We are often asked about the key differences between our two best sellers, Martinez Tools & Kinetic Customs. Both hammer brands are very popular and have diehard fanbases. In this blog we will explain the hammer assembly, what components are compatible and compare the head shapes for each of the models.
Modular hammer systems - an overview
Martinez Tools have an entirely interchangeable head /handle system across all models, whether it is the M80 3lb Sledgehead, 15oz M1 first fix, 12oz M4 second fix or M2 Brickhead. You can choose your head weight first and match up your handle length to suit, M1 handle 16in, M4 handle 14in or MK18 handle 10.5ikn.
Martinez heads are all steel (apart from the Ti4 7oz titanium head) and the handles are all titanium, giving it the edge over all steel hammers. You need less striking force for the same effect due to the weight distribution. An M1 15oz Framing hammer will have the same impact as a 20oz Estwing and an M4 12oz Finishing hammer will swing like a 16oz Estwing.
All are available in a range of colour ways, so you can colour match to your gear, company brand or just your favourite colour. Because, why not customise it, you're investing in a hammer for years to come?!
Kinetic Customs offers two models, Nighthawk and the Raptor. The key difference between these two models is the handle material.
The premium Nighthawk has a lightweight titanium handle teamed with a steel head. Titanium is a superior option to aluminium as it is more durable and has greater tensile strength with better vibration absorption properties. It is however more expensive as a raw material and it is also more costly to forge/cast.
The Raptor has an aluminium handle paired with a steel head, this gives a similar weight distribution and a lower price point. You can choose either a 16oz Raptor for first fix or a 12oz Raptor for second fix.
The key difference with Kinetic is that the models are not interchangeable, Nighthawk heads are only compatible on the Nighthawk handles and Raptor heads only compatible with Raptor handles.
So you can’t put a Nighthawk head on a Raptor handle and vice versa.
Kinetic handles are available in 16in and 14.5in handles and the Kinetic hammer grips can be used on either model though Raptor and Nighthawk.
Hammer heads
Although both Martinez and Kinetic both have Smooth and Milled face options for 1st fix and the Smooth and Dimple for 2nd fix, the main differences are down to the shape of the face.
Martinez Tools hammer heads
Martinez M1 15oz head designed for first fix, has a round face, maximising surface area, whether smooth or milled/waffle. There is also a nail starter and a magnet embedded in the head, nice little feature.
Martinez M4 12oz head, designed for 2nd fix has a square top to help access tight/smaller spaces. The face options are smooth or dimple – this is effectively inverted texture on the face, opposite to milled, it still provides grip on the striking surface but is much less aggressive than a milled face/less marring.
Specialist hammer heads
Martinez have also designed specialist heads for Concrete/ formwork, demolition, brickwork & also lightweight finishing work.
M79 2lb Sledgehead / M80 3lb Sledgehead are the big boys, they are weighty, giving you the high-impact force with reliability you need for demo jobs & formwork.
M2 Brickhead has and elongated tail for perfect masonry splitting and square face for maximum surface striking.
M4 Ti4 7oz smooth face finish head is for ultra-lightweight and designed for precision
Kinetic Customs hammer heads
Kinetic Nighthawk heads have a oblong shape, the Raptor heads are rounded, both are available in smooth or milled faces.
Does it come with the bolt to attach the head to the handle?
Both brands - Martinez Tools & Kinetic Customs include the head bolt with any purchase of a head.
What our customers think of these hammers![]()
