Hammers - Other

Essential Guide to Buying Hammers in the UK: From Joiners to Bricklayers

Why the right hammer changes everything

Think of a hammer like a trusty hiking boot: the wrong one will make a short job feel like a slog, while the right pair will carry you through the whole trail without blistering your hands. Whether you’re driving nails into a skirting board, shaping stone, or working on wiring, the correct hammer improves accuracy, saves effort, and reduces the chance of damage. In this guide I’ll walk you through the hammers you’ll find from stores like Expert Electrical and Menkind, plus other reputable UK suppliers, so you can pick the one that fits your project — and your budget.

Where to shop for specialist hammers in the UK

Not all retailers are created equal when it comes to hammers. Some focus on trade-grade tools built to last, while others offer quirky or personalised designs perfect as a gift. I’ll highlight the strengths of the main options you’ll encounter so you can match the shop to your needs.

Expert Electrical: pro-grade picks for tradespeople

Expert Electrical is known for stocking tools tailored to electricians and technicians, so expect items like punch down tools and specialised joiner hammers. If you’re tackling telecom work or cable routing, their range of electrical staples and compact joiner hammers — think lightweight 8 oz models for precision — can be a life-saver. These tools lean toward durability and ergonomics, which matters when you’re swinging a hammer all day.

Menkind: personalised and novelty hammers

Menkind brings personality to the toolbox with personalised hammers and gift-style options. If you want a hammer with an engraved handle or a novelty head for a presentation or celebratory build, Menkind is the spot. These are great for milestones and memorable DIY sessions, though for heavy-duty day-in, day-out work you’ll probably want a trade hammer from a hardware-focused supplier.

Screwfix and Toolstation: trade-focused ranges at great value

If you’re a tradesperson or a weekend warrior who likes having choice, Screwfix and Toolstation stock a vast selection of hammers — from claw and joiner hammers to brick hammers and wrecking bars. They usually offer reliable trade brands and competitive pricing, plus bulk packs for teams. Their ranges include heavier 16 oz brick hammers and longer wrecking bars, suitable when you need upfront force and leverage.

B&Q, Wickes and Homebase: DIY essentials and accessibility

For most household projects, B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase cover the essentials. These chains balance price and quality and are easy to pop into when you realise you left your hammer at home. Expect classic claw hammers, joiner hammers, and masonry tools like brick bolsters. These stores make sense for occasional users who want a dependable tool without paying trade prices.

Amazon UK and Argos: fast delivery and wide selection

Want a specific niche tool fast? Amazon UK and Argos offer huge selections and rapid delivery. You can find electrical punch down tools, cable staples, or personalised hammers and compare dozens of brands in one place. The upside is convenience; the downside can be sifting through reviews to find a trustworthy item.

Common hammer types and what they do

Hammers look simple, but each type solves a different problem. Picture a Swiss Army knife for impact: a joiner hammer is for precision, a brick hammer for chip-and-split masonry, and a wrecking bar is the crowbar’s muscle cousin. Let’s break down the main types you’ll see and when to use them.

Joiner hammer and claw hammer

Joiner hammers are the surgeon’s scalpel of woodworking — typically lightweight, often around 8 oz for fine work, with a polished face and a straight claw for pulling small nails. Claw hammers add a curved claw for better leverage on larger nails and are the go-to for general carpentry. If you’re hanging frames or fitting skirting, a 8 oz to 16 oz hammer with a comfortable handle often does the trick.

Brick hammer and bolster chisel for masonry

When you’re working with bricks and mortar, a masonry hammer is a must. A brick hammer — often around 16 oz — has a chisel-like flat on one side and a hammer face on the other, perfect for splitting bricks and trimming edges. A bolster chisel, commonly 3 inches wide or more, pairs with a striking hammer to cut or remove sections cleanly. These tools help you shape stone and block with control rather than brute force.

Scutch chisel and wrecking bar for demolition

Demolition is all about leverage and impact. A scutch chisel uses replaceable teeth to clear mortar, while a wrecking bar — often around 18 inches long — gives you the reach and leverage to pry up boards, remove nails, and demolish sections of wall without standing on the rubble. They’re the sledgehammer’s patient cousin: less about raw hits, more about steady, forceful leverage.

Punch down tool and telecom staples for electrical work

Electrical and telecom tasks demand finesse. A punch down tool is compact and precise — you press wires into terminals cleanly without damaging the core. Telecom staples, such as 4.5 mm wide x 10 mm deep staples, secure cables along skirting or studwork. Stores like Expert Electrical often stock these alongside joiner hammers tailored to delicate trimming and cable work.

