mybest
Power, garden & hand toolsHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Power, garden & hand toolsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More 1
  • 10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More 2
  • 10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More 3
  • 10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More 4
  • 10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More 5

10 Best Claw Hammers UK | Stanley Estwing and More

You may not think there's much to picking a claw hammer, but you'd probably be surprised to learn that there are a few things you should look out for depending on the kind of jobs you have in mind. From curved to straight claw hammers to wooden handles, steel handles and fibreglass options, there are plenty of decisions you need to make before you start hammering into walls or pulling nails from plasterboard.


We've ranked the 10 best claw hammers available online in the UK, featuring some of the best tool brands in the business like Stanley, Rolson, and Estwing. Whether you're looking for something small and affordable for occasional home use or something a little more robust for regular DIY projects, there's something for everyone below. 

Last updated 02/02/2025

Quick List - Top Claw Hammers

1

Stanley

Curved Claw Hammer
Curved Claw Hammer

An Affordable All-Rounder That’s Perfect for Use Around the Home and Garden

2

Stanley

Antivibe Steel Hammer
Antivibe Steel Hammer

A Strong and Sturdy Steel Option With Anti-vibration Technology

3

Silverline

Hardwood Claw Hammer
Hardwood Claw Hammer

A Lightweight Budget Option That’s Guaranteed for Life

4

Roughneck

Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer
Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer

Featuring a Unique V-Shock Shaft Making It Perfect for Tough Jobs

5

Estwing

Sure Strike Wooden Hammer
Sure Strike Wooden Hammer

A Wooden, Durable Option With a Sturdy Claw and Milled Face

mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Claw Hammer in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose Between a Straight or Curved Claw Depending on Its Use
  2. Pick a Hammer Based on the Handle's Material
  3. Consider the Hammer's Length and Weight
1

Select a Straight Hammer for Professional Environments and Serious DIY or a Curved Claw for Home Use

Select a Straight Hammer for Professional Environments and Serious DIY or a Curved Claw for Home Use

There are two main types of claw hammers: straight and curved. Straight claws are better suited to professional environments and serious DIY tasks as they provide more leverage than curved claws. They also tend to have a sharper end for stabbing into wood and prising apart materials. However, they can cause unwanted damage if used in the home.


If you're working around the home, curved hammers are a better choice as they'll be able to pull nails out of almost anything without any additional tools. They're also safer overall as they aren't as sharp, and the curved head means you're less likely to cause yourself injury working in a tight space.


Pick up a sledgehammer if you're looking for a more destructive power!

2

Choose Between a Wooden, Steel or Fibreglass Handle Depending on Your Usage and Environment

Choose Between a Wooden, Steel or Fibreglass Handle Depending on Your Usage and Environment

Pick a Hammer With a Wooden Handle for a Lightweight Option With Excellent Shock Absorption

The humble wooden handle is still a popular choice for use in both the home and workplace, thanks to its lightweight nature and affordability. It's also one of the best for shock absorption, as it transmits the least vibrations out of all types of handle.


However, it's the least durable and the most likely to break, but luckily they're also the easiest to repair or replace. They're not the best option for demolition but for hanging picture frames or knocking in a long row of nails, they're a fantastic choice.

Opt for a Fibreglass Handle for a Tough Option That’s Resistant to Electricity

Fibreglass handles are the most balanced option available, being both sturdy and shock-absorbant. They're a great all-rounder and are particularly useful for electricians and mechanics as they don't conduct electricity and are widely available.


You may often see hammers that are a mix of fibreglass and steel, with tubular steel hammers sometimes having a fibreglass core or being half and half. This tends to add more strength and durability to the hammer, which avoids breakage.

Go for a Steel Hammer for a Strong and Sturdy Option That’s Perfect for Using at Professional Environments

If you're looking for the most durable and sturdy option, a full steel hammer is your best bet. It's the strongest option available, making it great for an industrial environment. They also happen to be the heaviest, so they can pack more of a punch when striking.


There is, however, a big difference between solid steel and hollow tubes, as the latter can result in the hammer bending out of shape when using heavy force. Steel is also the least shock absorbant, meaning that you'll want to wear work gloves if using them for extended periods. That said, they can stand up to the rigours of a professional construction site better than any.

3

Take Note of the Length and Weight of the Hammer: Most Weigh Between 200 - 900 G but Opt For Something Heavier if You Need More Force

Take Note of the Length and Weight of the Hammer: Most Weigh Between 200 - 900 G but Opt For Something Heavier if You Need More Force

While you may think it's just down to the strength of your biceps, the amount of power you're able to generate when hammering in nails or pulling them out depends on the length and weight of the hammer itself. Most claw hammers will fall somewhere between 200 - 900 g, which is a comfortable weight for most people to hold in one hand, so pick a heavier option if you want a little extra oomph.


