Club Hammers

About Club Hammers

Club hammers, also known as lump hammers, are essential heavy-duty hand tools designed for demolition work, masonry tasks, and driving cold chisels and steel pins. Characterised by their double-faced steel head and shorter handle compared to sledgehammers, these versatile striking tools typically feature head weights ranging from 1kg to 2.7kg, making them the perfect middle ground between a standard claw hammer and a full-sized sledgehammer. The compact design provides excellent control whilst delivering substantial striking force for breaking bricks, concrete blocks, and driving masonry nails.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of club hammers from industry-leading manufacturers including DeWalt, Estwing, Faithfull, Milwaukee, Roughneck, and Stanley. Our selection encompasses traditional wooden-handled models, modern fibreglass-handled versions offering enhanced vibration dampening, and specialist designs. Whether you're a professional bricklayer requiring a reliable tool for daily site work or a DIY enthusiast tackling home improvement projects, MyToolShed offers club hammers engineered to withstand the rigours of repeated heavy striking whilst maintaining balance and precision.

Applications

Club hammers are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Splitting bricks, blocks and stone, and driving bolsters and cold chisels during cutting operations
• Demolition Contractors: Breaking up concrete, masonry structures, and removing tiles or rendering
• Construction Workers: General site work including driving steel pins and breaking ground
• Landscapers and Groundworkers: Installing edging stones, splitting paving slabs, and driving stakes into hard ground
• Plumbers and Sparkies: Chasing out walls for pipework installation and creating channels in masonry for cable runs
• Chippies: Demolition work and driving large timber connectors or frame anchors
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects involving masonry work, patio installation, and general demolition tasks

Choosing The Right Club Hammers

Head Weight: Consider your primary application and physical capability. A 1kg hammer suits lighter chisel work and precision tasks, whilst 2-2.7kg models provide maximum striking force for heavy demolition. For all-day work, a lighter hammer reduces fatigue.

Handle Material: Traditional wooden handles offer good shock absorption and are economical, whilst fibreglass handles provide superior durability, won't loosen from the head, and excel in wet conditions. Fibreglass models are ideal for professional tradespeople requiring reliable daily performance.

Handle Length: Standard club hammers feature handles around 280-320mm long for optimal control. Longer-handled versions provide increased leverage and striking power for demolition work, though they sacrifice some precision.

Brand Quality: Invest in reputable manufacturers like DeWalt, Estwing, Stanley, or Roughneck for professional applications. Premium hammers feature properly heat-treated heads that resist mushrooming, secure head-to-handle connections, and ergonomic grips.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection—safety goggles or face shield—when striking chisels or masonry, as chips and fragments can cause serious injuries. The HSE recommends impact-resistant eyewear meeting BS EN 166 standards. Wear sturdy work gloves to protect hands and improve grip, and steel toe-capped boots on construction sites.

Before each use, inspect the hammer head for cracks or mushrooming of the striking face. Check that the head is securely fixed to the handle with no looseness. Wooden handles should be examined for splits or splintering—replace damaged handles immediately. Maintain a firm grip and use smooth, controlled swings rather than wild, off-balance strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

These terms are interchangeable—both refer to the same tool. "Club hammer" is more commonly used in professional trades, whilst "lump hammer" is often heard in DIY contexts. Both describe a short-handled, double-faced striking hammer designed for heavy-duty work with chisels and demolition tasks.

What weight club hammer should I buy?

For general purpose work including driving chisels and light demolition, a 1.8-2kg (4lb) hammer offers the best balance of striking power and control. Lighter 1kg models suit precision work and reduce fatigue, whilst 2.5-2.7kg hammers provide maximum impact for heavy demolition.

Are fibreglass handles better than wooden handles?

Fibreglass handles offer superior durability, weather resistance, and won't loosen from the head. They're ideal for professional daily use. Wooden handles provide excellent shock absorption and are more economical to replace when damaged. Browse the full range at MyToolShed.co.uk to find the perfect club hammer for your needs.