Harbor Freight launched a new titanium hammer that they say compares to the Stiletto TI14MC hammer.
The new Harbor Freight titanium hammer is advertised as being 35% lighter than comparable sized steel head hammers, for “better control and more power.”
They add that the balanced titanium head has internal vibration protection.”
The Doyle titanium hammer features an offset milled face, magnetic nail starter, and straight claw for prying apart fastened lumber.
Harbor Freight says it’s backed by a 100% lifetime guarantee.
It has an axe-style wood handle made from American hickory.
Doyle 70467 Hammer Specs
- 1-1/2″ strike face size
- 14oz head weight
- Milled (checkered) face
- 14″ handle length
- Handle made from American hickory
Price: $59.99
Discussion
$60 seems like an aggressively low price for a Ti-head hammer.
Personally, I’m not a fan of wood-handled titanium hammers; I believe that most of the fatigue-reducing benefits come from reducing the weight of the shaft.
The goal, in my opinion, is to lower the swing resistance as much as possible. Decreasing the head weight is an option – as is done here – and there are other ways to achieve similar and even greater effects.
I’ve tested a couple of wood-handled titanium head hammers before, and found that I preferred high-velocity-style steel-head hammers better. Skeletonized Ti-handled hammers offer the greatest difference in swing and strike feel, but their high pricing can be prohibitive.
That said, Harbor Freight seems to promise some Ti hammer benefits without the very high costs associated with more premium brands and and models.
At $60, this seems like a “buy and try” type of tool. If you don’t feel a noticeable difference compared to your other hammers, Harbor Freight has a generous low-risk return policy.
