Stiletto Tools, Inc. TI14MC Titan 14-Ouncetitanium Framing Hammer Curved Handle

A lightweight titanium head with a milled face drives like a larger steel hammer but with 45% less weight and 10 times less recoil shock. Less weight and less recoil help to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow, which translates into less pain, less downtime, and more productivity. The ergonomic American hickory handle allows for greater swing leverage. Sure, Hold wedges assure a solid head-to-handle connection. The straight claw design gives improved nail pulling performance. Features magnetic nail starter on the nose of hammer for easy 1-handed nail starts in overhead work.

If you're used to a standard 16-ounce claw hammer, this lightweight titanium hammer from Stilletto will make you feel like Popeye after he's had his can of spinach. This beauty has a graceful curve in its hickory handle that's ergonomically better for swinging a small modification that makes a gigantic difference. It weighs only 14 ounces, but it drives like the big boys. We liked the magnetized nail groove because it helps prevent hitting fingernails. The manufacturer says this is the world's first titanium-head hammer, and if that's true, there are sure to be copycats. The only word of caution: titanium has a million merits but be aware that it will spark if chipped. Kris Jensen-Van Haste

• Made of good quality products
• Select propellants that deliver consistent accuracy and performance
• Product is manufactured in China