Comments on: Hot or Not? Vaughan’s (Vaporware?) S2 Hammer http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:52:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Paul Hargreaves http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-420221 Paul Hargreaves Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:05:13 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-420221 I tried this hammer out. First of all, the hard plastic gasket sticks out and hurts your hand. They call it a 22oz but it is way heavier than that. Balance is hideous. It looks like Vaughan is trying too hard to look like a woody. They seem to have done a nice job copying the woody handle. I will say the cast claw on the back and the forging on the front are good quality. I can't imagine that this will be popular with serious trades people. I tried this hammer out. First of all, the hard plastic gasket sticks out and hurts your hand. They call it a 22oz but it is way heavier than that. Balance is hideous. It looks like Vaughan is trying too hard to look like a woody. They seem to have done a nice job copying the woody handle. I will say the cast claw on the back and the forging on the front are good quality. I can’t imagine that this will be popular with serious trades people.

]]> By: Tony http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-256573 Tony Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:14:42 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-256573 http://hammernet.com/vaughan/pages/products/professional-curved-claw-hammers/s2.php http://hammernet.com/vaughan/pages/products/professional-curved-claw-hammers/s2.php

]]> By: Sam B. http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-243589 Sam B. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:26:52 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-243589 Looks as if the S2 is hitting the big time! Just found it on Sears' site and at a great price. Just ordered 2!! http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938065000P?keyword=s2+hammer&sLevel=0 Looks as if the S2 is hitting the big time! Just found it on Sears’ site and at a great price. Just ordered 2!!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938065000P?keyword=s2+hammer&sLevel=0

]]> By: Ray http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-219359 Ray Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:08:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-219359 I frequently use the side of my hammer for driving nails in tight spots, so I wouldn't buy a hammer where the side where you would drive nails is wood. I frequently use the side of my hammer for driving nails in tight spots, so I wouldn’t buy a hammer where the side where you would drive nails is wood.

]]> By: Ben http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-217632 Ben Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:48:09 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-217632 After shopping for a long time on cost, i finally decided to buy it on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Vaughan-Hammers-S2-Hammer/dp/B000YJR2K8 This was the cheapest price with shipping cost. I'll post again after i receive it, I'm can't wait. After shopping for a long time on cost, i finally decided to buy it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Vaughan-Hammers-S2-Hammer/dp/B000YJR2K8

This was the cheapest price with shipping cost.
I’ll post again after i receive it, I’m can’t wait.

]]> By: Andrew http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-201415 Andrew Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:50:05 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-201415 It can be had for $46 in Canada at Lee Valley tools. It can be had for $46 in Canada at Lee Valley tools.

]]> By: joseph http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-181445 joseph Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:09:18 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-181445 hey, i bought this hammer for just over 70 bucks canadian at rona... and i love it. there is very little vibration and it drives great for an 18 oz. hey, i bought this hammer for just over 70 bucks canadian at rona… and i love it. there is very little vibration and it drives great for an 18 oz.

]]> By: Ronnie http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-171930 Ronnie Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:35:30 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-171930 I have actually held the Vaughan S2 hammer in my hands. A friend of mine had it because his neighbor and friend is the actual inventor of the hammer. After handling it, it is now on my Christmas list. It has some cool features that should make it a revolutionary change to a very old tool tradition. Thanks I have actually held the Vaughan S2 hammer in my hands. A friend of mine had it because his neighbor and friend is the actual inventor of the hammer. After handling it, it is now on my Christmas list. It has some cool features that should make it a revolutionary change to a very old tool tradition.
Thanks

]]> By: iand http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-126392 iand Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:34:55 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-126392 Looks like the S2 is on Vaughan's new site. Check it out. http://hammernet.com/vaughan/pages/products/professional-curved-claw-hammers/s2.php Even has a video, pretty good. Looks like the S2 is on Vaughan’s new site. Check it out.
http://hammernet.com/vaughan/pages/products/professional-curved-claw-hammers/s2.php
Even has a video, pretty good.

