VAUGHANDALLUGE 16 oz Titanium Hammer, Magnetic Nail Holder, Milled Face, VN07180

I grew up in construction on a 24 ounce Vaughan steel framing hammer. I still have the original 24 ounce head, though I've been through a few handles. Been out of the business for decades, but in preparation for building my own house start to finish, I looked into titanium because I knew my elbow wouldn't take almost a year of the old Vaughan. I picked up this 16 ounce Dalluge based upon great reviews. I also picked up a 12 ounce Stilleto and a 14 ounce Stilleto for my sons. Wish I could return the Stilleto's as there is no comparison. In fact my son broke his handle right off (his fault) and the magnet also fell out. Stilleto was kind enough to send him a replacement magnet. I dont' think he would have broken this Dalluge handle though, in fact I'm certain.Having handled two Stilettos, the old Vaughan, and various old fiberglass types, I can't say enough about this Dalluge.-There is no comparison whatsoever to a steel hammer: I'll never go back.-When swinging, it 'feels' lighter than the 14 ounce Stiletto. Probably the balance, which is exquisite.-The head design is impressive. Straight/swept and strong claw, magnetic nail holder, and side nail puller. The top of the head and the face are flat, and after a while you sort of realize it, because you're making the nails flush up easily in corners and tight spots that would have been a pain with the rounded face. The nailing face is large and just the right size.-The hickory handle has nice grain quality. The straight handled version is the way to go and helps swing with deadly accuracy. The grip shape is just right, at least for my hand. No grip or tension issues.-The Douglas handle to head mounting system is unique and strong. I believe the shock absorbing claim of this method... at least my elbow sure does. I had to tighten the two allen screws a few weeks into using it. Haven't had to touch them again in a year. Appears to be just a breaking-in procedure between the head and handle.-Break the handle in with good old fashioned sweat before considering wrapping it with racket tape. I never have found the need. The handle is so tuned with use/age now, I can't tell what sort of original finish it was compared to the Stiletto. What I can say is that it now feels like it is closer to natural wood and grips very well, whereas both Stilettos still have a shiny finish and don't grip as well. I have always lightly sanded down my new handles in the past, but the Dalluge didn't need this.-As for durability, a year later and there is not a single ding on the handle, due to its design, though I know for a fact I chunked the handle a few times pretty hard... it happens. The titanium has held up well, no chips to speak of and still has a decent waffle pattern for talking to nails, though after so much mistreatment the waffle is pretty worn. This includes having shown no mercy whatsoever on hitting steel tools with this hammer... catspaw and flatbar. Tried not to, but did so in the interest of expediency on many occasions.-The Dalluge swings fast, accurate, and hard. I've never swung a hammer that immediately felt so perfect to me. There was no 'getting used to it'. It was just right from day one.I've picked up my old 24 ounce steel Vaughan a few times and just cringe at the weight and balance. I absolutely can't believe I used to swing that hammer 50 hours a week. Insane. Even my 20 ounce smooth-faced decking hammer feels terribly heavy and unbalanced. If I wasn't planning a blind-fastener system for my deck, I guarantee I'd be buying the Dalluge DDT16P smooth faced version too - may just buy it anyway on principle.To top it off, it's got an original look that oozes 'I mean business'. The price just compounds the beating-down of the competition. If I was once again a full time framer - I'd only be using the Dalluge for sure. Look no further and give this framer a try.Dalluge 7180 16 Ounce Titanium Hammer

Awesome

Very nice

Well, I got a good one comparatively to the reviews. It’s real unfortunate there are a lot people getting botched products. But by receiving a good one, it’s nowhere near what it should be, tolerances are off and the back shank that goes down the handle on the claw side is not recessed like front soooo not really sure how well both the head and handle are fastened to each other. All I was concerned about upon ordering ( & I had read every review on this and was prepared for bad news on the product) was the simple fact that the head had good geometry and was straight, and this seems the case for the most part. The face however has a belly- IN or concave inward, Which kinda bugs me considering it’s already going to mushroom easy anyway but. Overall I’m happy cause now I can make a real handle for the head in the future. I’m not going to bother framing with this most days. This will be trim.If you’re looking for a badass, new, in style titanium hammer - I’d tell most folks stay far away from this hammer. The titanium isnt sourced trustingly and the workmanship is poor. Go any other brand for a nice hammer lol. My case though, I was prepared and received; fortunately the best case scenario for myself. Got what was expected.Buy a stiletto.

Very nice hammer. Well balanced and nice fit and finish.

If the fit and finish was done properly I would give this 4 stars, as it’s a nice looking hammer - however mine came with the head offset to one side, which results in the alignment being slightly off center while swinging. The weight and size is great, but I just feel for $130 the head should be centered on the handle. I would return it if I didn’t need it for work every day.Update: returned the hammer and got a replacement and it was even more twisted than the first. Sobering experience shopping on Amazon.

Handle broke 2 weeks in use. Not sure if it was a one off faulty handle but take it for what it’s worth. Good hammer until this happened