Fiskars, well known for their crafting and sewing tools and cutters, gardening tools, axes, and scissors that I really disliked, has come out a new line of hammers.
These new Fiskars IsoCore hammers are said to be much more shock resistant than other styles. Fiskars says the IsoCore hammers have been proven to deliver up to 4X less shock than traditional wood-handled hammers.
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Marketing claims aside, these new hammers do look to have some good features.
On the inside, there’s a vibration insulating sleeve, which Fiskars says captures the initial strike shock before it can reach your hand.
The dual layer handle also features a combination of insulating materials to help further dampen lingering vibrations.
And in the hammer head, there is a sound dampening insert to help reduce high pitched ringing. The Fiskars IsoCore hammer heads also have [magnetic?] nail-starting notches.
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Fiskars has also given their new IsoCore hammers a new handle design. The handles have a sculpted soft-grip handle with axe-style slip-reducing flare, although it’s more subtle compared to the grips on their hatchets and axes.
There is also strategic handle texturing, with larger dimples at the fingers for maximum grip, and smaller dimples at the palm to help prevent blisters.
Additionally, Fiskars says the grip is extended, allowing users to more comfortably choke up for added control when making precision strikes. To me, the soft-grip handle section doesn’t look to be any longer than other brands’ hammers, but the midsection does look to rise a little higher.
The new Fiskars IsoCore hammer family goes beyond rip claw finish and framing hammers, and includes several other types of striking tools.
Fiskars has also come out with new sledge and club hammers, which they say deliver increased destructive power and reduced vibrations.
It’s the wedge design that provides up to 5X more destruction, and it also directs debris to the sides instead of straight back at the user.
The new IsoCore 8 lb maul is designed for heavy duty wood-splitting jobs, and Fiskars says the design will help reduce muscle fatigue and joint pain.
Last, there’s also a 5lb pick, for digging into tough soil and breaking up hard surfaces. Fiskars says that the new design transfers 2X less shock and vibration to the user.
Pricing: $45+
- 16 oz hammer, 15.5″ length: $45
- 16 oz milled face general use hammer: $45
- 16 oz hammer, 13.5″ length: $45
- 20 oz general use hammer, 13.5″: $50
- 20 oz general use hammer, 15.5″: $55
- 22 oz framing hammer: $60
- 22 oz milled face framing hammer: $60
- 3lb club hammer: $40
- 4lb club hammer: $45
- 8lb sledge hammer: $65
- 10lb sledge hammer: $70
- 8lb maul: $65
- 5lb pick: $65
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via Fiskars)
First Thoughts
We’ve seen numerous lighter swing and vibration-reducing hammer innovations in recent years. It’s not surprising that Fiskars’ marketing claims point out the shock-reducing benefits compared to wood-handled hammers, but I’d like to see some details about how they compare to more competitive hammer designs.
It’s not really fair to compare a modern design to a decades-old traditional design. Besides, you can get a wood-handled 16 oz hammer for under $10, compared to $45 for the new IsoCore.
Still, the new Fiskars IsoCore hammers do look to have innovative handles, and there are some nice touches, such as the sound-dampening insert designed to reduce high frequency ringing. In a post about Stanley’s AntiVibe hammer, I mentioned how I couldn’t stand the tuning fork-like sound that my Bostitch hammer tortured me with.
It’s good that Fiskars is launching the IsoCore hammer line with more than one new model, but the point of entry is a little high than I would have figured. $45 for a 16 oz hammer isn’t exactly inexpensive, especially considering what you can get from established hammer manufacturers.
Nathan
interesting but probably wouldn’t even consider buying one. I assume they are all made in China – like other Fiskars stuff sold at home depot and lowes. I know I assume.
I also would like to see them compared to a Estwing or Stiletto or other quality branded device just for the comparison point.
But I wonder with some of this vibration damping, and other strategies – do you lose striking power. OR specifically – impact energy. Sort of like when you use looser fitting sockets or extensions on a impact wrench you lose effective torque.
fred
Why do you assume the COO is China – maybe it is but , I recently bought a Fiskars X11 splitting Axe (part # 78566935) through Home Depot and it was made in Finland.
Jon
I would assume Finland over China. I have multiple Fiskars axes and I am yet to see anything come close to bang for buck and they are made in Finland. I have yet to see any axe outdo My Fiskars splitting axe even those over $100 more.