How to choose the right weight and handle length

Weight and handle length are like the tuning knobs on a radio; they change how the tool feels in your hand. Lighter heads (6 oz to 8 oz) give you control for finishing work. Heavier heads (14 oz to 16 oz) deliver more driving force for framing and masonry. Longer handles increase reach and leverage — think 18 inches for pry bars and wrecking bars — but too long can reduce control. Pick a balance: heavier for power tasks, lighter for precision jobs.

Material, build quality and grip comfort

Steel heads and solid handles are basics, but the modern twist is anti-vibration and shock-absorbing grips. Fibreglass handles give a good balance of strength and comfort, while hickory handles absorb shock like a natural cushion. Look for hammers with a solid head-to-handle connection; a loose head is dangerous. Brands stocked by trade suppliers tend to invest in better alloys and bonding processes that keep tools intact under heavy use.

Safety tips and maintenance to keep your hammer working longer

Safety is not optional. Always wear eye protection when striking or chipping, and check the head-to-handle joint before each use. Keep striking faces clean and avoid hitting hardened steel or metal edges with a normal hammer face — that can chip the face. For wooden handles, a light sanding and oiling once in a while extends life. Replace handles showing deep cracks, and keep a set of spare punches and teeth for scutch chisels handy.

How to spot a good deal when comparing prices

Price alone can be misleading. A cheap hammer might save you a few pounds at the checkout but cost hours in frustration or replacement. Look for warranties, customer reviews mentioning durability, and the reputation of the brand. Trade-focused outlets often offer bulk deals and better quality control, while high-street chains give good balance for occasional users. If you find a personalised or novelty hammer at Menkind, treat it as a keepsake rather than your everyday workhorse.

Top picks for different budgets and projects

Working on a shed or bedroom refurbishment and need a basic tool? Go for a 16 oz claw hammer from B&Q or Wickes — reliable and affordable. For trade use, choose a joiner hammer or brick hammer from Screwfix or Toolstation; they usually carry robust 16 oz or 18 oz options and replacement parts. For electrical installations, Expert Electrical is the place to hunt for punch down tools and telecom staples in boxes of 1,000 if you’re fitting lots of cable runs. And if you want a custom gift or something that makes people laugh, Menkind’s personalised hammers deliver on style.

When to upgrade: signs your hammer is past its prime

Don’t cling to tools that have lost their edge. If the handle is splintered, the head wobbles, or the striking face is mushroomed, replace it. A mushroomed face can send sharp fragments flying; it’s a hidden hazard. If you notice a lot of vibration or your hands ache after a short use, gear up for an upgrade — modern anti-vibration designs reduce fatigue and let you work longer with better control.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you click “buy” or pick a hammer off the shelf, run through a quick checklist: is the weight right for your job? Is the handle comfortable and secure? Will you be using the hammer for precise joinery or heavy demolition? Does the store offer the type of hammer you need — trade-quality, DIY-suitable, or personalised? Answer these and you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse.

Mixing and matching tools for the perfect toolkit

One hammer rarely does it all. Keep a lightweight 8 oz joiner hammer for trim, a 16 oz claw hammer for general carpentry, a 16 oz brick hammer and bolster for masonry, and a wrecking bar for teardown. Add a punch down tool and a box of telecom staples if you work on cable runs. Spreading your budget across a few specialised tools often beats buying a single “all-purpose” hammer that ends up performing poorly in every task.

Why expert advice matters when buying online

Buying a hammer online is convenient, but pictures and specs can’t always tell you how a handle feels in your hand. That’s where product reviews and expert descriptions from trade stores help. Look for detailed notes on grip material, head finish, and real-world use cases. If a retailer offers in-store testing or a demo, take it — nothing beats the feel test when choosing a hand tool.

Saving money without skimping on quality

If budget is a concern, consider shopping sale events or buying a mid-range brand that offers a solid warranty. Trade outlets sometimes offer refurbished or ex-demo tools at discounts, and multi-packs can reduce cost per unit for teams. Remember: a decent handle and secure head are non-negotiable. Spend where it matters — on core components — and economise on extras like personalised engraving unless it’s meaningful to you.

Summary: matching the hammer to the job and the seller

In short, know your project, know your preferred handle feel, and match the tool to the task. For electricians and telecom work, check Expert Electrical for precision punch down tools and cable staples. For gifts or personalised hammers, Menkind offers unique options. For trade-grade, bulk or specialist hammers, look to Screwfix, Toolstation, and similar retailers, while B&Q, Wickes and Homebase suit the occasional DIYer. Shop smart and your hammer will feel like an extension of your arm — not a blunt instrument you regret halfway through the job.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown, which hammer will you reach for first?

Conclusion: Choosing the right hammer is a small decision with big consequences — for comfort, safety, and the finish of your work. Match the hammer type, weight, and handle to your job, buy from a store that aligns with your needs, and maintain your tools to extend their life. With the right choices, even a simple job can feel satisfying and smooth.