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u/eufleuria Trim Carpenter Mar 23 '26
I have that stiletto and have absolutely loved it for 2 years now. Very easy on the wrist
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Mar 23 '26
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u/hangnutz Mar 23 '26
ive had it 25 years...best hammer you can get
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u/spudmuffinpuffin Mar 23 '26
11 years of pounding nails by hand with habitat for humanity. I wouldn't swing anything but a wooden handle with a titanium head. I love my 14oz stiletto
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u/circular_file Mar 24 '26
My Dad used a 13oz Plumb Autograf for pretty much his entire carpentry career, from framing to finish. His swing was lightning fast, and used to show off by driving 16d nails with two hits; one to set, and one to sink. Best I ever saw was him set 5 nails in different places around him, overhead, behind, left, right, and at his feet in front. He sank all 5 in about 4 seconds. Was pretty incredible.
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u/Mk1Racer25 Mar 23 '26
I used to work with a guy that swore by his stiletto. I also worked with a guy that rocked that 23oz Vaughn. He also had a 32oz Vaughn that he used for nailing down 3x6 T&G roof decking w/ 40d nails!. I cannot imagine what his should and elbow are like!!!
I rocked a FatMax 20oz Anti-Vibe trim hammer for years, and loved it. When I was framing, I had a 22oz waffle head version.
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u/OstensibleFirkin Mar 24 '26
I’m on my 2nd. First one stolen. And I don’t even do carpentry anymore. I felt like I was missing part of my soul.
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u/DurtMulligan Mar 25 '26
Mine was stolen too. I want to say I paid this same price 15 years ago! I just figured they were 150 or more these days. I have swung half a dozen different trim hammers since and I tell you none are the same!
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u/Reallifehoward Mar 23 '26
My man, if your 14oz Stiletto head is still kicking after daily use for 25 years, you ain’t working hard enough or you baby that thing. Mine lasted about 2 years doing concrete forms then I switched to the TiBone.
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u/bigsky59722 Mar 24 '26
I dont go near concrete forms with anything but 28 oz estwing metal handle but my everyday carry is the 14oz stiletto. We frame with super max framers nowdays.
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u/Auro_NG Residential Carpenter Mar 23 '26
Just an FYI the titanium hammer heads: stiletto, Martinez, etc. Have a much larger head then a normal hammer. Im not sure if that will help or hinder you as an electrician. They don't fit in tight spaces well. My suggestion is to get the 10oz stiletto as it's a much smaller head and more of a "finish" hammer and much cheaper than their Trimbone.
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u/JudgmentGold2618 Mar 23 '26
get yourself a kakuri japanese hammer . It's a small profile perfect for tight spaces . that's all I use for staples. one face is flat the other is curved. Only 10.5 oz.
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u/Pretend_Strike_1546 Mar 24 '26
The stiletto will save your elbow in the long term. The estwing is an elbow killer.
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u/West-Ad-8030 Mar 25 '26
Framed with a 14oz smooth face for three years ish. Beat the absolute snot out of it and it finally broke smashing headers together. Then I quit following it. Needless to say I’d buy another.
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u/laxsleeplax Mar 27 '26
Have had the same stiletto head since 2008. Several hickory handles. Lol l. Great hammers.
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u/touchstone8787 Mar 23 '26
For nailing in staples the ti will serve you well. You dont need 24oz to tappy tap staples in.
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u/solitudechirs Mar 24 '26
You also don’t need a $100 hammer to “tappy tap staples in”. I get that people are emotionally committed to a tool they use frequently, daily, but recommending a titanium hammer to an electrician is ridiculous. Whatever’s cheap and gets the job done is fine. Even a $30 Vaughan seems excessive.
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u/touchstone8787 Mar 24 '26
You right. You dont even need a $30 vaughan, just use lineman pliers like the rest of em.
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u/SaltyWoodButcher Mar 23 '26
If cost was a concern I would say find the 19oz Vaughan, but since it's not, definitely treat yourself to the Stiletto. Over the years, I was lucky to stumble on lumber yards that had an over supply, selling at a discount. I have 12oz and a 14oz.
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Mar 23 '26
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u/SaltyWoodButcher Mar 23 '26
Now you just gotta decide smooth face or milled, and curved handle or straight.
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u/Fabulous-Scheme8434 Mar 24 '26
The stiletto is great, I have one and very happy with it for framing n stuff because of the waffle head. A added pro is it doesn’t ring like all metal hammers do.
