Types of hammers and uses: claw, mason, sledge, mini and tack hammers
The main types of hammers and uses are: a claw hammer for driving and pulling nails in timber; a mason hammer for chisel work and dressing stone and block; a sledge hammer for breaking concrete, driving stakes and demolition; a mini hammer for light work; and a magnetic shoe-tack hammer for small tacks in upholstery and shoe repair. In Nairobi in October 2026, AHIHQ Traders sells them wholesale by the carton, such as KSh 12,530 for a carton of 36 rubber-handle claw hammers (works out at about KSh 348 a piece).
Types of hammers at a glance
| Hammer | Main use | Sizes in the range | Wholesale pack and price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claw hammer, metal handle | Driving and pulling nails | 25mm, 27mm, 29mm | KSh 11,835 for a carton of 48 |
| Claw hammer, rubber handle | Driving and pulling nails | 27mm, 29mm | KSh 12,530 for a carton of 36 |
| Mason hammer, plastic handle | Chisel work, stone and block | 2 lb, 2.5 lb, 3 lb | KSh 9,400 for a carton of 24 |
| Sledge hammer, plastic handle | Breaking, driving stakes, demolition | 4 lb to 14 lb | KSh 9,570 for a carton of 12 |
| Mini hammer | Light tapping and small nails | One size | KSh 13,050 for a carton of 60 |
| Magnetic shoe-tack hammer | Small tacks, upholstery, shoe repair | One size | KSh 18,270 for a carton of 60 |
| Claw bar (crowbar) | Levering, prising, pulling large nails | 1m, 1.5m | KSh 7,250 for a bundle of 10 |
What is a claw hammer used for?
The claw hammer is the carpenter's hammer. The flat face drives nails, and the split claw on the back slips under a nail head to pull it out. It is the hammer for roofing timber, formwork, furniture and general joinery. Use it on nails, not on chisels or masonry, because the face and claw can chip.
The range is sized by head: 25mm, 27mm and 29mm. The Knicker Claw Hammer, Metal Handle (25mm, 27mm & 29mm) cost KSh 11,835 for a carton of 48, KSh 9,400 for a carton of 36, or KSh 8,005 for a carton of 24. Per piece, that is about KSh 247, KSh 261 and KSh 334. The Knicker Claw Hammer, Rubber Handle (27mm & 29mm heads) have a rubber grip that is more comfortable over a long day, at KSh 12,530 for a carton of 36 or KSh 9,745 for a carton of 24 (about KSh 348 and KSh 406 a piece).
Pair them with steel nails, and see the claw bar below for nails a hammer claw cannot shift.
Mason hammer vs sledge hammer
A mason hammer (club hammer) is a short, heavy hammer used with one hand. Masons use it to strike a cold chisel or bolster, to cut and dress block and stone, and to knock in pegs. The Knicker Mason Hammer, Plastic Handle comes in 2 lb (KSh 9,400 for a carton of 24), 2.5 lb (KSh 5,220 for a carton of 12) and 3 lb (KSh 6,090 for a carton of 12). That works out at about KSh 392, KSh 435 and KSh 508 a piece. A good partner for it is the Tendo Cold Chisel, Heavy Duty 12" (Flat & Star).
A sledge hammer has a long handle and is swung with two hands. It breaks concrete and old walls, drives fencing posts and stakes, and moves heavy parts into place. The Knicker Sledge Hammer, Plastic Handle (4 lb to 14 lb) is described in the catalogue as having a "No Break Handle". It comes in six weights:
| Weight | Carton | Carton price | Per piece (about) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lb | Carton of 12 | KSh 9,570 | KSh 798 |
| 6 lb | Carton of 10 | KSh 11,165 | KSh 1,117 |
| 8 lb | Carton of 8 | KSh 12,760 | KSh 1,595 |
| 10 lb | Carton of 8 | KSh 13,920 | KSh 1,740 |
| 12 lb | Carton of 6 | KSh 11,310 | KSh 1,885 |
| 14 lb | Carton of 6 | KSh 12,180 | KSh 2,030 |
Mini hammer and magnetic shoe-tack hammer
The Knicker Mini Hammer is for light jobs: picture hooks, small panel pins, and tapping parts into place. It costs KSh 13,050 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 218 a piece).
