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Best Ball Pein Hammers

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
TopBuilt 24 oz. Ball Pein Hammer with Fiberglass Handle
TopBuilt
24 oz. Ball Pein Hammer with Fiberglass Handle

An ergonomically designed ball hammer valued for its strength and effectiveness in a number of use cases.

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Bottom Line

An ergonomically designed ball hammer valued for its strength and effectiveness in a number of use cases.

Pros

Reliable fiberglass handle and core for strength and vibration reduction. Use it to strike chisels and for metalwork.

Cons

It comes from a lesser-known brand.

Best Bang for the Buck
TEKTON Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer, 16 oz.
TEKTON
Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer, 16 oz.

With a rubber grip and a fiberglass core to absorb blows, it's a sure and steady hammer for an appealing price.

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Bottom Line

With a rubber grip and a fiberglass core to absorb blows, it's a sure and steady hammer for an appealing price.

Pros

Head and handle are bonded with epoxy for durability and strength. Easy and comfortable grip. Head is made of forged steel. Designed to absorb vibration.

Cons

Some owners say the head comes loose in spite of epoxy bonding.

XtremepowerUS Dead Blow Hammer Pein Ball 1 lb.
XtremepowerUS
Dead Blow Hammer Pein Ball 1 lb.

A smaller everyday hammer with a pleasing feel and a low cost. Some owners wish they owned more than one.

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Bottom Line

A smaller everyday hammer with a pleasing feel and a low cost. Some owners wish they owned more than one.

Pros

Easy-grip handle is comfortable and feels great in the hand. Bright color is highly visible. Small and portable for workers on the go.

Cons

Some owners question its "dead blow" characteristics. It's more for an everyday tool box than it is for automotive purposes.

Pittsburgh Stubby Ball Pein Hammer, 8 oz
Pittsburgh
Stubby Ball Pein Hammer, 8 oz

A smaller hammer that's comfortable in the hand and suitable for tight areas.

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Bottom Line

A smaller hammer that's comfortable in the hand and suitable for tight areas.

Pros

Fiberglass absorbs vibration. Handle is made of contoured rubber for comfort. Smaller size is perfect for certain work conditions, including tight spaces.

Cons

Hammer may be too small for some work applications. It's great for the tool box, but due to its smaller size, it shouldn't be the only hammer you own.

Vaughan 12 oz. Commercial Ball Pein Hammer
Vaughan
12 oz. Commercial Ball Pein Hammer

Choose this hammer if you need a reliably durable option, but don't be surprised if it's heavier than you expect.

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Bottom Line

Choose this hammer if you need a reliably durable option, but don't be surprised if it's heavier than you expect.

Pros

Stands out for its rugged handle made of solid hickory wood. Head and pein have a ground and polished finish that resists rust and corrosion.

Cons

A few customers report that it's heavier than 12 oz. – more like 16, which won't work for all uses.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Eliza McGowen
Written by Eliza McGowen

Updated October 2021

A ball pein hammer is typically used for riveting work and shaping metal surfaces and tools. Like a standard hammer, ball pein hammers usually have wooden or fiberglass handles, sometimes with a rubber grip for extra control and comfort. One head of the hammer is flat and circular, while the other is rounded. The biggest difference between most ball pein hammers is the weight, with lighter weights working best for smaller items or more delicate jobs. Shorter handles are better for working in tight spaces, but longer handles offer more power. The longevity of ball pein hammers will vary based on the frequency of use and the coating of the handle.

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