The hammer is no doubt one of the most simple of hand tools that there is. After all it consists of only a head and a handle and is used for banging things in. However there is more to think about with this tool than you might have previously thought. For instance, they come in a variety of styles, sizes, and functionalities as well. So, if you're performing basic simple repairs in your home, which one do you choose to keep on hand?

There are some tools that you would put under the category of hammers, but are only used for specialized purposes.

In general, there are some tools that fall into the hammers category that are only used for more specialized tasks. These comprise of the ball-peen hammer used for metalwork, mallets and mauls, which are woodworking tools; and the more heavy-duty choice like the sledgehammer or roofers hammer.

If you're only looking for something to simply drive nails and breaks things apart now and then, we'll disregard these aforementioned hammer choices, and focus on the more common varieties.

The striking surface of the hammer, or more commonly known as the hammerhead is made up usually of metal.

Hammer handles are made to allow for a good grip, which extends the arc of the swing of the hammer, which therefore increases the velocity of the hammer, and increases the amount of pressure given in the strike of the hammer. Now a day, the grips are made to absorb a large amount of the shock when the hammer is struck.

Commonly hammer handles are made of wood, just as they were back when they were invented. This will absorb some of the shock from a hammer strike pretty efficiently, however, eventually the handle will have to be replaced. As well, these handles easily chip or break, while a metal or fiberglass handle very seldom will do so.

The metal hammer handle was invented about a hundred or so years ago. Again they are very durable and will seldom be damaged from a strike, but the absorption factor is not near as strong as that of a wooden handle. Therefore, usually a metal hammer will be equipped with some sort of cushioning for the grip. This both helps absorb shock, as well as giving you added gripping power.

Now popular, fiberglass has made its way into the hammer handle world. Fiberglass is great and kills two birds with one stone so to speak, because of the fact that it both absorbs shock while also being durable to bad-aimed strikes. As well, they hold an added benefit of being the best hammer for electricians.

So now that you know a bit more about hammers and how they're made, as well as which materials are best, you have the power to make your own decision about which you will choose. Choose one that fits well with both your preferred grip, as well as your budget, and purpose of use and you can't go wrong. Unless you hit your finger of course – OUCH!