arcticvette's Full Review: Stiletto T114MC Titanium, Milled Face, Curved Hand...
I am a journeyman carpenter for the last 5 years, total time in trade, about 8. This is by far the best tool purchase I have ever made. My whole body thanks me. It is unbelievable how much this hammer lightens up my bags, and the strain it takes off of my elbow.
Ok I will set up the progression of how I came to be an exclusive Stilletto hammer user. First off, as a 1st year apprentice, I had an Estwing steel shaft 21+ oz hammer. The first journeyman I worked with told me to get rid of it and get me a wood handled hammer. After paying $29 for the Estwing, I went our and got a $25 Craftsman California framer, I used this item for the next few years. Thank God for the lifetime guarantee. Well then I started to see guys with a handy magnetic nail holder. The only hammer available with this feature was a Hart, for around $40. I bought this and liked the magnetic tip and the rubber collar that protected the handle at the base of the head, but the claw was worthless. Then Stanley jumped into the magnet market with their $20 Fatmax 23 oz hammer, I made the switch almost immediately, but the hammer weighed a ton. Now I know some of the old guys swear by the heavy titans, but I was one of the new breed of carpenters that was willing to try new techniques to make the job a bit easier. Then like a light at the end of the tunnel I saw a guy using the Stilletto titanium hammer. I was stunned that it was around $60, and thought, "No way can this thing sink a 16p nail." to my surprise it did, and quite well I might add. The only thing was that it felt a bit floaty. Felt way to light, and possibly uncontrollable. Despite this, I purchased one, used it a couple of days, and have been sold ever since. I am totally used to the feel and can sink a 16p with 2 hits. My elbow feels alot better too. The only effort to use this hammer is on the down swing, and boy does it go fast. The way this hammer works is much like Ken Griffey Juniors bat through the strike zone. It doesn't take a goliath to get the job done, the speed is enough to get the velocity you need to do it smarter, not harder.
Let my experience of inferior tools and the cost I have paid make your decision for you. I know the titanium hammer has increased in the past couple of years, but I have still purchased a second Stilletto, just so I don't have to swing the sledge hammer like beasts I used to use. To substantiate the cost, remember, this is the most used tool in your bags, and you are in a marathon not a sprint. Longevity is the key to the trade. The reduced strain on your elbow and arm muscles will more than pay for the couple dollars extra cost.
Since writing this review I have been asked a few questions. First, "How well does it work in overhead situations?" Well seeing as though it only weighs 14oz, instead of 23oz, you can swing it with minimal effort. I have, rather often stretched to my tip toes, and gripped the handle with my fingertips, and still got the job done. Second, "Why did I chose the milled face." Well, the reason is that when swing at nails all day it tends to work alot easier if the little buggers don't get away or bend due to a glancing hit. Milled face or "waffle" as it is known in the field, is to help prevent this by gripping the nail and minimize glancing blows. I can use either one with my eyes closed after my time in the field and my first stilletto is actually a smooth face now, after all of my use. I think the only reason to use a smooth face is in trim applications when you don't want to mar any surface with the ugly waffle mark. Since I am mostly a rough framer, My choice works best for me. Another application this hammer works well in is in tight areas where you may even turn the hammer sideways, as in nailing joist hangers where the hammer will barely fit.
I hope I have answered all of your questions, feel free to drop me a line if you need any other assistance.
The original Titanium framing hammer Less recoil shock than steel hammers Lightweight titanium head eases fatigue, yet the driving force equals a 24 -...More at Amazon
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