle for the old fellers.

Less grip on the wood, but less harsh on your hands/elbows/shoulders.

6:13 "But they have a tendency to grow legs and walk off site" 😅🤣😂

5:17 I’ve noticed that grain direction is extremely important when it comes to hammer handles. Most hammer manufacturers have them going the right direction where the wood is strongest for pulling and striking. Often tho you’ll see handles that look like the grain started a twist, or they just shaped them wrong and now the weak side of the grain is being used.

I got a 16 oz stiletto but prefer the ol reliable 19oz Cali framer with a straight handle. Something about it seems so much nicer to me than the fancy stiletto.

Strikes seemed a little more wild on the wooden, at least initially

I really like this community of hammer lovers.

Could you review the hardcore hammer?

union carpenter. for concrete Ive been using the 14 oz stiletto. 2 of my co workers rock the 15 oz titanium and for concrete i think thats probably the superior option. the 14 oz stiletto is still great but theres a higher risk of breakage and w the titanium i wouldnt have to relay on my catspaw as often interior work union work Im still using my 20 oz estwing. its smaller head and overall body is a better fit in tight spaces. residential framing tho the 14 oz stiletto shines.