Drive nails with the flat, steel face and remove them with the claw on the other end of the head.

Curved-claw hammers provide high leverage for nail removal. Straight-claw hammers are also known as framing hammers. They're a good choice for ripping and prying wood in addition to nail removal, but they do not remove nails as efficiently as curved-claw hammers.

Dead blow nail hammers have a head loaded with metal shot for a controlled impact and minimal rebound. The handle is lightweight to provide a fast swing while driving nails.

Serrated face prevents the head from slipping when striking.

Hickory handles resist vibration. Steel and aluminum handles are stronger than hickory handles but have less vibration resistance. Fiberglass handles combine the strength of steel with the vibration resistance of wood. Polycarbonate handles with graphite core resist breakage if you miss your mark.

Textured and ribbed grips provide slip resistance.

Hammers with a magnetic nail starter hold nails in position at the top of the head, so a free hand is not needed to steady the nail before striking it. Hammers with a nail pulling groove can remove nails in tighter spaces than claws. Hammers with a board grip hold 2" thick boards.

For replacement handles, see Hickory Hammer Handles.