Why is it called a California framing hammer?

The fourth of this series is the California Framer hammer. This hammer was created by Howard Vaughan Jr after a trip to California. He took two popular Vaughan tools and combined them into one hammer with an extra large striking surface, heavier weight and axe style handle.

What is a California style framing hammer?

Extremely straight claws, large, short face, and exceptionally long handles, including with a curved hatchet-styled grip, are traits of what is known as a "California framer".

Why do framing hammers have waffle heads?

A milled-faced hammer (sometimes called waffle-head) has a little traction, if you will, and is designed to drive in a nail without bending it over.

What is the difference between a carpenter hammer and a framing hammer?

The claw on a framing hammer is straight, which makes it more effective for pulling those large nails when you make a mistake. The handle is up to 6 inches longer than that of a general-use hammer, and the face has deep serrations that leave an imprint in the wood.

What is the history of the framing hammer?

Framing hammers began as rigging hatchets, which were the primary tools workers in California used to make wood oil derricks before World War II, but crews began cutting the blades off and welding on the claws from an old hammer. California framing hammers have short, milled faces that grab nails well; they are ...

California Framer Profile

Who invented California framing hammer?

This hammer was created by Howard Vaughan Jr after a trip to California. He took two popular Vaughan tools and combined them into one hammer with an extra large striking surface, heavier weight and axe style handle. The California Framer is one of the best selling hammers to this day.

Why are framing hammers so long?

Less handle means less overall weight to the hammer. Framing hammer handles range from 14- to 18-inches long. Added length provides greater striking power. Length also gives more leverage when ripping boards apart.

What type of hammer is best for framing?

Best Framing Hammer: Wood-Handled Titanium

Because only the head is titanium, this is one of the most affordable titanium models out there. Its smooth face makes it ideal for non-marring woodwork, and the handle transfers little vibration to the arm.

What are the four types of hammers?

What hammer Do most carpenters use?

The claw hammer is by far the most common and best type of hammer for most carpentry jobs, especially hammering in nails. The claw hammer generally has a round face for striking a nail squarely, and a V shaped hook or claw on the reverse for pulling at the heads of nails and removing them.

What is a chippy hammer?

Chipping hammers are a handheld pneumatic percussive hammer. It Is percussive in nature and delivers blows per minute (BPM) to a chisel or tooling which is inserted into the end of the tool.

What is the best weight for a framing hammer?

Head Weight

Most framing hammers have steel heads that weigh between 20 and 32 ounces, although a few heavier and lighter ones are available. Framing hammers made from titanium, a hard but lightweight metal, weigh only between 15 and 19 ounces.

Who makes the best hammer?

Why is it called California roof framing?

When one roof is framed on top of another, already existing roof, this type of roof framing is sometimes called “California” roof framing. I refer to the roof that is framed first as the “existing roof” and the roof that will be framed on top of it as the “California roof”.

What is a California stud?

These days, a more common method of exterior corner construction uses two studs joined at right angles at the ends of the two plates, and a third nailed inside the two for backing. (Fig. 2) Often referred to as a “California corner,” this alternative method leaves room for insulation, so it's more energy efficient.

What are the three types of hammers?

What is the strongest type of hammer?

Steel hammer handles are the heaviest and the strongest, making them a favorite for demolition work.

What is the most powerful type of hammer?

Steel Handled Hammers

Steel handles are the strongest of the bunch. It's tough to beat a solid or welded piece of steel when it comes to overall strength.

Why are titanium hammers better?

Titanium Hammers Lighter vs Steel

In addition to its vibration properties, titanium is also roughly 45% lighter than steel. That means that you not only get a more effective transfer of energy, you also expend less energy swinging a titanium hammer.

What is the best 14 oz framing hammer?

Best Framing Hammer with Fiberglass Handle—Stiletto Framing Hammer. The Stiletto TI14MC-F is the perfect combination of a powerful and lightweight framing hammer. This 14-ounce framing hammer is made of titanium with a durable fiberglass handle, offering great results with less vibration and strain.

What is the best nails for framing?

A 3 ½ inch nail or 16d nail is often the most recommended size when it comes to framing or fitting together building materials to build a structure and shape. These particular nail sizes seamlessly connect framing materials such as hardwood and engineered wood, along with drywall, concrete, plastic, and masonry.

Are stiletto hammers worth the money?

If you have owned a Stiletto hammer, you know it's worth the price. They are easier on your hands, you arms and your tool belt, plus they last a long time. If you are a homeowner, sure I would save your money.

Why do the modern framing hammer have a rubber handle?

There are three main types of hammer handles: wood, steel, and fiberglass. Wood is typically the least expensive and does a decent job of absorbing shock. Steel is heavy and extremely durable but requires a thick rubber grip to minimize shock.

Why are Chinese hammers flexible?

In China, sledgehammers with a flexible handle are used to prevent hands from “drying out” when hit. The return is much less, and, accordingly, you can work longer.

Why do drywall hammers have a hatchet?

A drywall hammer is a specialty tool that resembles a traditional hammer, except for its milled face that's used to grip nails and its hatchet-like end that's used to trim drywall.