One of the more innovative of Dewalt’s new hand tools is their 15 oz framing hammer, model DWHT51138. This hammer features an all-steel MIG weld construction and is designed to feel surprisingly light, even when delivering the power needed for most professional wood framing applications.
Ian Harney, Dewalt’s global product manager for hammers and demolition tools, said that using MIG Weld Technology has allowed Dewalt to design the hammer to match the weight of leading titanium hammers, and with the strength and durability required by professionals and end users.
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As you can also see from this CopTool photo, Dewalt is very confident about the hammer’s design, highlighting its weight of titanium and strength of steel.
Strength, durability, and less hand and arm fatigue? Sounds great!
Dewalt’s 15oz framing hammer will be priced at $60 and will be available this June.
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David Eldridge says
I may be missing something but i thought hammers were casted, not welded together. This hammer looks no different, and looks cast, i don’t see any weld marks. The only conclusions i can come to is that A) they do not mean metal inert gas, or B) they did weld the head to the handle, but why when you could have casted it?
I don’t know maybe I am just missing something.
John Adams says
The three parts are welded together. Three different types of steel. Hardened for the head. Flexible but strong for the claws and soft for the handle to absorb the impact.
Stuart says
I have been thinking the same thing myself, but decided to wait until the hammer is released before trying to resolve my confusion.
To differentiate their new hammer from the others on the market, especially the titanium ones they’re making direct comparisons to, Dewalt must have done much more than just MIG-weld the head to the shaft.
dawson says
The head of a hammer is definitely not cast. Cast iron is much too brittle for a striking tool. The head of a hammer and many other tool steels are forged. The best tools that require solid metal will always be forged.
Jay says
Saw one of these yesterday. The MIG weld is exactly as you guys had guessed. You can’t see in this photo, but the handle is flat, about 1/4″ thick and then the head is welded on.
Monte says
$60.- ???
Jack says
Majority of Steel hammers are forged not cast. 100% of Titanium hammers are cast, however casting can generate bubbles in the material (similar to turning over a bottle of liquid soap). These bubbles are stress points that can break (added benefit for a $270 hammer, note the sarcasm). The Dewalt Hammer is 100% steel that is welded together. The welding process makes the hammer just as strong as 1 piece forged Steel hammers. However, less steel is used to make a welded hammer. This makes the Dewalt Hammer just as strong as steel hammers, the weight of Titanium hammers and are $60 vs $270 for Titanium.
Stuart says
Taking a closer look at the new Dewalt framing hammer does reveal that they managed to shave off a remarkable amount of steel from the head, handle, and the interfacial zone between the two.
@Jack, you hit the nail on the head with your assessment!
Will says
I know this is an old post, but thought I’d add that the hammer is retailed for only $49 at our store, making it slightly more affordable. I’ve used this hammer and it certainly lives up to expectations.
Stuart says
$49? I checked my local Home Depot, and it was $60 there, with the “high velocity” hammer being $25. Maybe it’s only available for $49 in certain markets?
will says
Could be. Certainly explains why we sold out 3 times this month…
Brandon says
@Jack Not sure what titanium hammer you refer to as costing 270 bucks. The Stiletto model I frame with can be had for around 75 and I’ve had it for 4-5 years now. None of your bubbles have destroyed my hammer. Perhaps trusted companies like stiletto just do a good job making sure said bubbles don’t make it to store shelves.
There are other cheaper titanium hammers as well.
This dewalt hammer would be nice for concrete forms, scaffolding, or anywhere you need to worry more about breaking a wood handle, but I shutter at the thought of framing with it. Wood does a much better job of absorbing impact than steel alone. I’d rather purchase a new handle every 6 months than become arthritic at a young age.
Stuart says
The Dewalt hammer is actually very comfortable to use and is easy on the hands, although I have not tested it enough to judge what effect it might have after 6 months of use. Vibration dampening seems to be decent as well, at least as well as seen with other metal-core-handled framing hammers.
I believe that Dewalt draws direct comparison between their hammer and Stiletto’s Ti-Bone hammers, which do retail for $205-220.
Brandon says
People who buy Ti-Bones are not going to be the same people who buy this dewalt hammer. No doubt in my mind about that.
Nate says
I have this hammer and it works phenomenally. I am a timber framer and I have not had a single issue and my hammer is the reason behind everyone on my crew getting one. I was skeptical at 1st, but figured I’d try it. It is a decent hammer, but I do miss my Douglass 24 oz framer.
Robert Dundee says
Where can I get a 15oz DeWalt framing ? hammer
OhioHead says
Stuart – I hope this not your hand above because there is a HUGE “whoops” pictured!
Stuart says
No, that was a Dewalt photo.
What’s the mistake?
NewtonsApple says
Ha, they appear to have the glove on backwards.