VAUGHAN Titanium Framing Hammer, 16 Oz, Roofing Hammer

I bought this hammer 9 years ago, and have used it just about every day since then. The once waffled face is worn smooth (a problem with all titanium hammers...steel nails are harder metal than the face of the hammer), and the little magnet on top that once started nails fell out years ago. I replaced the handle immediately with a custom one made from Bacote (because it looks awesome, and I’m a carpenter) which attracts a surprising amount of attention. There’s nothing wrong with the hickory one, some day I’ll probably break the exotic one and need a replacement.When comparing hammers, weight is the single most important consideration. The advertised head weight is only one factor. The stilleto, for example is a titanium alternative I considered. The issue is, the all Ti construction is actually HEAVIER than a 24oz wood handled hammer. I’m sure it reduces vibration compared to steel handles, but not better than wood. The problem with wood is that it tends to break at the head. This hammer design gives you the strength of A Ti neck, and the great balance, low vibration, and light weight of a Ti head.The claws are the perfect shape. Perfect. Easy to swing under a plate, great for nail pulling. The side puller is part of the head casting, and easily my favorite feature. Nails are never too close to adjoining surfaces for the side puller.My only caveat is that it doesn’t have the weight to drive plates flush, or really anything where a sledge would be a better choice. Carry a light hammer, you’re compromising your bashing power. True of all Ti hammers.I think it has an eye catching design. I know it has great ergonomics. I can attest to the durability of the construction. It’s crazy light, but I can still drive 16’s in two strokes. I wish dalluge was paying me to say these things, and I’ll happily accept any endorsement money they think I deserve, but I’m extolling this hammers virtue because it’s true.

Best hammer I've owned!! I've been a framing carpenter for 13 years now and I can almost guarantee I've found the only hammer I'll use again. You might see complaints about a 'weak' handle but it's no weaker than any other wooden handle. Might not be Vaughn tough but it hangs. The bolts will tend to loosen up on you and leave the handle more susceptible to a break but I've simply wrapped mine a couple times w sports tape and that not only strengthens the handle but the main objective was to keep the bolts tight. Fingernail polish works ok too. It holds but allows the threads to break free if replacement of your handle is needed. Waffles wear a little faster than normal steel hammer but I'm guessing you didn't buy this hammer for the waffles. They hold better than the stiletto waffles anyway. Nice balance and side puller is great. Pulls about half the nail out than rotate and use side puller in a front to back way (rather than side to side like you do to start)and it finishes the job easy. Elbow feels great and I also love the flat claws. Makes getting under a wall or prying lumber apart better; even if only slight bonus it is one.

If you love striking nails, buckle up!Best hammer on the market, hands down 👏FYI - the head/handkerchief screws will loosen over time, add a lock washer and snug occasionally. That’s it! It’s a beast and you’ll love swinging this bad boy (and it’s light in the bags!) 👊👊

I love this hammer!! For normal Carpentry use nailing, and things that’s it’s made for, in my opinion THERE IS NO BETTER HAMNER!! . Now if you mess up and need a crowbar or demo hammer not the best, just BC of the hickory handle, but BC of that handle IT US one of the reasons I love it so much lighter. BEST BALANCED HAMMER IVE EVER HELD!!

Decent hammer would be 4 or 5 stars if the quality control wasn't so bad. Handle is not on straight which on a hammer this much is ridiculous considering you can buy 10 dollar hammers that have straight handles.

Best hammer i own

If you are a framer, this should NOT be your next hammer. It is probably useful for other trades, but not for framing. I used a Douglas steel 22oz for 10 years and loved that hammer until someone stole it. I couldn't find a replacement so I went with this Titanium replication from Dalluge which was a lot lighter with the thought that I want to save my elbow and lighter should be better. Nope.If you want to drive a 16d nail this hammer is simply too light. Or driving any nail given a short swing-space is a challenge. It is just too light... too insubstantial. I bought this hammer hoping to save my elbow, but I end up having to swing even harder to compensate for the lack of magnitude.I've seen other reviews refer to the weakness of the handle. It does feel a little cheap. It feels like super new-growth wood. Light but almost like foam--airy. I have not broken my handle yet, but I could see that happening soon (after 3 months of light use). On the other hand, I only broke one handle with my Douglas and that took 6 years of heavy use.There is a little specific danger to using this particular hammer too; perhaps related to it being titanium. I've noticed this a few times when trying to drive nails that I don't strike cleanly (tight spaces over or next to my head). If the strike isn't clean a shard of white hot shrapnel will spark off. I've never had that happen with a steel hammer but it has happened about a dozen times that I've noticed with this one. I've been hit by the shard twice and it was hot enough to burn. Not a big deal when it hits your skin.. just a sting.. but your eye might not take it so well.This hammer has a place and a use, but it isn't for framing. Maybe electricians pounding romex staples. It is definitely good for that.I will not '1 Star' this hammer because I realize now that I bought it for the wrong reasons and for the wrong use. It has the other features I loved about my Douglas hammer, side nail puller, flat top head, magnetic drive slot, full front and back metal plates to protect the handle. But the lack of weight to drive nails and the 'shard' effect has made me shelve this hammer.

This is an amazing hammer. Having said that it is a bit slippery in the hand. Suggest hammer wrap tape, works like a charm. Having worked steel hammers all my life, it takes some getting used too.. but before long you're elbow and wrist will thank you.