New Hammers &
More
TOOLBOX
New Hammers &
More
by Pete Young
Ergonomics is a buzzword in the
world of tools these days. Even hammer
designs are changing in ways that
purportedly reduce wear and tear on
hammer-swinging arms.
Stanley's Anti-Vibe hammers, available
in models from 16 oz. up to 32 oz. ($32-
$52), supposedly reduce elbow and forearm
fatigue with a shock-absorbing
durable polyurethane-encased I-beam
shaft and a soft-vinyl handle. Likewise,
Vaughan & Bushnell claims that the
design of its California Framer, available
in 19 oz. and 23 oz. models ($35), takes
away the sting common in all-steel hammers
by combining a wood and rubber
Shock-Blok head insert with an air cushion
grip handle. In brief tests here at JLC,
the