When it comes to difficult hammering in tight, dimly lit places, the auto hammer is king. While perhaps not the most widely known power tool, auto hammers nonetheless excel when it comes to difficult hammering tasks where a framing hammer would be too bulky to use.
Let’s take a closer look at the uses for an auto hammer, review some of the best auto hammers on the market, and how to select the right one for your needs.
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Quick Answer: 3 Best Auto Hammers
- Best Overall: SKIL PWR CORE 12 Brushless 12V Auto Hammer
- Runner Up: Craftsman Nextec Hammerhead
- Also Consider: Milwaukee Electric Tool Cordless Palm Nailer
What is an Auto Hammer?
An auto hammer – like the name suggests – is an automatic hammer. It uses electrical power to drive a small piston that strikes thousands of times per minute against any nail-type fastener you can think of, driving it into place.
Why Do You Need an Auto Hammer?
The primary advantage of an auto hammer is its ability to drive nails in difficult-to-reach spots that would be awkward or impossible to fasten with a normal hammer. Think of driving staples overhead or nails in spaces too tight to fit a hammer.
Another advantage is reduced physical strain when compared to driving normal nails. While this isn’t an issue for most people if you have a disability or are getting up there in age, an auto hammer can enable you to drive nails without causing you physical strain.
Modern auto hammers are also highly versatile and can accommodate a wide range of nail sizes and fasteners, including fencing staples, cable stables, nail plates, cable tacks, hurricane clips, and much more. They also make great ‘problem solvers’ when it comes to things like loosening seized nuts and bolts, rust removal, and other automotive uses.
Depending on the job at hand, auto hammers can also save you significant time. While they’re not as quick at fastening nails as a seasoned carpenter, they can be a lifesaver for DIYers or anyone facing a job where hundreds of nails need to be fastened quickly.
3 Best Auto Hammers – Reviews
Best Overall
SKIL PWR CORE 12 Brushless 12V Auto Hammer
Key Features:
- 3-position adjustable head (0°, 45°, and 90°)
- Magnetic collet and retractable sleeve hold nails in place while fastening.
- Capable of driving nails up to 3.5 inches long.
- 4200 IPM impact rate.
- Integrated LED.
When it comes to cordless auto hammers, SKIL has set the bar as the one to beat. While it’s a 12V tool – it packs a powerful punch and is capable of driving nails up to 3.5-inches long.
The tool features a three-way adjustable head, allowing you increased versatility and 0°, 45°, and 90° degree fastening angles. A magnetic collet holds nails and other fasteners in place while you operate the tool, while the digital brushless motor delivers 4200 IPM (impacts per minute).
The tool features SKIL’s PWR JUMP – which charges the battery up to 25% after just 5 minutes and 100% in 45 minutes. The 2.0 Ah battery also has built-in USB ports for charging mobile devices on the go.
Runner Up
Craftsman Nextec Hammerhead
Key Features:
- 3600 IPM impact rate.
- Integrated LED work light.
- Magnetic head and retractable sleeve hold nails in place.
- Lightweight and compact design.
A close second is the Craftsman Nextec Hammerhead, another 12V auto hammer featuring 3600 impacts per minute and a compact ergonomic design. According to the manufacturer, the tool is capable of driving nails up to 3 ½ inches in length.
The magnetic head helps hold the fastener in place as you drive it, while the retractable nail sleeve ensures the nail is fastened all the way in. An LED work light illuminates the work surface and the slim, ergonomic handle design makes working in tight spaces easier.
The tool weighs just 1.86 pounds with the battery, making it light enough to use for prolonged periods.
It should be noted that several users had difficulty driving longer fasteners over 3 inches, so be aware that the tool may not hold up to heavy-duty use.
Also Consider
Milwaukee Electric Tool Cordless Palm Nailer
Key Features:
- 2700 IPM impact rate.
- 6D-16D magnetic collet.
- Integrated LED light for working in dark locations.
- Hand strap for working in awkward locations.
While it uses a slightly different design than the two auto hammers reviewed above, this cordless palm nailer from Milwaukee nonetheless provides an excellent option for driving hard-to-reach nails. It uses a similar design to a traditional palm nailer, although it runs on Milwaukee’s M12 lithium-ion batteries rather than pneumatic power.
The nailer delivers a powerful 2.2 ft-lbs of blow energy which equates to 2700 IPM. An industrial-duty 6D-16D magnetic collet allows for secure use when using one-handed, plus a hand strap ensures you don’t drop the tool when working in tricky spots.
The tool is on the heavier side when compared with the two above – weighing in at 3.4 lbs. This is mitigated somewhat by its compact size and hand strap.
How to Choose the Right Auto Hammer for Your Needs?
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know when shopping for and selecting an auto hammer.
Size and Weight
Auto hammers are designed to be used in tight, hard-to-reach locations where a framing hammer wouldn’t fit. As such, you want to select a tool that’s small and light enough for the job.
Most of the above auto hammers fall in the 2 – 3.5 lbs. range, which should be light enough for most people to use comfortably.
If you’re purchasing an auto hammer because you have difficulty using a normal hammer due to old age or disability, then going with the lightest one possible makes sense.
Impact Rate (IPM/BPM)
Auto hammers typically come with an IPM or BPM rating (impacts or blows per minute) indicating the number of impacts the tool makes per minute. Theoretically, a higher number here should indicate the tool will drive fasteners faster, but this will also depend on the tool’s power and the fastener in question.
Other Features
There are a few extra features offered by some manufacturers that might prove yourself for some users.
Adjustable head
An adjustable head, like the one offered with the SKIL PWR CORE 12 allows you to adjust the angle of the tool’s head. This feature is perfect for nailing in tricky, hard-to-reach spots, like overhead or under decking.
LED Light
While most modern battery-powered tools feature some form of LED light, this is especially useful for a troubleshooting tool designed for working in tight spots like this one.
