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As you probably know, every welder needs a slag or chipping hammer to remove slag from the weld seam. A friend of mine showed me his brand-new slag hammer, and I was impressed how good it works compared to my old chipping hammer.
So I started a detailed recherche on slag hammers and created this list to show you guys the best slag hammers money can buy.
Estwing BIG BLUE welding/chipping hammer
The first item I’d like to show you is the Estwing Big Blue. The Big Blue is a rugged welding hammer made in the USA: Manufactured by Estwing in Rockford, IL only the finest American steel is used for this first class chipping hammer.
Since the Big Blue is forged in one piece, it surely is a long-lasting piece of equipment. Moreover, according to the manufacturer, the shock vibration grip can reduce shock vibrations by up to 70%.
Weight: 14 oz
Scrape-N-Burr SNB-30
The Scrape-N-Burr SNB-30 is also a tool you should take a closer look at. Equipped with replaceable hardened steel blades, this tool makes it easy to remove any dross. Thanks to a vinyl hand grip this tool provides you with a secure and comfortable grip.
Since the blades are made of high-carbon steel, it is not recommended to use those with stainless steels because they could contaminate it.
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz
Please see this video below for a short product demonstration:
US Forge welding chipping hammer
The US Forge welding hammer is made of hardened steel for long tool life. Furthermore, the spring styled handle helps to absorb hammer shocks.
To sum it up, it is excellent to chip slag after welding.
A handy extra I noticed is the two-sided head that has a chisel on the one side and a point-shaped tip on the other side for smaller spots.
Weight: 14.7 oz
Slag Hammer alternative: Powermate Vx Air Needle Scaler
For all you guys who need more power: The Powermate Air Needle Scaler is a pneumatic alternative for conventional slag and chipping hammers. 19 steel needles assist you to clean metallic surfaces even quicker.
it is a blast to remove dust, paint and dirt
Compare-Bear.com
The scaler is also excellent for weld seam preparation. Say goodbye to messy abrasive blasting. With this tool, it is a blast to remove dust, paint and dirt. This handheld tool is operating at a pressure of 90 PSI.
Hobart welding slag hammer with wire brush
I know Hobart mostly as a manufacturer of welding machines. But this Hobart slag hammer is also a real multi-tool. Straight head, spring handle and a replaceable wire brush make this a versatile tool. Use the hammer to chip the slag and brush it clean with the attached brush.
Lincoln Electric wood-handled chipping hammer
Probably one of the cheapest chipping hammers for welding I found on the market. Lincoln Electric’s wood-handled chipping hammer is for everybody who prefers to have a classic wood handle over a steel handle.
This light-weight cross chisel chipping hammer gives you a good and secure grip.
Weight: 10.4 oz
Pit Bull chipping hammer for welding
Perfect name for a hand tool. The Pit Bull chipping hammer has a cone-shaped nose with a sharp, flattened point and a dual beveled tail. The hook on the other end allows you to hang the tool.
Weight: 13.6 oz
Vaughan welder’s chipping hammer
A robust tool made in the USA by Vaughan. Blue paint finished hammer with wooden handle. Not sure what else I can mention here, it’s a hammer.
Weight: 12 oz
Slag & chipping hammer for welding – things to know
Why is there a slag?
Now let’s take a look at the theory. Slag comes from the flux which melts during the welding process. Moreover, at flux-core arc welding, the flux is a necessary shielding material that covers the molten metal weld zone and protects it from reacting with atmospheric gases like oxygen.
The slag needs to removed before you add another weld layer or before you further process your weld seam.
Typically a slag hammer is only required for arc welding because MIG and TIG welding does not produce slags.
See the removal of a welding slag in the video below:
How to remove the weld slag?
After your weld seam is finished, the slag is not required anymore.
Thus, hit the weld seam with your slag hammer to shatter the slag. If you want to remove weld spatter, you can use the flat side of your chipping hammer and slide over the metal surface. After your treatment with the hammer use a steel brush to finish the seam.
Read also: How to weld stainless steel
Side note: You can resharpen the hammer’s edges when they become blunt. If you need something to transport your weld tools, you should also check out our thread on welding bags here.
Image Credits: https://pixabay.com/photo-3047536/, Pixabay