Vaughan has come out with two new Stealth 17 oz framing hammers that they claim have the driving power of 32 oz hammers. Both hammers, one with a milled/checkered head (RS17ML) and one with a smooth head (RS17), feature a large face, magnetic nail starter, rip claw, and side nail puller. They’re also made 100% made in the USA.
Kurt sent us the tip, saying:
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Check out Vaughan’s new Stealth 17 oz. Solid Steel, Smooth Face Rip Hammer! It looks similar (but possibly better) than the Dewalt hammer you reviewed a while back. Plus, if you look at the price they are asking at their website, its quite reasonable. I’d be interested to see how it performs.
These hammers really do look a lot like Dewalt’s MIG-welded framing hammers, but there are a few differences.
Vaughan Stealth vs. Dewalt MIG Framing Hammers
- Slightly heavier head weight (17 oz vs. 15 oz)
- Higher power claims (32 oz vs. 28 oz)
- Less than half the price!! $24-26 vs. $60
- Made in USA vs. made in Mexico
These hammers are also said to have the largest striking faces on the planet. According to the spec sheet above, the milled hammer is slightly longer than the smooth faced one.
There is a LOT of marketing BS surrounding lightweight framing hammers, but the reality is that they are easier and less fatiguing to swing. It will indeed be interesting to see how well these hammers perform, and whether they really do strike with the same power as 2-pounders.
It looks like Vaughan forged the Stealth hammer heads and handles as single forms, which gets around Dewalt’s patent that covers their hammers’ welded construction.
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You can buy the hammers via Vaughan’s website, and eventually they will be available via Vaughan distributors.
Buy Now(Milled Face via Amazon)
Buy Now(Smooth Face via Amazon)
First Impression
17 oz rip claw framing hammers that swing like much heavier framers? Sounds good. Made in the USA? Okay, I’m listening… Available for $24-26? Sounds great! I am very optimistic about these.
Thanks Kurt, for the heads-up!
Jerry
Looks good! I already have a Vaughan and Gayvick hammers, and I like them both. Not having a dedicated framing hammer, I’ll have to give these a look the next time I plan some remodeling, or build a small shed in the yard.
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum)
Looks awesome! Made in USA! I’ve been looking for a back up hammer for work.
Buying one this weekend if i can find one.
Kurt
I have a 20oz all steel Estwing (E3-20s) which I use as a general purpose hammer, and a 23oz wood handled Vaughan (CFB1HCM) hammer for framing. Coincidentally, after mulling over the hammer selection at Home Depot my younger brother bought the Dewalt hammer for a big project we are planning but I told him to hold off using it for now after coming across this new product. I ended up ordering the smooth faced one pictured above directly from Vaughan’s website. If it turns out to be good, he can exchange the $66 (with tax) Dewalt and pay me back for the $32 (with shipping) Vaughan. Let’s see how it turns out…
Robert
It’s interesting that they’re less than half the price, but still made in the US. That puts a large X on the notion that oursourcing jobs is the only way to remain competitive in our present age.
It just proves that much of the jargon is simply political rhetoric that translates into additional profit.
Robert
Grady Bookout
I used a Vaughan ballpen in a machine shop since circa 1978. You cant’t beat it. I have been looking for a general purpose carpenters hammer. Thanks for the heads up, search is over.
John S
I am curious to see if they live up to the hype! But sounds promising!
Jordan
They definitely look interesting and if they drive just as well as a heavier hammer, they’re worth it. But I think it’s hilarious how they names these products. A stealth hammer? When am I going to use this hammer to all its stealthy potential? I say that now, but next time I find myself framing behind enemy lines, I’ll wish I had pulled the trigger on Vaughan’s Stealth Hammer!
Stuart
I can kind of see where they get stealth from. A stealth strike is quick, swift, precise. The branding could have been a little better, but could have also been very worse.
Kurt
The order came in shipped via FedEx. Hammer was as expected, put it to use immediately. Thumbs up.
Brad Justinen
Another Estwing copy
Stuart
Doesn’t look like any Estwing I’ve ever seen.
Conductor562
Which Estwing model would that be? Estwing has yet to venture into the lightweight framer market. If you’d called it another Stiletto copy I’d have been more inclined to agree. Anyway, I ordered one 2 weeks ago from HammerSource.com. Hasn’t came yet 🙁
Robert
I agree Stuart,
It doesn’t look like an Estwing to me either. In addition, Vaughan has nothing to gain by copying Estwing. Estwing tends to be held up as the pinnacle and example for everyone to follow. I frankly don’t get that. They’re riding the wave of an old paradigm in my opinion, and largely overrated. They’re good quality, but definitely not the only high end player.
I would actually prefer this Vaughan any day over many Estwing’s. That includes one I currently have.
Robert
John Coulston
I had a chance to check one of these out at menards yesterday and I was pretty impressed. Think I will give it a try. I think The dealt is a little more comfortable but seems much more fragile. For the price and origin if definitely go with the Vaughn.
Stuart
Thanks for the early feedback! I might have to pick one up myself just to try out.
Charlie
I just picked one of these up that has the waffle head, the RS17ML yesterday at Menards, they are on sale for about $15. I haven’t used it yet because I don’t frame for a living, but for $15 and made in the USA for a framing hammer ? I’d be very surprised if I regret the decision to buy one. They went on sale yesterday and there was only one left after I grabbed one.
Nick Servais
i own a dewalt 14 oz and a estwing 20 oz … bought the vaughan yesterday on sale at menards for 15$ as well…for the price, i dont see how you could go wrong…sale ended today tho.
Chris G.
Ordering one tomorrow! Almost spent twice the money for DeWalt’s. I’m a roofer by trade. This bad boy will definitely be put to the test. Been shopping for a newer hammer for doing our detail tear off and substrate rebuild.
Mr Click
Junk. Snapped the heads off two of them in the same place. The side nail puller is a weak spot and will break within an hour of moderate use. Poor steel, poor design. So bad that they’re now discontinued.
rpk
a fine hammer unless you need to pull a nail, the claw is useless on these, I took first one back thinking it was a lemon, turns out that it was the same as the rest, junk.
Assad
I was excited as I looked to buy these hammers in Florida until I realized I had a better chance finding a purple unicorn than these things. And to make things worse check this out. In the UK they have claw style AND a bear claw… But here we’re forced to a rip and maybe stubby bar if you’re buying from Lowe’s. These hammers are much better advertised for in the UK but they’re made in Illonis. I find that to be sad. In a world filled with “Made in China”s, I was willing to support an American made product just because it is made in America. But Vaughan’s marketing just destroyed that sense of loyalty.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vaughan-Stealth-Hammer-Bear-Claw/dp/B015JMJH3E/ref=pd_sim_sbs_60_2/277-3664569-1787237?ie=UTF8&dpID=41kvVLFtegL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0QVAE4T51MMMJ949Q8X3