I finally snapped a brand new $95 hammer handle on my third swing

Picked up a new cross peen hammer from a local supply shop in Omaha last weekend. Took it home, started working on a simple S-hook, and on the third swing the handle just cracked right in half near the eye. I figured it was a defect so I brought it back and the guy said sometimes cheaper hickory handles have hidden knots that show up under stress. Has anyone else had a new tool just explode on them like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

kaigibson1mo agoMost Upvoted

Honestly seems like a bummer but maybe not as big a deal as you're making it. Hammers break sometimes, especially cheap ones from a local shop. I've had plenty of tools snap on me over the years, it happens. You took it back and the guy explained why, so what's the real issue? It's not like you lost a heirloom or something. Unless you paid a lot more than $95, that's a pretty standard price for a hammer that's gonna see some abuse. Just go get a new handle or a better hammer and move on.

emery2901mo ago

Wait, wasn't it $95 for a hammer with a bad handle?

shane_park921mo ago

my buddy got a brand new estwing hammer once and the head flew off on like the fifth swing. he was so pissed, took a video and everything. the store actually swapped it out no questions asked though.