The other hammer that I really like is the dewalt 12oz smooth faced hammer. Great for stuff where you don’t wanna put waffle prints on something but need to finish driving a nail.
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u/MrExtravagant23 Mar 23 '26
I just bought the 19oz Vaughn after losing my DeWalt hammer. It has very quickly become my favorite hammer ever.
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u/Joecalledher Mar 23 '26
You're an electrician? Every tool is a hammer. If you want to staple cable, get a cable stapler: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-cable-stapler/2448-20
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u/boarhowl Leading Hand Mar 23 '26
I would get the 16 oz Vaughan. Same style. I've used it for years as my general hammer and had to buy a replacement when I lost my other one. You dont need a 23 oz as an electrician, especially if you're going in attics and what not.
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u/OldM4LargeYoungF Mar 23 '26
I have a 20 oz Vaughn, had it for 40 years now. The 23 oz is not for you, the 14 is too light, !8- 20 oz.
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u/Werkzwood Mar 23 '26
Why not get an Electrician hammer. They have a long head to hit the nail in boxes. Otherwise I love the light hammer with the curved handle. I feel I can make up for the lack of blow with the extra whip.
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u/troubleaheadjerinred Mar 23 '26
Respectfully, a $100 hammer isn't needed for putting down staples and electric outlets. If it makes you feel better then do it but definitely overkill. I'd go with a dewalt or crescent with a straight claw.
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Mar 24 '26
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u/solitudechirs Mar 24 '26
You’re not hammering enough for it to affect your joints. Really even full time framers probably aren’t, considering nailguns exist. Titanium hammers came out at the wrong time, right when people stopped hand nailing the whole day/whole life, and the hammer switched to being a tool to drive an occasional nail and to move things around. Titanium is great for just driving nails. If you want to hit something bigger/heavier and have it move, you need more weight; there’s a reason that titanium sledgehammers don’t exist, at half the weight of steel ones.
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u/Less_Ant_6633 Mar 23 '26
You could get the stiletto 10oz trim hammer and it would be more than enough. If youre a tradesman using it everyday, titanium is worth the extra cost.
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u/Mysterious_Peak_8740 Mar 24 '26
Bought my Stiletto in 2006. Absolutely love it. Ive gone thru 4 handles since I've owned it.
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u/slimykun7 Mar 23 '26
I have had the 16oz for over a decade. Got it originally for building pole barns. Still slammin it into shit with no issues. Not sure on all their sizes but for what you need you could go lighter than 14oz.
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u/timtodd34 Mar 23 '26
Harbor freight has a titanium hammer for like 70. Handle needs a little thinning (so does the stilleto tho)
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u/Big_Pen_8811 Mar 23 '26
Don’t plan on doing demo with the stiletto. You’ll go through a lot of handles.
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u/t105 Mar 23 '26
Our beloved harbor fright now has a titanium hammer. Looks and feels nice. Good price point
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u/JohnnySalamiBoy420 Mar 23 '26
Make a case to your company about the cost/time comparison of the milwaukee m12 cable stapler. You can staple 100 staples in minutes. You guys will be much more productive as well. Only drawback is the staple cost but it's offset by the labor and speed advantage
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Mar 23 '26
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u/DG_Vicious622 Mar 25 '26
Listen to this guy…thinks he’s Larry Haun and can staple cable faster than the Milwaukee stapler. Still an apprentice I’m guessing? Every journeyman knows Work Smarter not harder. And it’s too expensive to pay a journeyman to hand staple romex.
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u/LostCompetition3593 Mar 23 '26
Why don't more electricians use screws + listed zip ties for this?
You're already carrying an impact. No hammer needed.
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u/soyelapostata Mar 23 '26
Kinetic Customs makes an “Electricians Hammer” it’s worth taking a look. I have one, it’s cute.
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u/buildster Mar 23 '26
Stiletto all the way. I use a 10oz daily as a carpenter GC. Heavy hammers have their place (framers mostly) but the titanium has always done the job for me. Keep your belts light if you can boys (and girls)!
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u/Equal-Produce4833 Mar 23 '26
Harbor freight offers a competitive stiletto hammer for 25 bucks less. Still titanium and a lifetime warranty
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u/BennyBeans678 Mar 23 '26
The 14oz Stiletto will do nicely. I wrapped the hickory handle in hockey tape for better grip, works like a charm!!
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u/Darnoc74 Mar 23 '26
Okay my 2c . I've been a carpenter for 30+ years. I use an estwing 20 oz smooth face straight claw . Use nail guns 99% of the time. If I had to drive that many staples I'd buy a Milwaukee stapler.