I do see it hard to imagine them outdoing my Estwing but not counting them out. Stiletto, that is not even the same league as far as anti vibration hammers go, $150 difference at least.
mike aka Fazzman
Interesting, I like Fiskars for things they are known for such as clippers,Axes and pruning equipment,and scissor types of tools. Dont think ill be tradingin my antiVibes or a Bash for these.
Fiskars handles are actually really really nice, these look pretty simiar to the handles on some items i have. I can see the anti vibration being pretty good on something like a sledge.
schill
I don’t have an opinion/know anything about these new hammers but in general I’ve been happy with Fiskars products.
What I really don’t like is companies that say things like “4X less.” Can’t they just say “one fourth?”
Mike
Nnnnooooooooooooooo!!!
Stuart, I would think with your background you’d be the most likely person here to know the difference between damp and dampen, damping and dampening.
That aside, I don’t think I believe the 4X figure for vibration reduction against a wood handled hammer. Against competing steel handled designs? Sure. But wood has always been, and continues to be, the gold standard for absorbing and damping shock and vibration delivered to the user. There’s a reason you don’t hear ten seconds of ringing with a wooden handle.
Stuart
I definitely know the difference (and revisit a dictionary when unsure), but specifically used Fiskars’ description of IsoCore handle features. I cannot contradict their usage unless I know it to be wrong.
I think they’re right in describing the head insert as sound dampening, but are’t sure about what they say about the handle. They might be right there too, as lingering vibrations that haven’t been damped could still be dampened. Maybe?
I like these discussions. =)
Chuck Arthur
The hand grip is softer than any of the framing hammers in my vast collection. Additionally it has a little bend to it when you sight down its length, if I had picked it up in person, would’ve left it behind after finding the straight one. Estwing and Vaughan have someone on the production line to tweek steel hammers straight before they ship out the door. Hammer was made in Taiwan, designed in the USA.
A little top heavy for me, mine is the 22 oz framer. As far as the insert reducing the “steel hammer ping” can’t tell you cuz that would require this collector to actually strike a nail!
Jerry
I have a Fiskars axe and really like the handle, but I also really like the handle on my Estwing hatchet. I know they aren’t directly comparable because the axe is heavier, but I can’t see myself paying more for for the Fiskars handle on a hammer. Unless it brings something else to the table I don’t see, I’m not sold on it. My Estwing doesn’t ring, at least not that I can hear, is USA made, and my dad has one he still uses that has to be over 30 years old.
JoeM
I’m not really sold here. I very much have reservations when such a massive asterisk is used for the description. They HAVE to compare it to wood hammers? What about other anti-vibration hammers on the market? Compare Apples to Apples, as they say. When Marketing steps in with that kind of disclaimer, I instantly tune out on the product.
I own a Stanley FatMAX Anti-Vibe hammer, and I’ve never had a problem with it. Compare the Fiskars to that Stanley Anti-Vibe, and I’ll consider it. Otherwise? Marketing is just wasting my time, really.
James Rudd
I found the fiskars at lowes for around $38 so I bought one. Only a few days with it but so far I am pleased. Well, balanced. Easy to get a good swing and there might be something to this vibration reduction claim.
Shan
I realize it’s a little off topic, but could someone knowledgeable speak to the issue of quality in Dewalt’s hammer line. I realize it’s not a wide or varied line such as the ones discussed here, but I really like Dewalt products. Before investing though (and they’re pricey hammers IMHO) I’d like some far more knowledgeable than I am about hammers in general, to be kind enough to educate those of us who aren’t experts on the topic.
Stuart
I’ve been pleased with Dewalt hammers, but don’t use them in a professional or daily use capacity.
If it means anything, I bought a couple with my own money. 17oz hickory handled, and 14 oz high velocity.
James Rudd
I flat out destroyed an 18 ounce titanium dewalt framer in about six months. The first like three months it was great. Then I bent it pretty bad and eventually broke off one of the claws and flattened the head. I am a dewalt fan for sure. My truck looks like a dewalt rep owns it but the hammer wasn’t what I had hoped for as far as durability.
MandM
16oz finishing hammer priced at $26.10 today on Amazon. Been fighting tennis elbow for a while, so decided to give the Fiskars a try….
MandM
The Amazon Price for Fiskars 750200-1001 IsoCore 16 oz Rip Claw Finishing Hammer, 13.5 Inch,Yellow has dropped at Amazon
Current Price $27.10
This hammer seems to cause me less tennis elbow pain.