Brick Hammers

About Brick Hammers

Brick hammers are indispensable tools for bricklayers, stonemasons and anyone working with masonry materials. These specialised hammers feature a traditional striking face on one end and a chisel-style blade on the opposite end, allowing tradespeople to set, cut and shape bricks, blocks and stone with a single versatile tool. The chisel end excels at scoring and splitting bricks with precision, whilst the striking face taps materials into position during laying work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks brick hammers from trusted brands including Stanley, DeWalt, Bahco, Estwing, Faithfull, Draper and Roughneck, ensuring professional quality for both trade and DIY applications.

Our range includes traditional wooden-handled models offering excellent shock absorption, modern fibreglass-handled options with superior vibration reduction, and specialist scutch hammers designed for dressing stone and removing old mortar. With head weights typically ranging from 450g to 700g, you'll find the perfect balance between control and striking power. Whether you're building garden walls, laying foundations or undertaking restoration work, MyToolShed.co.uk provides the right brick hammer for achieving professional results in all masonry projects.

Applications

Brick hammers serve essential roles across numerous trades and applications:

• Bricklayers and Blocklayers – Daily cutting, shaping and laying of masonry materials on construction sites
• Stonemasons – Dressing and shaping natural stone blocks for building and restoration projects
• General Builders – Various masonry tasks including wall construction and repair work
• Groundworkers – Laying foundations, drainage systems and hard landscaping features
• Restoration Specialists – Heritage building conservation requiring careful repointing and brick replacement
• Landscapers – Constructing garden walls, patios, barbecues and outdoor brick features
• Property Maintenance Teams – Repairs and alterations to existing brickwork on residential and commercial properties
• DIY Enthusiasts – Home improvement projects involving brick and stone construction

Choosing The Right Brick Hammers

Head Weight: Brick hammers typically range from 450g to 700g. Lighter models (450-550g) offer superior control for precision work and reduced fatigue, ideal for detailed cutting and smaller projects. Heavier hammers (600-700g) deliver greater striking power for dense engineering bricks and stone, preferred by professionals on demanding sites.

Handle Material: Traditional wooden handles provide excellent shock absorption and comfortable feel. Fibreglass handles offer enhanced durability, weather resistance and reduced vibration transmission for all-weather site work. Consider anti-vibration models like the Stanley Anti Vibe Brick Hammer for prolonged use to minimise hand and arm strain.

Chisel Blade Design: Quality brick hammers feature properly hardened chisel ends that maintain sharpness through extended use. Professional-grade models from brands like Estwing and Bahco offer blades that can be resharpened multiple times. For specialist mortar removal and stone dressing, dedicated scutch hammers from Draper or Roughneck with replaceable comb attachments provide superior performance.

Build Quality: Look for drop-forged heads with secure handle connections. Brands available at MyToolShed.co.uk including DeWalt, Faithfull and Hultafors are renowned for reliable construction that withstands rigorous professional use.

Safety Information

Personal Protection: Always wear safety goggles when striking or cutting bricks, as sharp fragments can fly unpredictably. Heavy-duty work gloves protect against cuts and splinters, whilst steel-toe-capped boots safeguard feet from dropped materials.

Tool Inspection: Before each use, check for loose heads, cracked handles or mushroomed striking faces. Replace damaged tools immediately—never work with compromised equipment.

Vibration Management: Prolonged use can lead to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Use anti-vibration handles where possible, take regular breaks and keep hands warm during work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a brick hammer and a club hammer?

A brick hammer features a chisel blade for cutting and shaping bricks, plus a striking face for tapping materials into position—it's a precision bricklaying tool. A club hammer has two identical striking faces designed purely for heavy-duty striking, demolition and driving bolsters through masonry. Both serve different purposes on construction sites.

How do I maintain the chisel edge on my brick hammer?

Keep the chisel blade reasonably sharp using a bench grinder or metal file to remove burrs and reshape the edge at approximately 60 degrees. Avoid overheating the metal during sharpening. Wipe the head clean after use and apply light oil to prevent rust. Professional bricklayers typically sharpen their hammers weekly during intensive work periods.

What weight brick hammer should I choose?

For general bricklaying and DIY projects, a 550-600g hammer provides excellent balance between control and power. Lighter hammers (450-500g) suit precision work and reduce fatigue, whilst heavier options (650-700g) benefit professionals working with hard engineering bricks or stone. Beginners should start with mid-weight models around 550g to develop proper technique.