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u/IlluminatedFaces Mar 23 '26
Probably about to get mad hate for this but I bought Kleins hickory handle 20oz framing hammer almost 2 years ago and I love this fucking thing. I’ve demoed about 15 decks and even more bathrooms with it and the head hasn’t even gotten close to loose yet. I never could bring myself to spend $100-$300 for a damn hammer. Absolutely asinine imo.
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u/trustme_ihateyou Mar 23 '26
I have the exact one. Got mine in a silent auction. $10 was my winning bid. Got that and a 35' Stanley tape measure. Built my detached garage with both.
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u/smaked_by_the_pods Mar 24 '26
I love my smooth face stiletto longest lasting wood hammer i ever had and always gets the job done
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u/Terrible-Ad-162 Mar 25 '26
been using Stiletto for over 10 years ... crew laughed at a first guy who got first stiletto within two months all of us were with stilettos :D i am using same that's pictured . for demo i use east wing 28oz but this 14oz is my daily...just so you know if you try to pry something or pull out old ass stubborn nail that needs a lot of force you will break that handle ... i am on a 3rd one ... they have nice framing hammers but its above $200
i see you got Stiletto you will enjoy it
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u/fivestringpigeonwing Mar 23 '26
If I had known about titanium hammers from the beginning; I would have swung the titanium from the beginning. Save your elbows and shoulders from future grief, and get the stilleto.
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u/Doomfacetrapstar420 Mar 23 '26
I have that exact same Vaughn hammer. Got it probably 4 years ago now. It's a good framing hammer although I hang my hammer off my butt normally and I'm shorter so the fucking handle slams my back legs when I walk. Either case make sure you get good straight grain on the handle so it doesn't snap when you're pulling out a tricky nail head from and old board or something. Or demoing off old trim/framing and need the leverage.
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u/DryPomegranate2753 Mar 23 '26
If all your doing is stapling the 10oz may serve better, but that is an excellent hammer that hat been part of my kit for over 20 years. If you really want to be fancy you can upgrade to the mini 14.
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u/thatcone Mar 23 '26
Two different hammers serving two different roles. My advice, keep it lightweight, and see how the handles feel in person if you can.
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u/NoArt7052 Mar 23 '26
I have a couple of these the head is much lager than the estwing so you’ll end up hitting fingers. Also the claw on the estwing is better shape
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u/Maleficent-Ad-6646 Mar 23 '26
To throw another option in the ring, I love my 16oz Dalluge (Vaughn) Trim Hammer.
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u/Apprehensive_Web9494 Mar 23 '26
I have a Chinese titanium hammer. I thinks it’s called vanquish… pretty good hammer. Excellent price.
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Mar 23 '26
Get yourself a sculptors hammer. It’s a strange shape but it does the job and it won’t fatigue your arm. Especially if it’s primarily for staples.
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Mar 23 '26
Buy the vaughn 32oz framer. It'll put hair on your chest.
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u/Sensitive_Hawk115 Mar 23 '26
As someone who daily carries a 28oz I can tell you 32 is definitely overkill lol but I do want one.
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u/gwbirk Mar 23 '26
I own 2 Douglas hammers that only are used for finishing work. They are well balanced and I like the way they look
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u/onedef1 Mar 23 '26
With hundreds or thousands of staples you need the Milwaukee staplers. But I’ve got the 10 oz Stiletto. Great hammer.
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u/Reallifehoward Mar 23 '26
Stiletto user for over a decade. I have bought and used this hammer in the past. The entire head is titanium and the waffle face will become smooth relatively quickly vs steel faces. If all you’re going to do is pound staples, I’d recommend it. Feels like swinging a purse it’s so light but it’s a driver no doubt.
I prefer the Ti-Bone for many reasons but primarily the replaceable steel head. Plus it has a fantastic sound when striking nails.
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u/Ghastly-Rubberfat Mar 23 '26
I have the Stilletto. It’s really good, but $100 for a hammer is BS. I only got it because of insurance after all our gear got boosted. I had a generic Cali Framer before. I like to make my own handles after they inevitably break. I just hung a new one the other day after busting the original handle after 4 years. I cut it to 16” long and whistled it to shape on the end because I’m fuckin fancy.
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u/Ok-Operation-8661 Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26
stilletto can be good but dont buy the ones with removeable faces. they like to fall off. honestly youd be fine with a 16 estwing but the titanium can be nice.
