Best Tack Hammers of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Tack hammers are a versatile tool used in various applications, including upholstery, woodworking, and crafting. These hammers have a small head and a short handle, making them ideal for precise tapping and nailing. They are designed to drive small nails, tacks, and brads into different materials without damaging them. Tack hammers are available in different sizes and shapes, allowing users to choose the one that suits their needs. They are commonly used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, making them a must-have tool in any toolbox.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CRAFTSMAN 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer Cover #TOP 1
CRAFTSMAN 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer Cover #TOP 2
Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
CRAFTSMAN 20 oz Fiberglass Hammer Cover #TOP 3
CRAFTSMAN 20 oz Fiberglass Hammer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tack Hammers

CRAFTSMAN 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer

CMHT51398
CRAFTSMAN 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer Cover
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz. (CMHT51398)

The CRAFTSMAN 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer is a great all-purpose hammer for DIYers. It features an overstrike protection and an overmold grip for improved handling. It's made of durable fiberglass and has a weight of 16 ounces. Customers have praised its easy use, quality, and price/quality ratio. The only downside is that the handle may become uncomfortable when used for long periods of time.

What We Like
High quality
Comfortable grip
Lightweight handle
Hefty head

Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer

HM06NL
Yellow
Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer Cover
Mr. Pen- 8oz Small Magnetic Claw Nail Hammer for Women

The Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer is a high-density carbon steel hammer with an ergonomic non-slip soft handle. It features a magnetic nail starter and hammer claw for easy nail removal, making it ideal for woodworking and DIY projects. It's perfect size and weight make it easy to carry and use in tight spaces.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Magnetic feature for nails
Perfect size for small projects
Good value for the price
Attractive color options
#TOP 3

CRAFTSMAN 20 oz Fiberglass Hammer

CMHT51399
Black
CRAFTSMAN 20 oz Fiberglass Hammer Cover
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, 20 oz Fiberglass General Purpose (CMHT51399)

The CRAFTSMAN Fiberglass Hammer is designed for durability and ease of use. It features overstrike protection, which helps prevent breakage in the most vulnerable areas of the fiberglass handle, ensuring a longer lifespan for your tool. The overmold grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, making it easier for you to drive and pull nails effectively. With its versatile design, this hammer is perfect for both general and specific tasks. Plus, it comes with a full lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

What We Like
Durable overstrike protection
Comfortable overmold grip
Effective for driving nails
Full lifetime warranty

NEIKO 02847A 2 LB Dead Blow Hammer

02847A
Orange
2 Pound
NEIKO 02847A 2 LB Dead Blow Hammer Cover
NEIKO 02847A 2 LB Dead Blow Hammer, Neon Orange | Unibody Molded | Checkered Grip | Spark and Rebound Resistant

The NEIKO 02847A 2 LB Dead Blow Hammer is a versatile tool with a steel shot filled head that adds extra force to hammer blows and eliminates rebound and sparks upon impact. The hammer is made of unicast poly molded body that prevents wearing away between head and handle. The bright neon orange color helps identify the hammer easily in your toolkit. The diamond textured non-slip grip provides comfort and a secure hold. The hammer is ideal for automotive work, woodworking, sheet metal forming and other work.

What We Like
Good quality materials
Bright, easy-to-find color
Durable and reliable performance
Comfortable grip
Great value for price

Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer

MRF3LB
Blue/Yellow
3 lbs (Pounds)
Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer Cover
ESTWING Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer - 3-Pound Sledge with Fiberglass Handle & No-Slip Cushion Grip - MRF3LB

The Estwing Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer is a 3-pound sledgehammer with a fiberglass handle and no-slip cushion grip. It is forged from steel for maximum strength and durability, and is perfectly balanced to deliver powerful blows with an easy swing. It is suitable for use with chisels, punches, star drills, hardened nails, and more.

What We Like
Durable plastic handle
Comfortable rubberized grip
Good weight balance
Versatile for various projects
Appealing color
#TOP 6

Spec Ops 22 oz. Framing Hammer

SPEC-M22CF
Black/Tan
22 Oz
Spec Ops 22 oz. Framing Hammer Cover
Spec Ops Tools Framing Hammer, 22 oz, Rip Claw, Milled Face, Shock-Absorbing Grip, 3% Donated to Veterans Black/Tan

Looking for a reliable and powerful hammer for your construction projects? The Spec Ops 22 oz. Framing Hammer is the ultimate choice for builders, contractors, and tradesmen. Its 25% lighter head and ballistically balanced design provide maximum striking power with sniper-controlled swings. The MOA grip absorbs shock and lessens sting, making it comfortable to use even with the hardest materials, while the magnetic nail starter allows for rapid nail driving. Plus, its versatile rip claw is perfect for precision demo, nail removal, and splitting. With each purchase, you can also support our nation's heroes by donating 3% of sales to veteran and first responder causes.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Comfortable shock-absorbing grip
Supports veterans with purchases
Great balance and feel
Unique design stands out
#TOP 7

