While picking a sledgehammer may seem like an easy task, a lot depends on the type of work you're undertaking and the environment you're working in. That's why we've put together this handy buying guide to help you pick the best Sledgehammer for your needs.
Whether you're looking to knock in fence posts, hammer stakes into the ground, or need a heavy-duty sledgehammer to demolish concrete and brick, there's something for everyone. We've ranked the 10 best sledgehammers available online in the UK, comparing top brands like Rolson, Silverline, and Draper.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of sledgehammers available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Roughneck | 2 ![]() Staplefords | 3 ![]() Roughneck | 4 ![]() Tooltime | 5 ![]() Silverline | 6 ![]() Rolson | 7 ![]() Meister | 8 ![]() Draper | 9 ![]() Silverline | 10 ![]() Rolson |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer | Mini Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer with Fibreglass Shaft | Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer | Fibreglass Sledgehammer | Sledgehammer |
Features | A Professional Grade Sledgehammer That’s Suitable for Any Environment | A Handcrafted Hickory Sledgehammer Made in England | A Durable One-Handed Hammer With Shock Absorbing Grip | A Great All-Rounder to Have in the Tool Cupboard | A Heavy 14 lb Hammer With Serious Smashing Power | Budget-Friendly Sledgehammer for Home and Garden DIY | A Small Hardwood Hammer that's Great for Striking | A Powerful 14 lb Option With a Carbon Steel Head | 10 lb Fibreglass Sledgehammer Suitable for Occasional Use | Light and Long Hammer for Those Who Find Lifting Difficult |
Price | £42.08 | £39.95 | £19.75 | £21.95 | £28.21 | £12.00 | £19.27 | £48.24 | £23.00 | £22.95 |
Length | 91 cm | 91 cm | 40 cm | 79 cm | 91 cm | 46 cm | 25 cm | 92 cm | 91 cm | 90 cm |
Weight | 10 lb | 8 lb | 3 lbs | 6 lbs | 14 lbs | 3 lbs | 3 lbs | 14 lbs | 10 lbs | 6 lbs |
Material | Fibreglass | Hardwood | Fibreglass | Fibreglass | Hardwood | Fibreglass | Hardwood | Hardwood | Fibreglass | Fibreglass |
Best For | Demolition | Outdoor work | Demolition | General use | Outdoor work, demolition | Home and garden | Home and garden, camping | Home and garden | Demolition, general use | General use |
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The most important thing to consider when picking a sledgehammer is making sure you have plenty of space to swing in the area you're working in. If you're doing work in the garden, like driving in fence posts or ground stakes, you won't have to worry too much, but for inside demolition jobs, your working room may be restricted.
Combined with the weight of the head, the length of the sledgehammer determines how much force you're able to generate. The heavier options tend to be around 90 cm in length as a longer shaft makes heavier weights easier to swing in an arc. Just make sure you have enough space to swing comfortably - having double the length of the hammer should be enough!
If you're knocking down walls, don't forget to wear a pair of safety glasses!
It may seem strange to use pounds (lbs) in the UK, but that's the universal measure for a Sledgehammer's weight worldwide. Hammers usually range from 3 lbs (approx 1.4 kg) all the way up to 14 lbs (6.4 kg) so there can be quite a difference between the lighter and heavier ends of the scale.
The more weight (combined with the length) the more powerful the impact. However, it's important to be careful of what you can safely manage. You'll want to choose a hammer that's not too light for the job you have in mind, but not too heavy to swing.
Although it may be hard to gauge, you should consider your own upper body strength. Pick a weight you can comfortably lift with one hand, even though you should use two hands to swing.
While the head of a sledgehammer is almost always made from steel, the shaft will likely be made from either fibreglass or hardwood, like hickory, ash or maple. When it comes to handles, the jury is still out on which is better between the two, as much of it comes down to personal preference and how you store and use your tools.
The main benefit of a wooden handle is that it's very easy to repair or replace and, when properly maintained, will last a very long time. If they're not properly maintained and stored they can be damaged by rain and other elements. Fibreglass handles, on the other hand, are completely weatherproof, meaning that they won't swell or crack. If they do break, however, they are almost impossible to repair and will have to be replaced.
Keep all your tools handy with a tool belt!
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
ROU65633
£42.08
Length | 91 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 10 lb |
Material | Fibreglass |
Best For | Demolition |
£39.95
Length | 91 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 8 lb |
Material | Hardwood |
Best For | Outdoor work |
ROU65622
£19.75
Length | 40 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 3 lbs |
Material | Fibreglass |
Best For | Demolition |
£21.95
Length | 79 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 6 lbs |
Material | Fibreglass |
Best For | General use |
£28.21
Length | 91 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 14 lbs |
Material | Hardwood |
Best For | Outdoor work, demolition |
£12.00
Length | 46 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 3 lbs |
Material | Fibreglass |
Best For | Home and garden |
2204500
£19.27
Length | 25 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 3 lbs |
Material | Hardwood |
Best For | Home and garden, camping |
81430
£48.24
Length | 92 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 14 lbs |
Material | Hardwood |
Best For | Home and garden |
£23.00
Length | 91 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 10 lbs |
Material | Fibreglass |
Best For | Demolition, general use |
Written and researched by David Sexton
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