When it comes to length, you'll find that most claw hammers are around 35 cm which gives you enough leverage to prise joints apart or remove nails from walls. There are also bigger options available if you need a little extra length or shorter choices for restricted working environments.


If you find yourself using multiple tools for a project, consider picking up a tool belt to have everything handy!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Claw Hammers in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Stanley

Curved Claw Hammer

Stanley Curved Claw Hammer 1

An Affordable All-Rounder That’s Perfect for Use Around the Home and Garden

2

Stanley

Antivibe Steel Hammer

Stanley Antivibe Steel Hammer 1

A Strong and Sturdy Steel Option With Anti-vibration Technology

3

Silverline

Hardwood Claw Hammer

Silverline Hardwood Claw Hammer 1

A Lightweight Budget Option That’s Guaranteed for Life

4

Roughneck

Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer

Roughneck Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer 1

Featuring a Unique V-Shock Shaft Making It Perfect for Tough Jobs

5

Estwing

Sure Strike Wooden Hammer

Estwing Sure Strike Wooden Hammer 1

A Wooden, Durable Option With a Sturdy Claw and Milled Face

6

Rolson

Stubby Claw Hammer

Rolson Stubby Claw Hammer 1

This Short and Stubby Option at Just 16 CM Long Is Perfect for Cramped Spaces

7

Stanley

SteelMaster Curved Hammer

Stanley SteelMaster Curved Hammer 1

This Budget Yet Heavy Steel Option Is Great for Outside DIY Work or Heavy-duty Projects

8

Barbarossa

Claw Hammer

Barbarossa Claw Hammer 1

An Affordable Carbon Steel Option With a Fibreglass Handle, Perfect for DIY Enthusiasts

9

Estwing

Sure Strike Claw Hammer

Estwing Sure Strike Claw Hammer  1

A Strong Steel Option That’s Suited to Larger Nails and Serious DIY Projects

10

Rolson

Claw Hammer

Rolson Claw Hammer 1

A Budget Steel Option That’s Best Suited to Light Work

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Stanley
Curved Claw Hammer

Curved Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Curved Claw Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Curved Claw Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Curved Claw Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£8.50
Low Mid

An Affordable All-Rounder That’s Perfect for Use Around the Home and Garden

If you're looking for a solid and reliable claw hammer and don't want to break the bank, then this offering from Stanley is the perfect pick. The strong fibreglass shaft provides strength and durability thanks to its reinforced overstrike protection.


The hammer also has a sturdy design and a relatively light weight, making it fantastic for light repairs and fixings around the home and garden. It also features a bi-material, ribbed grip to avoid slippage.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Stanley
Antivibe Steel Hammer

Antivibe Steel Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Antivibe Steel Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Antivibe Steel Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Antivibe Steel Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.99
High Mid
Reference price
£24.99
High Mid

A Strong and Sturdy Steel Option With Anti-vibration Technology

The Antivibe Steel Hammer from Stanley is an extremely durable option that's well-suited to the rigours of the modern construction environment. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle some difficult home projects or a professional tradesman, this is a great choice.


Unlike many other steel hammers, Stanley's anti-vibration technology minimizes vibration and shock at impact. The claw is slightly curved but practically straight, making it great for prising joints apart. This one-piece forged steel hammer is the toughest around - you could even say it's as tough as nails!

No.3

Silverline
Hardwood Claw Hammer

Hardwood Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.95
Low
Reference price
£4.95
Low

A Lightweight Budget Option That’s Guaranteed for Life

If you're a student or have just moved away from home, picking up everything you need can be expensive, especially when it comes to filling a toolbox for the first time. If you're looking to save a few pennies, this lightweight and affordable option from Silverline makes for a great first hammer.


The premium ash shaft and varnished handle give it a comfortable feel when hanging picture frames or putting together furniture, and it's also less likely to give you blisters than a rubber grip. An added bonus is that all Silverline hand tools are guaranteed for life!

No.4

Roughneck
Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer

Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Gorilla V-Series Claw Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£22.12
High Mid
Reference price
£22.12
High Mid

Featuring a Unique V-Shock Shaft Making It Perfect for Tough Jobs

The Roughneck Gorilla V-Series features a unique twin bean girder shaft designed to dampen shock and vibration whilst simultaneously providing a strengthened overstrike zone. The reduced weight of the shaft means the weight is balanced towards the head for added power.