]]> By: bitboy http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-118391 bitboy Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:18:11 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-118391 I had a Douglas and broke two handles because the wood is so thin on the side- once pulling a nail sideways and the other time straightening out a joist. The Douglas bolt goes across the grain through thin wooden sides that holds the metal head in place-bad design. Plus the metal front doesn't come anywhere close to what the S2 protects. The Douglas wooden handle still gets banged up. I ended up getting a refund. The store said they get complaints about the Douglas handle. I had a Douglas and broke two handles because the wood is so thin on the side- once pulling a nail sideways and the other time straightening out a joist. The Douglas bolt goes across the grain through thin wooden sides that holds the metal head in place-bad design. Plus the metal front doesn’t come anywhere close to what the S2 protects. The Douglas wooden handle still gets banged up. I ended up getting a refund. The store said they get complaints about the Douglas handle.

]]> By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Douglas Tool’s Innovative H2IT Framing Hammer http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-111521 Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Douglas Tool’s Innovative H2IT Framing Hammer Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:18:40 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-111521 [...] Some awards groups seem to think Vaughan’s S2 hammer is the pinnacle of hammer design; too bad it never materialized.  Now Douglas Tool is stepping up to the plate with a 23oz framing hammer including their patented head-handle interface technology (H2IT) – a polished steel alloy shank that slides into the 16” slotted hickory handle. [...] [...] Some awards groups seem to think Vaughan’s S2 hammer is the pinnacle of hammer design; too bad it never materialized.  Now Douglas Tool is stepping up to the plate with a 23oz framing hammer including their patented head-handle interface technology (H2IT) – a polished steel alloy shank that slides into the 16” slotted hickory handle. [...]

]]> By: Nailbiter http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-109915 Nailbiter Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:20:46 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-109915 Found the S2 Split-head hammer after I called Vaughan as well. Its online at Ace Hotline- $49.99. Link below http://www.acehotline.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=19710 Ordered it last week and just recieved it! AWESOME... worth the weight literally and with surprising balance/feel. Nice details and really solid. It feels better that the 21OZ I have...I would say it holds up so far to the claims. Missed one time and the metal plate under the head deflected the nail hit and force without taking a chunk out of the wood...nice. The round head let's you role the nail sideways using better leverage than yanking along the claw. The funny thing is the thing doesn't recoil like my other hammers. Wasted half a box of 16's trying it out... Let me know what you think when you pick one up... Found the S2 Split-head hammer after I called Vaughan as well. Its online at Ace Hotline- $49.99. Link below

http://www.acehotline.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=19710

Ordered it last week and just recieved it! AWESOME… worth the weight literally and with surprising balance/feel. Nice details and really solid. It feels better that the 21OZ I have…I would say it holds up so far to the claims. Missed one time and the metal plate under the head deflected the nail hit and force without taking a chunk out of the wood…nice.

The round head let’s you role the nail sideways using better leverage than yanking along the claw.

The funny thing is the thing doesn’t recoil like my other hammers. Wasted half a box of 16’s trying it out…

Let me know what you think when you pick one up…

]]> By: chazmo http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-108310 chazmo Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:05:15 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-108310 Stuey, No price yet, but I'm on the hunt! Stuey,

No price yet, but I’m on the hunt!

]]> By: Stuey http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-106517 Stuey Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:01:06 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-106517 Chazmo, In your hunt for the hammer, did you happen to find out its retail price? Chazmo,

In your hunt for the hammer, did you happen to find out its retail price?

]]> By: chazmo http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-106354 chazmo Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:10:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-106354 I collect framing hammers, 41 and counting, I've need tracking the vaughan S2. Vaughan customer service responded to me with the following; special order from home depot, do-it-best or lowes. They are in the process of supplying these and other resellers with the product for regular display and sale. I collect framing hammers, 41 and counting, I’ve need tracking the vaughan S2. Vaughan customer service responded to me with the following; special order from home depot, do-it-best or lowes. They are in the process of supplying these and other resellers with the product for regular display and sale.

]]> By: smoore http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105508 smoore Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:28:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105508 Not all hammers are created equal. 10 years ago, the top framing hammer was that super-special one from Europe somewhere. I don't remember the name but I do know that they are a dream to use. I used a California Framer for my framing hammer for years. Broke it and bought a Vaughn "Blue Max" because I wasn't framing for hire anymore. I like the Blue Max as much, if not more as the old California. Who'da thunk a $25 hammer could compete? This one looks good, I'd buy a 19oz if it was less than $50. Oh, and tell the Vaughn designer that ANY framing hammer can flush a nail in two swings if the tradesman knows the tool well. *set* *SMACK!* Not all hammers are created equal. 10 years ago, the top framing hammer was that super-special one from Europe somewhere. I don’t remember the name but I do know that they are a dream to use.

