Sledge Hammers

Sledge hammers from 4 to 20 lb with hickory, fiberglass and steel handles, single and double face, from Collins, Estwing and Fiskars. Head weight is the whole decision: a 4 lb drilling hammer on a 15 in. handle is a one-hand tool, while 10 to 20 lb on a 36 in. handle is a two-hand swing that will wear you out well before it wears out the work. Hickory absorbs shock and can be rehandled, fiberglass shrugs off an overstrike and weather, and a one-piece steel handle will not break but sends more back into your hands. Double-face heads let you turn the hammer over when one face starts to mushroom.