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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
Estwing BIG BLUE Welding/Chipping Hammer - 14oz Slag Removal Tool with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - E3-WC
- FORGED IN ONE PIECE – The most durable, longest lasting striking tools available
- VERSATILITY ON THE JOB – Perfect for cleaning and removing slag from all welds
- BUILT FOR THE PRO – machinists, metalworkers, blacksmiths, fabricators, mechanics, tradesman & serious DIYers
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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:
Scrape-N-Burr SNB-30 Handle with 1-1/2" Blade
- Removes Weld Spatter / Dross
- De-Burrs Sharp Corners and Sawed Edges
- Blade Easily Sharpened
- Replaceable Blade
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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
US Forge Welding Economy Chipping Hammer
- Package Dimensions: 3.81 cms (L) x 9.398 cms (W) x 28.194 cms (H)
- Product Type: Tools
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country Of Origin: China
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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
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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.
Powermate Vx 024-0299CT Air Needle Scaler
- Equipped with 19 steel needles for effective scaling action
- Cleans smaller surfaces without messy abrasive blasting
- Built in speed control adjusts power
- Pistol grip design for better control
- Front exhaust keeps heat away from user
Free shipping
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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.
Hobart 770069 Welding Hammer Chipping - with Wire Brush
- Country Of Origin: China
- Model Number: 770069
- Item Package Dimension: 11.8" L x 5.5" W x 1.5" H
- Item Package Weight: 1.3 lb
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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
Lincoln Electric KH533 Wood-Handled Cross-Chisel Chipping Hammer (Pack of 1)
- Wood-handled cross-chisel chipping hammer
- Constructed for long life and dependability
- Provides a good, secure grip
- A handy combination for fast clean up
- Professional welders replace their out of date solder lugs with power cable lugs
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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
Pit Bull CHIH058 Chipping Hammer, Welding Cleasning Tool, Hand Tool
- Chipping hammer
- Welding cleansing hand tool
- Cone-shaped nose with sharp point
- Flattened and dual beveled tail
- Helical barrel spring type handle with hanging hook at end
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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
Vaughan WC12 12 oz. Welder's Chipping Hammer
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: WC12
- Item Package Dimension: 14.699999985006" L x 8.799999991024" W x 2.099999997858" H
- Item Package Weight: 1.25002102554 lb
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Slag & chipping hammer for welding – things to know
Why is there a slag?
weld seam with slag already removed
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.
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Image Credits: https://pixabay.com/photo-3047536/, Pixabay
