Redback Tools Maxistrike JT-004 24-Ounce Mill Face Rip/Claw Hammer

by Redback Tools

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention, and this hammer is a prime example. A young Australian carpenter found himself going back with a nail punch to finish driving nails around joists, piping and other obstructions that his hammer couldn’t reach around. One day, he put his hammer to the grinder, welded on some more material and started hammering smarter, not harder. That’s how the Maxistrike hammer was born.

Years later, the brilliantly designed and gorgeously balanced Maxistrike hammer line is available all over the world, and its exploding popularity is easy to understand the second you take this hammer in hand.

The difference is all in Redback Tools’ solid, one-piece patented arc shaft, an unlikely-looking curve in the hammer shaft that actually lets the hammer head reach into recessed surfaces that normally would have necessitated a nail punch. Redback calls this "maxi-access," but we just call it genius. The curvature totally recenters the balance, and in turn, makes the blows more efficient as well as less jarring to your arm. Contributing to the noticeable comfort factor is the extraordinary grip on this hammer. It’s made of thermoplastic elastomer, which functions both as a shock absorber and secure gripping surface. There are subtle indentations that your fingers just find when you grip it, too, and it feels amazing in hand.

This is a 24-ounce brute of a hammer, but wielding it, you’d think it was closer to 16 ounces. The rip claw is machined beautifully, and the milled head is designed especially for the professional builder and framer. We think this hammer will become a must-have for those in the trade -- watch this one: It’s going to be a hit.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

The Redback Story
When a serious 2002 motorbike accident ended Australian carpenter Jake Tyson's career as a tradesman, he focused his energy on improving a tool that had remained unchanged for more than a century—the simple hammer. The end result was the Maxistrike, a hammer with a patented arc shaft that allows users to drive nails over obstacles like joists and piping. When he found that large tool companies weren’t interested in his idea, Tyson decided that he had to market the hammer himself.

Redback launched the Maxistrike in November 2003 and saw it win the "Dealer’s Pick" award at that year’s American Hardware Show. Since then, Redback has continued to dedicate itself to manufacturing innovative, sturdy tools for the carpenter and contractor, such as the MaxiS5 Phillips Screwdriver which works with both Posidrive and multiple head sizes of Phillips screws. Other innovative products include the Sketch Tape, a measuring tape that lets users write measurements on the tape's surface, and the Maxiknife, a rugged utility knife with a patented blade-change system and onboard storage for extra blades.

Redback products are meant for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike, and they are designed for maximum durability and functionality.

From the Manufacturer

The 24-ounce Carpenter Mill Face Rip Hammer offers superior balance and increased access to tight spots such as over joists and piping. This is the result of the one-piece forged and patented Arc shaft, which is curved rather than straight. Superior grip comfort is achieved with ThermoPlastic Elastomer (TPE) injected into the forged handle, while anti-slip ovals on the side of the handle provide a secure grip. The Maxistrike is great for professional users and serious do-it-yourselfers. Patents pending on shape and configuration of hammer head, arc flow into head, and the shape and configuration of the grip.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 1 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000IBKQNW
• Item model number: JT-004
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,072 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hammer, April 17, 2008

By 

Shelia Helms (Triad, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Redback Tools Maxistrike JT-004 24-Ounce Mill Face Rip/Claw Hammer (Tools & Home Improvement)

All the contractor friends have been so please with this hammer. I ordered several of them for gift. I liked them so well, that I kept two at home. Nothing is handier for a woman, than a man with a good hammer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Hammer throws no curves, March 17, 2008

By 

P. Capriotti "Trimtramp" (Southeastern Pa.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Redback Tools Maxistrike JT-004 24-Ounce Mill Face Rip/Claw Hammer (Tools & Home Improvement)

This Hammer is worth every penny! Well balanced and has a hand grip that dos'nt want to leave your hand.You can tell it is made from the best steel ,cause you can hear the claw sing like a tuneing fork every time you strike a nail.The conacle shaped face lets you strike a nail without damageing other surfaces.The curved handle seems to give more leverage.I've been swingin Hammers for a least 30 yrs. Plumb, Estwing ,Stan Lee,Deathgrip, maybe borrowed somebodies Craftsgirl.This Hammer is really nice.The only bad part is my son bought me a Stanlee Antivibe which is O.K. for Christmas O well maybe he won't notice.

4.0 out of 5 stars A very useful specialty hammer, January 10, 2009

By 

Morley Dotes "morleydotes" (Flushing, New York USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Redback Tools Maxistrike JT-004 24-Ounce Mill Face Rip/Claw Hammer (Tools & Home Improvement)

So, if you need this type of a hammer, this one is great. The only thing you would have to get used to is the weight distribution, it's just not as balanced. That is my only reason for giving it 4 stars. It is solid, and does get around some harder to reach areas. I do think, though, that unless you are using this for a specific project, a regular hammer to keep in the house will serve you well and save you some money. Lastly, keep in mind that the curve that allows you to hammer around a pipe or joist, etc., is the same curve that will make it harder (or impossible) to pull a nail out if you mess up.