The magnetic nail holder allows for one-handed usage by placing the nail in the grove and striking once to fix it into the material before knocking in fully. A powerful and ingenious option that's well worth the investment.

No.5

Estwing
Sure Strike Wooden Hammer

Sure Strike Wooden Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Wooden Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Wooden Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Wooden Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.12
High
Reference price
£34.12
High

A Wooden, Durable Option With a Sturdy Claw and Milled Face

The Sure Strike Wooden Hammer from Estwing is one of the best hammers for prying boards and splitting wood, thanks to its short and sharp straight claw. You won't have to over-exert yourself either due to the slightly longer hickory wood handle that's designed for comfort and control.


It also features a milled face which is better for driving nails into tough materials as they're less likely to bend. If you're looking for a long-lasting hammer that can stand up to regular use, this is an excellent addition to any home.

No.6

Rolson
Stubby Claw Hammer

Stubby Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Stubby Claw Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Stubby Claw Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Stubby Claw Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.42
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.42
Low Mid

This Short and Stubby Option at Just 16 CM Long Is Perfect for Cramped Spaces

The Stubby Claw Hammer from Rolson is easily the shortest claw hammer on our list at only 16 cm long, meaning that it can easily fit into your pocket. It's perfectly suited to working in small and cramped spaces and has a magnetised nail holder so you can work with just one hand.


Its size is both its greatest strength and drawback as it doesn't make for the most versatile or powerful option on our list. If you're planning on pulling nails, this offers practically no leverage, but it can get where others can't.

No.7

Stanley
SteelMaster Curved Hammer

SteelMaster Curved Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
SteelMaster Curved Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
SteelMaster Curved Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£9.00
Low Mid

This Budget Yet Heavy Steel Option Is Great for Outside DIY Work or Heavy-duty Projects

The Stanley SteelMaster is as good at removing nails as it is striking them, making it best suited for DIY work or more heavy-duty projects in a workshop or garage. Its heavier weight also allows you to deliver some serious power to your strikes.


The curved head is perfect for prying tough and rusted nails from outdoor equipment and sheds, but be careful about bending the tubular steel shaft by applying too much force. It's definitely something of a "no-nonsense" option when the need arises!

No.8

Barbarossa
Claw Hammer

Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.95
Mid
Reference price
£14.95
Mid

An Affordable Carbon Steel Option With a Fibreglass Handle, Perfect for DIY Enthusiasts

Featuring a steel, anti-vibration shaft with a fibreglass handle, this straight claw hammer from Barbarossa has been designed with DIY projects in mind. The carbon steel head and shaft are comprised of a single piece with a textured rubber grip for comfort.


While this is a solid option for avid DIYers, professional handymen and contractors may want to invest in a better-known brand that offers a warranty just in case. It does strike a nice balance between affordability and durability, though.

No.9

Estwing
Sure Strike Claw Hammer

Sure Strike Claw Hammer  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Claw Hammer  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Claw Hammer  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sure Strike Claw Hammer  4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.30
High Mid
Reference price
£18.30
High Mid

A Strong Steel Option That’s Suited to Larger Nails and Serious DIY Projects

Estwing's Sure Strike Claw hammer is unique in that it has a D-shaped striking face, giving you a larger surface area to strike with. It's best suited to striking larger nails and larger pieces of wood rather than for home decoration.


The uncomfortable handle and the fact that it's made entirely from a solid piece of steel means that this hammer is best suited to a serious working environment where heavy gloves are used. As a durable, more budget-friendly option, however, this is worth considering if you have some serious DIY in mind.

No.10

Rolson
Claw Hammer

Claw Hammer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Claw Hammer 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.35
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.35
Low Mid

A Budget Steel Option That’s Best Suited to Light Work

If you're in the market for a cheap and cheerful steel hammer for some occasional work around the home or garage, then this offering from Rolson fits the bill nicely. The rubber handle is comfortable and helps mitigate the vibrations of the steel shaft.


Unfortunately, the shaft is made from steel tubing rather than a solid piece, meaning that it isn't the most durable option out there. If you overdo it, the hammer is likely to bend, but you shouldn't have any issues if you measure your expectations and stick to light work!

Top 5 Claw Hammers

No. 1: StanleyCurved Claw Hammer

No. 2: StanleyAntivibe Steel Hammer

No. 3: SilverlineHardwood Claw Hammer

No. 4: RoughneckGorilla V-Series Claw Hammer

No. 5: EstwingSure Strike Wooden Hammer

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Power, garden & hand tools

Stud Finders

10 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Power, garden & hand tools

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.