I used a California Framer for my framing hammer for years. Broke it and bought a Vaughn “Blue Max” because I wasn’t framing for hire anymore. I like the Blue Max as much, if not more as the old California. Who’da thunk a $25 hammer could compete?

This one looks good, I’d buy a 19oz if it was less than $50.

Oh, and tell the Vaughn designer that ANY framing hammer can flush a nail in two swings if the tradesman knows the tool well. *set* *SMACK!*

]]> By: eschoendorff http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105403 eschoendorff Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:51:54 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105403 I agree with l_bilyk. I have too many hammers that do what I want them to do well enough already. I suppose if you make a living with a hammer then it is worth a look.... I agree with l_bilyk. I have too many hammers that do what I want them to do well enough already. I suppose if you make a living with a hammer then it is worth a look….

]]> By: Ivan http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105375 Ivan Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:22:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105375 You have to admit that it's one nice looking piece of tool. However, I'm afraid that my kids will poke an eye out with the claw on the back. A hammer is a hammer and I'd rather have a heavier that lays good in the hand. You have to admit that it’s one nice looking piece of tool. However, I’m afraid that my kids will poke an eye out with the claw on the back.

A hammer is a hammer and I’d rather have a heavier that lays good in the hand.

]]> By: Hank http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105292 Hank Wed, 15 Aug 2007 05:32:10 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105292 Don't believe I have seen this one with the over the iron wood (or between it), but I have seen some with the wood protector piece. Like the others, it is just another twist on the same concept. If the weight is right, most framing hammers are different only in looks. I will probably just keep my banged up one. It still drives nails. Don’t believe I have seen this one with the over the iron wood (or between it), but I have seen some with the wood protector piece.

Like the others, it is just another twist on the same concept. If the weight is right, most framing hammers are different only in looks.

I will probably just keep my banged up one. It still drives nails.

]]> By: nrChris http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105116 nrChris Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:03:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105116 Haven't seen 'em, and I spend way too much time trolling around hardware stores and the big boxes. I am halfway in the market for a new hammer, but the one that I have had for probably fifteen years--my first real tool that was MINE--really doesn't need to be replaced. Haven’t seen ‘em, and I spend way too much time trolling around hardware stores and the big boxes. I am halfway in the market for a new hammer, but the one that I have had for probably fifteen years–my first real tool that was MINE–really doesn’t need to be replaced.

]]> By: l_bilyk http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105112 l_bilyk Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:53:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105112 Don't see anything special here. I'll stick with my trusty 'ol estwing framing hammer Don’t see anything special here. I’ll stick with my trusty ‘ol estwing framing hammer

]]> By: Blind http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105099 Blind Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:14:34 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105099 I'm confused, back in the old days, it was a huge deal when they figured out how to mount the head on the hammer and it work really well in the long term. The solution hasn't really changed much at all (look at a modern wooden handled hammer, metal head placed over the handle and the handle is spread to lock it in place). This seems like it would also solve the problem well, but why hasn't this style of design been used in more places? It makes me fear that it's a gimick at worst and that they want to be different just to be different at best. Is there any real advantage to this set up? I’m confused, back in the old days, it was a huge deal when they figured out how to mount the head on the hammer and it work really well in the long term. The solution hasn’t really changed much at all (look at a modern wooden handled hammer, metal head placed over the handle and the handle is spread to lock it in place). This seems like it would also solve the problem well, but why hasn’t this style of design been used in more places?

It makes me fear that it’s a gimick at worst and that they want to be different just to be different at best. Is there any real advantage to this set up?

]]> By: Stuey http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105077 Stuey Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:18:03 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/14/hot-or-not-vaughans-vaporware-s2-hammer/#comment-105077 I've seen a few products appear on shelves weeks before being added to company's website product list. Actually, it took over a year once for a B&D product that I bought to appear on their site. Still, you guys got me all suspicious now too. The only place I've seen this hammer mentioned despite my best searching, is on atomdesign's website and a total of zero retailer sites. I’ve seen a few products appear on shelves weeks before being added to company’s website product list. Actually, it took over a year once for a B&D product that I bought to appear on their site.

Still, you guys got me all suspicious now too. The only place I’ve seen this hammer mentioned despite my best searching, is on atomdesign’s website and a total of zero retailer sites.

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