Milled Face Hammer Guide

Hammer selection has gotten complicated with all the face patterns, weight options, and handle materials flying around. As someone who has driven nails with every hammer type, I learned everything there is to know about milled face advantages. Today, I will share it all with you.

What Milled Face Means

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—milled faces have a cross-hatch pattern that grips nail heads, reducing slipping.

Advantages

• Better grip on nail heads
• Fewer glancing blows
• Faster driving with less effort
• Preferred for framing work

When to Avoid

• Finish work (leaves marks in wood)
• Trim carpentry
• Any visible surface

Best Applications

• Framing
• Rough carpentry
• Decking
• Any work that will be covered