The Knicker Magnetic Shoe Tack Hammer has a magnetised face that holds a tack, so you can start it with one hand while the other holds the fabric or leather. Upholsterers and shoe repairers use it with shoe tacks and chair nails. It costs KSh 18,270 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 305 a piece).
How do you pick a hammer weight or size?
- Match the hammer to the nail or the material. Small nails and pins need a light hammer. Large framing nails need a heavier claw hammer.
- Use the lightest hammer that does the job. A heavier head hits harder, but it tires the arm sooner and is harder to control.
- Sledge hammers: the lighter weights in the range suit stakes and controlled breaking, and the heavier weights suit demolition by a strong, practised user.
- Grip: a rubber grip is more comfortable for all-day nailing. A metal handle is simple and hard to damage.
Replacement hammer heads
When a handle breaks, the head is often still good. Shops that serve fundis keep replacement heads to fit to a new handle: the Knicker Claw Hammer Head 29mm at KSh 10,440 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 174 a piece), the Knicker Mason Hammer Head, Blue (2 lb to 3 lb), and the Knicker Sledge Hammer Head (4 lb to 18 lb).
Mason hammer heads cost KSh 5,745 for a carton of 24 for 2 lb, KSh 7,135 for a carton of 24 for 2.5 lb, and KSh 4,005 for a carton of 12 for 3 lb. Sledge hammer heads start at 4 lb, KSh 7,250 for a "Carton of 20 (4 lb each)", and go to 18 lb, KSh 6,265 for a "Carton of 4 (18 lb each)". The heads go up to 18 lb, which is heavier than the largest handled sledge in the range.
Fit a head firmly so it cannot work loose, and check it before each use. A loose head can fly off.
The claw bar (crowbar)
A claw bar does what a hammer claw cannot: it pulls large nails, lifts formwork and old flooring, and levers heavy items into place. The Knicker Claw Bar, Crowbar (1m & 1.5m) is sold in bundles of 10. The 1m bar is KSh 7,250 a bundle and the 1.5m is KSh 10,150, which works out at about KSh 725 and KSh 1,015 a piece. The longer bar gives more leverage.
Which one should you buy?
- Carpenters and roofers: rubber-handle claw hammer or metal-handle claw hammer, plus a claw bar.
- Masons: mason hammer with a cold chisel.
- Demolition, posts and breaking: sledge hammer, in a weight the user can control.
- Households and light jobs: mini hammer.
- Upholstery and shoe repair: magnetic shoe-tack hammer.
- Shops serving fundis: replacement claw, mason and sledge heads.
Whatever the hammer, wear eye protection such as safety goggles when striking chisels, masonry or steel.
Where to buy
Every line in this guide is in the hand tools collection, part of the Tools & Hardware range at AHIHQ Traders. The range is sold wholesale only, by the carton, bag or bundle, never as a single piece. If you need only one or two tools, share a carton with other fundis or shops, or buy a carton to hold as stock. Collect from the trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30. Countrywide delivery is a flat KSh 350, and free on orders over KSh 15,000. Pay by M-Pesa or card. Hardware shops and contractors can request a trade quote at /pages/trade, or send a list on WhatsApp +254 724 505 919.
Related guides
- Nails sizes guide: steel nails, tacks, chair nails and pop rivets
- Types of pliers and their uses: a guide for Kenyan fundis and shops
- Tools a fundi needs by trade: mason, carpenter, plumber and electrician
Common questions
What is the difference between a claw hammer and a mason hammer?
A claw hammer drives and pulls nails in timber. A mason hammer is a heavier, short-handled hammer for striking chisels and working stone and block. Do not use a claw hammer on chisels or masonry.
How much is a sledge hammer wholesale in Nairobi?
In October 2026, plastic-handle sledge hammers at AHIHQ Traders cost from KSh 9,570 for a carton of 12 (4 lb, about KSh 798 a piece) to KSh 12,180 for a carton of 6 (14 lb, about KSh 2,030 a piece).
Which claw hammer size should I choose?
The range comes in 25mm, 27mm and 29mm heads. For general carpentry, a mid-size hammer is a sensible start. Choose a smaller one for light work and a larger one for heavy nailing.
Can I buy a single hammer?
No. This range is sold by the carton or bundle only. If you need one or two, share a carton with others or buy for stock.