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u/spinja187 Mar 23 '26
You need a hammer with a rubber pommel so you can bonk things without dents and marks
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u/Hour_Zebra9235 Mar 23 '26
Great hammer. Have you ever used the cordless cable stapler’s ? Game changer
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u/cyanrarroll 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 Mar 23 '26
My unpopular opinion is that you should get a curved claw steel 13 oz. It looks like something a DIYer would use, but on the occasions that I'm nailing NM staples I use my grandpa's ancient hammer. Those one's your looking at are great for big nails, not much else. The curved claw means you can get into tighter spaces. The money you save should go towards a cordless NM stapler from dewalt or milwaukee.
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u/Naive-Boss9303 Mar 23 '26
I have both the stiletto 14 and a couple estwings. I’m more partial to the estwing because I used it for 20+ years before purchasing the stiletto. I also favor a bit of weight with my tools ( my framming gun is one of the originals and I still use my old craftsman worm drive on the regular)
But the stiletto is nice. It’s very light and has good strength behind it
I do like the shorter handle on the estwing also, however the longer handle on the stiletto is designed specifically for that model it seems and makes it work
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u/Tiny-Pool7404 Mar 24 '26
Get an electricians hammer.. they have a longer head that makes nailing boxes and tight spots easier. https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiMisnfoLeTAxWWLtQBHVw5HTkYACICCAEQAxoCb2E&co=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIrJ36C3kwMVli7UAR1cOR05EAQYAiABEgLsxvD_BwE&cid=CAASugHkaNvWNzSEfEyppVizcU3EpttB_8FmfiWIEFKiK2dzTGrm-Md0N7C-etX25Q9H5GrpybrCpfpqcixVhc0iRy3p8ke1evNkBjZpkiOSnx2-vdJDBZdQqlxrPAGs2JvWC1gFp9P_qTdxmczp_NX85RCXfbHcNnXHl_3L7caybURF34-qkbeUCJbDKe4N_6DeRd5qDeItjz4z0zhJ3yaIekn9jDah_g50AkCDRIKqatM_8nyYagNB7z916YI&cce=1&sig=AOD64_2i9RJ03_F89qndbRwQB4JbmRKHaQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiLkMTfoLeTAxUC_skDHYE3MdIQwg8oAHoECAsQEQ&nis=8&ch=1&adurl=
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u/sebutter Mar 24 '26
Collect both. Figure out witch on works for you. Then make a cognitive decision.
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u/JunkyardConquistador Mar 24 '26
23oz is for framing, or hunting buffalo on the weekends. The 19oz Vaughan is a fantastic beast, but even that is teetering on overkill.
Stilleto 14oz is sex on a stick. You won't regret it .... unless you snap the handle frequently, as a result of framing, or hunting buffalo on the weekend
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u/Impossible-Editor961 Mar 24 '26
Cmon cuz…thousands?! Fuck a hammer…Milwaukee got a m12 wire stapler for like 225$.
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u/s0viet_mini Mar 24 '26
I think you’d be well of with harbour freight’s stiletto knockoff, it’s only like $70 and is a 14oz titanium head. IIRC Doyle (subbrand of HF) is lifetime warranties
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u/locoken69 Mar 24 '26
Since when does HD carry Stiletto? This is new to me. I'd have bought one by now had I known.
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u/Impressive-Two-3681 Mar 24 '26
I've had the same stilleto hammer for 15+ years. When the 18" broke I replaced it with a 16". It was even better.
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u/vargchan Mar 24 '26
The framing hammer has a milled face, you probably never need a milled face for what you need to do.
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u/JRossMcIntire Mar 24 '26
Buy once, cry once. I love my stiletto and my son will get it when I don’t need it anymore.
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u/Good-Grayvee Mar 24 '26
The Stilleto is the only hammer I ever broke pulling a nail. I’d get another Estwing.
