As part of my shop rebuild, I have been researching and buying several new hand tools for quick use, like my go-to screwdrivers. These tools are intended to be hung on a pegboard for easy access and will be used to perform a variety of tasks, quickly and efficiently. My latest tool acquisition is a Beta shop hammer.
I was looking for a general purpose hammer that could drive a quick nail, perform light metal work, and be easy to hold for metal punch and cold chisel work. After a bit of research I ultimately decided on a Beta #1370/400 engineer’s hammer. Keep reading for my full hands-on review.
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First Impressions
My new enginner’s hammer is a fine example of Beta’s manufacturing experience. It feels remarkably balanced in my hand, and the hickory handle is smoothly finished and varnished. The 112mm face hammer’s total length is 12″, which is just right for quick work. At 19.7 ounces, the hammer’s weight is also “just right” for light and easy shop work.
The hammer’s head is machined to close tolerances and close examination revealed no gouges, burrs, or other defects. Its main striking face is approximately 1″ squared and features an even angled bevel around its edges. The opposite end of the head is pointed and tapered to a smooth rounded tip, perfect for shaping sheet metal. Aside from the polished face the hammer head is finished with a flat black coating.
Conclusion
After using my new Beta hammer for two weeks, I couldn’t find any issues or complaints with it. I’ve used it to drive nails, set nail heads, chisel wood, and violently beat up my lawnmower.
I’m quite happy with my new Beta shop hammer. It provides everything I need in a quick, efficient tool that can be used on a moments notice and I expect it to provide many years of service.
This particular hammer (1370/400) is listed at $19 on Amazon, but it’s usually priced a bit less at under $15. If you keep your eye on it, you may be able to snag this size for less during one of Amazon’s short-lived sales.
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Beta 1370/400 Engineers Hammer via Amazon
Beta Engineers Hammer Complete Lineup via Amazon
Product Info via Beta
About Beta
Beta Utensili orginates back to the 1880’s in Northern Italy where Alessandro Ciceri founded a metal forge. Today Beta is a highly regarded tool manufacturer with heavy influence in many racing circuits, including F1, Gran Prix, Motocross, Karting, F1 Boat, and even America’s Cup.
fred
In some circles this style of hammer is called a Machinist’s Riveting Hammer.. Vaughan still makes this style of hammer – but ours in the shop are old Stanley Jobmaster’s. A Tinner’s Setting Hammer has the same general shape – but is usually a bit heavier and typically has square-machined sides and a square striking face – rather than the eased-edges of a riveting hammer. Vaughan makes a tinner’s riveting hammer as well. Another somewhat similarly shaped hammer was a “Bill Poster’s” – but these often had one split-magnetic end or a fine claw end for removing tacks. When I was a kid – some cabinet makers used cross-peen (or pein) hammers – sometimes called Warrington Pattern to drive brads and do general light duty hammering. The tool catalogs also displayed another cross-peen hammed – called “London Pattern” In those distance times – I recall that “Engineer’s Hammers” could be of the approximate shape of the Beta Hammer you purchased – but the term was usually reserved for much heavier hammers (a sort of hand sledge) with two octagonal faces.
JeffD
@ fred Thanks for the history. I do have a rather heavy 6 pound engineers hammer as well. It’s a beast but does very well on metal work when needed.
Stuart
Fred, I too typically associate “engineers hammer” with larger, heavier hammers. The fact that Beta describes their smaller hammers as such is probably due to cultural and/or lingual differences.
I think that you’re right, and that “riveting hammer” is a more accurate description of these types of hammers.
IndyEngineer (Alex)
Beta hammers are one of my favorites. I have three different sizes in my toolbox.