Geologist's Chisel-Tip Rock Hammers

What is a chisel-tip rock hammer?

The chisel-tip rock hammer has a hammer head on one end and a slightly curved chisel-shaped blade on the other. It is used mainly by geologists who are working in areas underlain by sedimentary rocks and sediments. Names given to this hammer include: Mason's hammer, bricklayer's hammer, soft-rock hammer and chisel-tip hammer. The flat end of this hammer is used for breaking rocks and light chisel work. The chisel end is used for splitting the layers of sedimentary rocks, trimming rocks, and digging in soils and sediments.
These hammers are used by geologists, fossil hunters, and a number of professions who break sedimentary rocks or masonry materials. The head and handle are forged from a single piece of steel, and the soft grip is designed to be comfortable in your hand and to reduce the vibrations of impact. Always wear eye protection, long sleeves, long pants and gloves when using these tools. Flying rocks hurt and they often have sharp edges. Be sure that your colleagues are protected or at a distance before you begin work.

Which one should I buy?

These hammers are sold in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, 20-ounce, and 24-ounce sizes. Four ounces makes a lot of difference when you are trying to deliver accurate hits. Buy one that is small enough that you can easily use accurately at the end of a long field day. Most rocks are easier to break with a sharp, accurate hit than with force.

Estwing Safety Goggles

Always wear eye protection when using a rock hammer or doing chisel work. These goggles have a flat lens and soft sides that conform to your face. They fit easily over most prescription glasses and have a ventilated frame for air flow.

Estwing 16-Ounce Chisel-Tip Rock Hammer

This is a medium-weight chisel-tip rock hammer. This is a good hammer for an adult who is a light hitter or who does not have lots of experience with a rock hammer. Experienced geologists know that a 16-ounce hammer is easier on your body and easier to control than a heavier tool. This hammer does have the ability to break a tough rock because you can use it to deliver a more accurate hit. Length: 10.5". Get a hammer sheath below to carry this tool on your belt.

Always wear eye protection when using this tool.

Estwing 20-Ounce Chisel-Tip Rock Hammer

This is the standard-weight chisel-tip rock hammer. Most of the chisel-tip hammers that we sell are these 20-ouncers. It is heavy enough to break a tough rock. If you are going to be hammering a lot, this one will be less fatiguing than a heavier hammer but more fatiguing than a 16-ounce. Length: 11". Carry it on your belt using the sheath below.

Always wear eye protection when using this tool.

Estwing 24-Ounce Chisel-Tip Rock Hammer

This is a heavy-weight chisel-tip rock hammer. It is used by strong, experienced people who are breaking larger or more durable rocks. If you are not strong and experienced at using a rock hammer, this one might be difficult to use accurately - and if you do a lot of hammering, you will feel it in your wrists and forearms the next morning. Length: 11". The sheath below fits this tool.

Always wear eye protection when using this tool.

Estwing 12-Ounce Tinner's Hammer

A short and light alternative to the standard chisel-tip rock hammer. Works well in tight situations, with a little more control for small targets. Length: 10 7/8". Fits in the chisel-tip sheath sold below.

Always wear eye protection when using this tool.

Estwing Sheath for the Chisel-Tip Rock Hammer

This snap-button nylon sheath fits all of the chisel-tip rock hammers sold above. The hammer end of the sheath is closed. The chisel end of the sheath is open but completely covers the chisel. A large loop allows you to easily and safely carry this hammer on your belt. It is also a good cover if you are carrying your hammer in a bag or backpack.

Sheath only - hammer not included.

Gfeller Standard Rock Hammer Holster

The standard rock hammer holster is designed to carry the standard rock hammers used by the field geologist. It can carry a chisel-tip hammer or a rock pick. The long leather bridge supports your hammer and keeps it straight. The bridge is large enough to accommodate leather grip, rubber grip or cushion grip hammers. The safety strap and heavy snap keep your hammer from falling out. There are two loops to fit belts up to 2" wide.

Gfeller Swing Holster

The swing holster has a durable metal pivot that connects the holster to the belt loop. This enables easy adjustment of the hammer to accommodate walking, sitting, kneeling and other working postures. The pivot is loose enough to allow easy adjustment but tight enough to allow you to walk without the hammer swinging wildly. A safety strap and a lift-the-dot fastener keeps your hammer from falling out.

Hand Lens - Folding Pocket Magnifier

Geologists working in the field or in a lab often need to closely examine rocks, sediments, soils and other fine-grained materials. A hand lens provides a quick and easy way to perform that work.