Fretz HMR-17 Chasing Hammer

The Fretz HMR-17 Chasing Hammer is a professional-grade chasing hammer inspired by an antique engraver's chasing hammer from Bill Fretz's personal collection. Designed specifically for striking chasing tools — not direct metalwork — the HMR-17 delivers the ideal combination of weight, balance, and control for light to medium chasing work.

The head is cast from 420 stainless steel and hardened to 50C on the Rockwell scale, then highly polished. The striking face is slightly domed at 1-1/8" (30mm) in diameter, with a ball pein end measuring 13mm. At 3.9 oz (110g), the head weight is carefully balanced with a high balance point on the handle, allowing the hammer to do the work with minimal physical effort — an important consideration during extended chasing sessions.

Note that because this hammer is intended to strike tool shanks rather than metal directly, the polished face may show marring with normal use. This is expected and does not affect performance. Bill Fretz recommends using properly hardened chasing tools — hardened on the working end but not the striking end — which will show mushrooming on the tool's striking end during use.

The handle is crafted from Padauk, a richly grained wood in the rosewood family, and features the classic pistol grip geometry that Fretz reintroduced to chasing hammers for improved ergonomics and control.

Eye protection is required when using this hammer.

Features

• Slightly domed 1-1/8" (30mm) striking face for chasing tool work
• 13mm ball pein end for versatility
• 420 stainless steel head hardened to 50C Rockwell
• 3.9 oz (110g) head weight optimized for light to medium chasing
• High balance point allows the hammer to do the work, reducing fatigue
• Pistol grip Padauk handle for improved ergonomics and control
• Inspired by an antique engraver's chasing hammer from Bill Fretz's collection

Specifications

California Prop 65 Warning:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65warnings.ca.gov.