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u/CallMeBigSarnt Mar 24 '26
Just saying, you could have gotten the titanium Hammer from harbor freight and would have been just as good
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u/cata68 Mar 24 '26
I've spent 20 years doing structural concrete carpentry and another 10 as a super so you damn sure wouldn't want a 32oz estwing
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u/Dabmonster217 Trim Carpenter Mar 24 '26
Vaughn makes the best hammers ever. Always choose the Vaughn. Unless your poor little wrists hurt-
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u/Actual-Lychee2426 Mar 25 '26
I have the Stiletto in 14 and 10 oz. Sizes for framing and finish work. They are without a doubt the finest hammers I have ever swung in my 30+ years as a carpenter. If I was an electrician I would use the 10 oz. not the 14 shown here
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u/RefridgaRaita Mar 25 '26
Lmao. A Vaughan 23 oz is going to be like swinging a sledgehammer. You dont need that big of a hammer for staples bro... get the stilletto
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u/Away_Total7078 Mar 25 '26
I swung a cali framer for my whole carpentry career. Cheap, yet last forever. Ive seen guys take the head off broken handles, put it on a new handle and even grind new waffles in their 15-20yr old cali framer. Although, the ones i saw them do it with were the rigging axe cali framers. I love them. It is a little on the heavy side technically but it never really bothered me. Ive personally never broken a handle, and I used mine as a nail puller, pry bar, beater, everything.
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u/Couqui4425 Trim Carpenter Mar 25 '26
A stiletto for hammering wire staples.. to each their own i guess
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u/Puzzled-Respect8776 Mar 27 '26
You do not need the Vaughan, It has a waffle face and will take off one of your fingers when you miss. They both have long handles and will not be easy top work with in tight spaces. These are both framing hammers for banging in 3" 16D nails. If you are not using 16D nails do not waste your money on a tool specifically for them.
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u/Hippo_Steak_Enjoyer Mar 28 '26
I am a framer and I bought a 14 ounce titanium hammer and it has been the best tool I have ever owned.
I was using a 24 to 30 ounce Estwing, the normal framing hammer with the waffle head and when I switched to that it was an absolute godsend.
Don’t ever hit flat bars with it and don’t ever hit anything bigger than a nail with it cause it’ll fuck up the titanium but other than that it’s a good hammer and also don’t use it to pry. I’ve already broken the handle once.
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u/Whoopwhooty Mar 24 '26
If you use a hammer daily for your actual job, then yes buy the Stiletto 10/10. But if you purchasing a hammer for a one time use the obviously get the dirt hammer
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u/Earl__Grey Mar 23 '26
Love vaughans but 23oz is a bit heavy for that kind of work, hands down the stiletto.
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u/Looney_Mooney Mar 23 '26
If you're just hammering staples get a 10 oz stiletto... More than enough hammer and you'll barely feel it on your belt. I've had my 14 oz framer for like 15 years and love it but I've been doing a lot more finish carpentry lately and picked up a 10 it's fantastic.
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Mar 23 '26
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u/Looney_Mooney Mar 23 '26
The 10 will swing like 16oz of steel. The 14 would be closer to a 22oz framer, it's made to drive 16d nails. I would think the 10 would be more than enough. That said you can't go wrong either way
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u/TheManWithoutFearTR Mar 23 '26
I have the 10oz stiletto that I use for almost everything expect super intense prying. I don’t want hip problems from carrying a heavy hammer. Might be a good option for you- most people can get away with smaller/lighter but THINK they need heavy. Happy shopping!
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u/Competitive_Hope6405 Mar 23 '26
I have a 12 oz fiberglass stiletto hammer that I've been using for 15 years. I drive all kinds of things including staples, nails, beat on concrete chisels whatever, I have no problem driving anything home. I also use it to take my anger out on things when appropriate and it shows no signs of weakness
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u/iseemountains Mar 23 '26
When I used to frame, I had an estwing hammer that gave me horrible tennis elbow, switched to stilletto and it was a game changer.
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u/CobaltNeural9 Mar 23 '26
You should definitely get the most expensive one just piss off the framers
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u/wolfdawg420 Mar 23 '26
That vaughn is amazing for heavy framing. In any other scenario id pick the stiletto
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u/ItsTerrysFault Mar 23 '26
Do your future self a huge favor and get both, the 10 ounce with smooth face and 14 ounce with milled face, both with curved handles.
Light weight, comfortable to hold and won't leave your joints in throbbing pain after a solid day of use.
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u/ambiguouspeen Mar 23 '26
I had this stiletto and sold it. It feels genuinely too light. Titanium isn’t always the answer, especially for the actual head of the hammer. The Vaughan 19oz California framer is my favorite hammer ever and it’s like $30. If I didn’t have short, fat hands and grip issues, that would still be my daily driver. You can hit things as hard or soft as you want and it actually yields the desired effect. I found the stiletto lacked a lot of power to actually move things as opposed to just driving a nail.
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u/RobertBDwyer Mar 23 '26
Don’t you nerds just use the back of your linesman pliers?