The best hammers

The Vaughan & Bushnell 12-Ounce Soft-Face Hammer has two ends that work perfectly when you need a gentle hammer.

If you want one of the most versatile soft-face hammers on the market, the Vaughan & Bushnell 12-Ounce Soft-Face Hammer is the one for you. This hammer gives you the option to use either end of the hammerhead to achieve the desired results.

Each end of the hammerhead has a different soft material on it. One side features a hard consistency and the other end is soft. With two different ends, the 12-ounce hammer works well in a multitude of situations.

Each of the two faces on the hammerhead is replaceable should it become worn down after repeated use.

Top Products loves the hickory wood handle on this Vaughan & Bushnell hammer, which serves to reduce vibrations. However, we found a few buyer reviews that say the grain orientation of the wooden handle was off in the models they received, which will eventually cause a crack.

Pros: Well-made soft-face hammer, specialty hammer that won't damage the surface of delicate materials, very good price point, two-headed hammer with different consistency in the two faces

Cons: Specialty hammer won't work for all jobs, occasional problems with wooden handle construction

The Stiletto TiBone 15-Ounce Titanium Milled-Face Hammer drives nails in without putting stress on your wrists and forearms.

Some things just seem more desirable than others. When we hear something is made of gold, it feels like it should be better than a silver object. Super-size French fries may not taste better than regular-size fries, but you'll be able to enjoy them longer. And it just feels like titanium tools should be better than steel tools.

In the case of the Stiletto TiBone 15-Ounce Titanium Milled-Face Hammer, the improvements over steel hammers are more than just a feeling. By using titanium in the construction of this hammer, you'll receive more power and durability than a steel hammer with the same weight.

Some buyer reviews say swinging the TiBone all day won't cause fatigue, thanks to its ability to drive nails with less force than a steel hammer.

Additionally, the titanium material in this hammer is able to absorb shock better than steel hammers, meaning you won't have concerns over wrist and forearm fatigue from vibration when using this hammer during long work sessions, according to the Research Core review.

The Tough Ass Tools review loves the durability of this Stiletto hammer, which features a one-piece construction.

The biggest downside to this hammer is the price. You will pay almost 10 times as much for this hammer as you'd pay for a steel hammer, so it really will only appeal to those who plan to use the hammer frequently.

Pros: Drives nails with less force required versus steel hammers, long-lasting hammer with titanium one-piece construction, workers can use the hammer all day without the fatigue found with steel hammers

Cons: Extremely high price versus steel hammers

If you want some extra power and drive in your hammer, the huge Estwing 25-Ounce Big Blue Framing Hammer delivers.

Hammers are all about power, as in the power to drive nails into tough wood, or even the power to easily break apart a wall during a home improvement project. The destruction part of home improvement is always more fun than the improvement part, after all.

The powerful Estwing 25-Ounce Big Blue Framing Hammer takes power to a new level. This hammer is huge, weighing more than 1.5 pounds and measuring 18 inches in length. If you can control this heavy hammer, you'll love its ability to drive through walls or hit nails quickly.

A writer at Pro Tool Reviews says the Estwing framing hammer offers good balance, despite being much heavier and longer than typical hammers. However, we did come across some buyer reviews that say using this hammer for certain jobs is awkward because of its size.

Estwing includes a molded grip on the hammer to reduce the amount of vibration you'll feel. The 25-Ounce Big Blue Framing Hammer features a one-piece construction, and it's available with a smooth face or a milled face on the hammerhead.

Pros: Made in the USA, much larger than typical hammers, molded grip reduces vibration and fatigue in forearms and wrists, sturdy and durable construction, made for heavy construction work

Cons: Can be awkward to use for some because of size, may feel fatigue using this heavy hammer all day

One of the Tekton Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer models is sure to meet whatever metal working needs you have around the house.

Ball pein hammers primarily are used in metalworking, setting rivets by hand, or removing dents in metal. This isn't the type of hammer you'll use regularly at home, as it's not made to drive nails. But it doesn't hurt to have this special use hammer on hand because your kids are sure to put a dent in something at some point.

Regardless of why you want or need a ball pein hammer, the Tekton Jacketed Fiberglass Ball Pein Hammer ranks well. It comes in a variety of weights and sizes, ensuring you can find the exact model to meet your needs.

Garage Tool Advisor says the build quality of the Tekton hammer ensures it will work well for many years, even though the hammerhead is epoxied to the handle in a two-piece design. The Best Covery review says the fiberglass handle is tough, yet lightweight, which leaves most of the hammer's weight in the hammerhead.

Some online customer reviews do mention that the finish on the hammerhead is poor, which may yield problems with rust for the Tekton Ball Pein Hammer down the road.

Pros: Excellent price point for a ball pein hammer, multiple weights available in this family of hammers, tough build quality, fiberglass handle delivers a lightweight feel, works well for jobs around the house

Cons: Finish on the hammerhead may wear off, two-piece hammer design

The best tape measures

No toolkit is complete without a great measuring tape. From the professional contractor's work to the DIY home repair, countless projects call for precise measurements. The QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Measuring Tape is our top choice because its innovative built-in pencil ensures you mark the same spot you measured.

• The best tape measure overall: QuickDraw DIY Self Marking Tape Measure
• The best low-cost tape measure: Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure
• The best extra-long measuring tape: WorkPro 100-Foot Fiberglass Measuring Tape
• The best professional-grade tape measure: General Tools LTM1 2-In-1 Laser Tape Measure
• The best precision measuring tape: eTape16 Digital Measuring

The best ladders for working around the house

From painting the nursery to changing a light bulb or hanging holiday lights, everyday life often calls for a ladder. The Little Giant 22-Foot Multi-Use Ladder is our top choice because it allows for safe use up high, in stepladder configuration, and even on the stairs. We've also included step ladders and heavy-duty ones for outdoor use.

• Best ladder overall: Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder
• Best ladder for painting: Louisville Ladder FS1508 Fiberglass Ladder
• Best affordable stepladder: Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Stepladder
• Best portable ladder: Ohuhu EN131 Telescopic Extension Ladder