Ox Tools is launching a new line of UltraStrike hammers, featuring an anti-vibration design and and unique styling.
According to Ox Tools, the bridged neck design dissipates vibration and strike shock, reducing the strain on users.
Ox Tools started off with a 20oz framing hammer with smooth face, and are soon adding 7 additional styles.
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- 20oz framing hammer w/ smooth face (OX-P087320)
- 25oz framing hammer w/ smooth face (OX-P087325)
- 20oz framing hammer w/ milled face (OX-P087020)
- 25oz framing hammer w/ milled face (OX-P087025)
- 28oz framing hammer w/ milled face (OX-P087028)
- 30oz framing hammer w/ milled face (OX-P087030)
- 20oz brick hammer (OX-P086920)
- 3lb club hammer (OX-P086803)
I asked Ox Tools how their new hammers differ from the many other anti-vibration hammers already on the market today. They said:
The main differentiating features with our anti-vibration hammers are the additional surface area and reduced weight with the bridged neck which allows the vibrations to dissipate quicker.
All of the Ox Tools Pro UltraStrike hammers feature an ergonomic non-slip rubber grip for a secure hold and user comfort.
The framing hammers also feature a straight rip-style claw and magnetic nail starter.
Ox Tools also says that the hammers are designed to yield a more powerful striking force, which looks to be supported by the slim-style neck.
In their product description for the 20oz hammer, Ox Tools says:
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Gapped bridge neck leaves more weight at the head of the hammer, giving it a stronger striking force for its weight.
This suggest that the hammers are styled in the same manner as other brands’ high velocity hammers. The general idea is to reduce the mass where possible in the handle, to decrease swing effort for a faster strike with greater impact energy and momentum.
Price: $39 – $53
ETA: October 2023 (20oz smooth face is available now)
Availability: Amazon and participating dealers
Ox Tools has other hammers on the market. If you want an UltraStrike, look for the truss-style bridged neck.
Discussion
If we take a closer look at the “bridged neck,” there does look to be a bit of weight savings. I couldn’t say how this contributions to vibration damping, but it should lower the swing effort a little.
The framing hammers also have a large hole bored just beyond the face, and we can only guess as to its purpose.
It looks like Ox Tools put some effort into the handle grip.
One thing I find curious is that all of Ox Tools’ new UltraStrike framing hammers look to have around the same length.
They showed off their 20oz and 30oz hammers together in social media videos, and I was surprised to see that the head size and shape was the only glaring difference.
Typically, heavier framing hammers are longer than lighter ones, but the same doesn’t appear to be true here.
MKY
Stuart-
“According to Ox Tools, the bridged neck design ***dissipations***vibration and strike shock, reducing the strain on users.”
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
At least you can be sure I don’t use AI to write any posts. =)
MKY
Very much appreciated!
Jared
I was wondering what the heck a “gapped bridge neck” meant – thanks for explaining!
I suppose that’s the same idea behind I-beam construction, only exaggerated a bit further so there are actual voids.
DanFromMass
Is Ox Tools owned by SBD? The handle on these looks almost identical to the Dewalt Rip Claw hammers.
fred
Not as far as I can tell
https://www.oxtools.co.uk/about-us
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07697065
Stuart
No.
TomD
Does the 30 oz have the same bored hole? If so it’s probably related to balance or vibration, if not it’s probably a weight savings.
Koko The Talking Ape
Judging from the second picture, I think they all have holes except for the hand sledge.
Maybe the hole helps them mount the nail-holding magnet, or position the unfinished hammers in a jig or mold.
Koko The Talking Ape
Oops, *club hammer*.
Avril
Hi Stuart, while I didn’t work on this range specifically, I’m the current industrial designer at OX Tools. Great to see this article!
In regard to this: “The framing hammers also have a large hole bored just beyond the face, and we can only guess as to its purpose.”
The hole in the hammer head is also intended to dissipate the vibrations from the striking face to the neck of the hammer.
Thanks!
Stuart
Thank you for the added insights!!
Todd Landess
Do you know when and where I can get the new brick hammer? Thanks
NoDak Farming
Any time I see metal missing in the neck of a hammer, I know it’s not for me. It’s just too close of a resemblance to a tuning fork. Which vibrates to make noise. I’ve used those types (missing metal in the neck) of hammers in the past. If they “ping” when I strike something, it leaves me believing I’ve lost energy, and gained vibration.
*I have absolutely no formal engineering education. *Am sharing my own thoughts, based on observations, & hammering things.
Ct451
Holes can amplify the vibrations but they can also have the opposite effect, i.e. they may “detune” the hammer head. This can also change with use as steel tends to work harden.
The handle may very well work but I think they took the design a bit too far in an effort to differentiate from the myriads of other anti-vibration designs. There are plenty of ways to do the same and some companies choose to emphasize their solution while other make it less conspicuous. I just don’t like the holes because stuff gets caught in them.
Todd Landess
Stuart, can you help me find out what is going on with being able to buy these hammers? I have ordered two brick hammers from Zoro and had my order cancelled because they said they couldn’t get a shipping date. I have contacted ox and haven’t heard back.
Stuart
I’m sorry that you experienced this. I sent Ox Tools an email and will report back.
Todd Landess
Thank you