Real 0517 Hammer Review

4.7 (1,600) Amazon rating$16.83100+ bought last month

Our verdict

The Real 0517 is a 2.1-pound carbon steel claw hammer with a rubber handle, earning 4.7 stars across 1,600 verified reviews at $16.83, making it a solid mid-weight option for general-purpose claw-hammer work.

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Best for

DIYers and tradespeople who want a heavier, cushioned-grip claw hammer for sustained nailing without stepping up to premium pricing.

Skip if

Those who prefer a lightweight hammer under 2 pounds or who want a wooden or fiberglass handle for a more traditional feel.

  • Material Carbon Steel
  • Handle Rubber
  • Weight 2.1 Pounds
  • Pieces 1
  • Priced 27% below the category median ($22.94 across 42 tracked models)

Our scorecard

4.7/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.7/5

    4.7 average across 1,600 owner ratings

  • Popularity4.0/5

    1,600 owner reviews, more than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other hand tools and workshop hand tools we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

The Real 0517 brings a carbon steel head and rubber handle combination at $16.83 and 2.1 pounds, which makes it one of the heavier options in this price range. The rubber grip provides cushioning and control during extended nailing sessions, reducing hand fatigue compared to bare metal or hard plastic handles.

With 1,600 owner reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the Real 0517 sits in the upper tier of satisfaction for this price band. Carbon steel heads offer reliable hardness and toughness for everyday driving tasks, and at 2.1 pounds the hammer carries enough mass to drive fasteners efficiently without excessive swing effort.

For buyers who find lighter hammers tiring during repetitive work, the added weight of the Real 0517 converts more swing force into driving power. The rubber handle absorbs vibration at the same time, which is a practical pairing for anyone doing high-volume nailing at home or on a job site.

Pros

  • 4.7-star rating from 1,600 reviews shows strong and consistent owner satisfaction
  • Carbon steel head delivers reliable hardness for everyday fastener driving
  • Rubber handle cushions the grip and reduces vibration during extended use
  • At 2.1 pounds, carries enough mass to drive fasteners efficiently
  • $16.83 offers solid value for a carbon-steel, rubber-handled claw hammer

Cons

  • At 2.1 pounds, heavier than some alternatives, which may cause fatigue during overhead work
  • Rubber handles can degrade over time with exposure to oils and solvents

Specifications

MaterialCarbon Steel
HandleRubber
Weight2.1 Pounds
Pieces1

Performance notes

The carbon steel head on the Real 0517 handles everyday nailing and pulling tasks with reliability typical of carbon steel construction. The rubber handle at 2.1 pounds provides a firm, cushioned grip. Buyers moving from sub-1.5-pound hammers will notice the added mass, which helps with driving larger fasteners.

What buyers say

Owners appreciate the Real 0517's comfortable rubber grip and effective weight distribution. The 1,600-review base reflects steady long-term demand, and complaints are infrequent given the 4.7-star average.

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Frequently asked questions

What handle material does the Real 0517 use?

The specs list the handle as rubber, which cushions the grip and dampens vibration.

Is the Real 0517 heavy enough for framing nails?

At 2.1 pounds with a carbon steel head, the Real 0517 carries adequate mass for driving common framing-size fasteners, though dedicated framing hammers are typically heavier.

Questions about the Real 0517?

Email [email protected] and our team will get back to you.

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