So..which of these has the better claw?

Both are 16oz Claw Hammers...but...one is a bit...different..

Wonder which will work better, in case I have to pull a bent nail, someday...

Well...if the claw fits..

 

I'm picking the one on the right! The left one looks like an old "Plumb" that I have.

the one on the right has more "curve" to it.

 

But

 

isn't the "correct" way to remove a nail with a hammer to lever the nail sideways and not by prying the nail backward toward the head of the hammer?

 

Somewhere back in the recesses of my mind, I tend to remember that.  NOT saying that's how I do it.

 

 If you're using a cat's paw or crowbar all bets are off!

Edited May 12, 20233 yr by smitty10101

When pulling by the head of the head of the nail the right one will give you more leverage, the left one will pull a longer nail. 

IF one is levering a hammer side-to-side to pull a nail..... you have a Rip Claw Hammer...and you are fired.....Curved Claws , (place a bit of scrap on the surface if you don't want things marred up) get the claw under the head of the nail,,,and simply pull back towards you.  Simple as can be...

 

Rip Claw Hammers are more for doing just that..ripping things apart...Sharpen the tips of a rip claw...so that if you are sliding off of a roof, slam the claws into the sheathing to stop your slide.

7 hours ago, steven newman said:

slam the claws into the sheathing to stop your slide.

Then go clean your underwear???

I went looking through the shop...could not find a single Rip claw hammer...

 

However...lookee what I found in the Tool Cabinet...

A 20oz Estwing....amongst a few others..

On 5/12/2023 at 1:14 PM, steven newman said:

Rip Claw Hammers are more for doing just that..ripping things apart...Sharpen the tips of a rip claw...so that if you are sliding off of a roof, slam the claws into the sheathing to stop your slide.

 Probably less painfull than using the nail gun to stop the slide. DAMHIKT 

Most of my hammers are rip claw, but I don't do roofs.