Framing hammer

It is a heavy duty rip hammer[clarification needed] with a straight claw and a wood, metal, or fiberglass handle.

Extremely straight claws, large, short face, and exceptionally long handles, including with a curved hatchet-styled grip, are traits of what is known as a "California framer".

Since the frame typically will not be seen on the finished house, the inevitable marring of wood surfaces by the milled hammer face is not an issue.

The straight claw serves the dual purpose of removing nails and acting as a crow bar to pry apart (rip) lumber.

Light weight titanium heads with longer handles allow for increased velocity, resulting in greater energy delivery, while decreasing arm fatigue and risk of carpal tunnel syndrome [citation needed].