Amazon Basics 8 oz Claw Hammer

Amazon Basics
LTK048
Turquoise
8 oz
Amazon Basics 8 oz Claw Hammer Cover
Amazon Basics 8 oz Hammer, Turquoise

The Amazon Basics Claw Hammer is a reliable tool for both household tasks and professional projects. Its 8-ounce size makes it easy to handle, yet strong enough for driving nails efficiently. The hammer is built with tough steel, ensuring durability for long-term use. The flat head design helps you hammer nails smoothly, while the claw side is perfect for removing nails or prying boards apart. Plus, the shock-absorbing rubber handle reduces the strain on your hands, making your work more comfortable and less tiring. This hammer is a handy and user-friendly tool for your everyday needs.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Shock-absorbing handle
Flat head for hammering
Claw for nail removal
#TOP 8

ALLWIN 8OZ Small Claw Hammer

AW-CZ01
Purple
ALLWIN 8OZ Small Claw Hammer Cover
Small Claw Hammer - Mini Hammer for Women&Kids, Camping Hammer, Stubby Tack Hammer, Nail Hammer with Magnetic (Purple)

The ALLWIN Mini Claw Hammer is a handy tool designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, weighing just 8 ounces. This makes it perfect for those who want a hammer that's simple to swing without tiring your arm. Made from high-density carbon steel, this hammer is built to resist rust and last a long time, so you can rely on it for many projects. The ergonomic, soft grip handle ensures comfort and prevents slipping, giving you better control while working. Plus, it includes a magnetic nail holder, which lets you start nails with just one hand, making your tasks quicker and safer.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to swing
Durable carbon steel build
Ergonomic non-slip handle
Magnetic nail holder
#TOP 9

DkOvn 8oz Straight Rip Claw Hammer

Orange
1pcs 8oz
DkOvn 8oz Straight Rip Claw Hammer Cover
8/16/24oz Straight Rip Fiberglass General Purpose Claw Hammer, with Smooth Face & Non-slip Grip

The DkOvn 8oz Claw Hammer is designed to be a handy tool for everyday use. It comes with a forged high-carbon steel head that helps you drive nails quickly and efficiently. The smooth, polished surface of the hammer head makes it comfortable to use and reduces damage to surfaces. Its straight rip claw is perfect for pulling out nails easily and tackling precise demolition tasks, saving you effort during tough jobs. The hammer’s rubber-covered handle offers a secure grip, especially useful in cold weather, so you won’t have to worry about slipping while working. This hammer is a reliable choice for various home and DIY projects.

What We Like
Forged high-carbon steel head
Smooth polished hammer face
Straight rip multifunctional claw
Ergonomic non-slip rubber handle
#TOP 10

Estwing E3-16S 16 oz Straight Rip Claw Hammer

E3-16S
Multi
16 oz (Ounces)
Estwing E3-16S 16 oz Straight Rip Claw Hammer Cover
ESTWING Hammer - 16 oz Straight Rip Claw with Smooth Face & Shock Reduction Grip - E3-16S

The Estwing E3-16S 16 oz Straight Rip Claw Hammer is a professional-grade tool designed for framers, roofers, finish carpenters, contractors, tradesman and serious DIYers. It is forged from one solid piece of American steel, making it the most durable and longest lasting striking tool available. It features a versatile straight, rip claw design for pulling nails, prying boards, demolition work and splitting wood. The patented Shock Reduction Grip reduces impact vibration by 70%, providing optimal slip-free comfort, durability and superior grip in all jobsite conditions.

What We Like
Excellent balance
Comfortable grip
High-quality build
Ideal weight
Long-lasting performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a tack hammer used for?

A tack hammer, also known as an upholstery hammer, is a lightweight hammer used specifically for securing upholstery fabric to furniture frames. It is used to drive tacks or small nails into the furniture frames to hold the fabric in place.

2. Why do tack hammers have a split head?

Tack hammers have a split head with a magnetized split end. This design allows users to easily pick up small upholstery tacks and safely start them without risking their fingers. The split end creates both north and south poles in the same half of the head, enabling the tack to be held securely in the center of the magnetized face.

3. What small specialty hammer is used to drive tacks?

The small specialty hammer used to drive tacks is called a tack hammer or an upholstery hammer. It is a lightweight tool specifically designed for driving upholstery into furniture or surfaces. Most tack hammers have two faces, with one side split and magnetized to help users accurately place tacks.

4. How do you hammer tacks?

Hammering tacks with a tack hammer is similar to using any other hammer, but with less force. Tacks and small nails do not require much force to be hammered in. The key is to use steady and precise tapping. A variation of a small multi-purpose hand-held hammer called the Mini Combination Hammer can also be used for this purpose.

Editor's Notes

During our tack hammer research, we found 24 tack hammer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 176,455 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tack hammers list. We found that most customers choose tack hammers with an average price of $13.15.

The tack hammers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tack hammers, including CRAFTSMAN, Mr. Pen, NEIKO, Estwing, Spec Ops. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.