Short answer:
Current offers for PICARD hammers are available on B2B directories such as europages.co.uk and wlw.de, through industrial suppliers like RS Components and Hoffmann Group, and via authorised tool distributors across Europe. You can also consult the official PICARD Hammer website for the manufacturer’s product range and specifications. When buying, check three factors first: the head material (drop-forged alloy steel to DIN 1193 or ISO 15601), the head shape (ball-peen, cross-peen, claw, mason's or joiner's, each suited to a different task), and the handle material (fibreglass for vibration damping, hickory for traditional feel, or steel for heavy demolition). Reference prices for genuine PICARD hammers range from EUR 15 for small engineers' hammers to EUR 120 for large sledgehammers, with specialty AluTec and BlackTec models at the upper end.
Key Takeaways
- Picard has manufactured hammers since 1857 in Germany, with a product range covering over 40 hammer types across construction, metalworking, masonry and forestry.
- Head material must match the application: Picard uses drop-forged alloy steel heads hardened to 50-58 HRC, compliant with DIN 1193 and ISO 15601 specifications.
- Handle choice affects safety and productivity: fibreglass handles reduce vibration by up to 40% compared to steel, while hickory handles offer a traditional grip preferred by carpenters.
- Buy only from verified suppliers with a real company profile on a B2B platform; avoid listings that do not state the DIN standard designation or GS mark certification.
Why does the Picard brand matter for professional hammer buyers?
Picard GmbH, headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, is one of Europe's longest-established hammer manufacturers. The company was founded in 1857 and has produced hammers for over 165 years, serving professional tradesmen across construction, metalworking, masonry and forestry. The global hand tools market was valued at USD 17.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 18.92 billion in 2026, driven by demand across construction, automotive maintenance, industrial applications and other professional uses. Europe remains a significant regional market for hand tools.
What distinguishes Picard from generic hammer brands is the consistency of its manufacturing process: every steel hammer head is drop-forged from a single piece of alloy steel, induction-hardened at the striking face, and ground to a finish that meets the dimensional tolerances of DIN 1193. Buyers sourcing hammers for professional use need to verify these specifications before ordering, because listings that omit the standard designation or the head-hardness figure often supply tools that chip, deform or fail to hold an edge after limited use.
| USD 17.29 bn | 25% | Since 1857 |
| Global hand tools market value 2025 | Europe's share of the hand tools market | Picard GmbH manufacturing history |
| 50-99 | 40+ types | DIN 1193 / ISO 15601 |
| Picard employees (Wuppertal) | Picard hammer types in the catalogue | Applicable hammer standards |
Which Picard hammer types and head shapes are available?
Picard's catalogue covers every major hammer category used in professional trades. The differences between head shapes are not cosmetic; each geometry concentrates force differently and is designed for a specific striking task. Selecting the wrong head shape leads to inefficient work, accelerated tool wear and, in some cases, safety hazards.
| Hammer type | Head shape | Head weight range | Primary application |
| Ball-peen hammer | Round peen (one flat, one hemispherical face) | 100-1,000 g | Metalworking, riveting, shaping sheet metal |
| Cross-peen hammer | Cross-peen (one flat, one wedge-shaped face) | 200-1,000 g | Metalworking, starting nails in tight spaces |
| Claw hammer (English pattern) | Claw (curved fork for nail extraction) | 300-700 g | Carpentry, general construction, nail pulling |
| Mason's hammer | Flat square face with chisel-peen | 300-1,000 g | Bricklaying, stone cutting, masonry chiselling |
| Joiner's hammer (French pattern) | Thin claw, lightweight head | 300-500 g | Fine carpentry, joinery, trim work |
| Sledgehammer / engineer's hammer | Flat faces on both sides | 1,000-5,000 g | Demolition, driving stakes, heavy forming |
| Lathe hammer (fitter's hammer) | Narrow flat face, polished | 200-600 g | Precision fitting, machinery assembly |
| Soft-face mallet (BlackTec/CopperTec) | Interchangeable soft faces (copper, plastic, rubber) | 300-1,500 g | Sheet metal work, tile laying, non-marring assembly |
The head shape determines which hammer to specify on a purchase order. A buyer procuring hammers for a construction site will typically need claw hammers and mason's hammers; a metalworking workshop requires ball-peen or cross-peen variants. Picard's full product range is listed on RS Online, where each variant carries the exact head weight, overall length and material specification needed for an informed purchase decision.
What should buyers check regarding head material and hardness?
The striking face of a professional hammer must be harder than the material it deforms, yet tough enough to resist chipping under repeated impact. Picard hammer heads are drop-forged from alloy steel and induction-hardened at the working faces to 50–58 HRC (Rockwell hardness), a range that balances impact resistance with surface durability. This specification is consistent with the hardness requirements for forged steel hammers described in DIN 1193:2025 and the hammer-head requirements and test procedures specified in ISO 15601:2000.
| Property | Picard specification | Why it matters |
| Head material | Drop-forged alloy steel (single-piece forging) | No weld seams; uniform grain structure resists cracking |
| Striking face hardness | 50-58 HRC (induction-hardened) | Hard enough to resist deformation, tough enough to avoid chipping |
| Peen hardness | Slightly lower (tempered zone behind the face) | Absorbs shock without brittle fracture |
| Eye (handle hole) | Precision-punched, smooth inner surface | Prevents handle loosening; ensures secure wedge fit |
| Surface finish | Ground and polished striking faces | Flat contact area reduces glancing blows |
| Standard compliance | DIN 1193:2007-02, ISO 15601:2000 | Verified dimensional and hardness tolerances |
When comparing offers online, any listing that does not state the head material or hardness figure should be treated with caution. A hammer described only as "steel head" without a hardness value may use low-carbon steel that deforms after a few hundred strikes. The DIN 1193 standard also defines permissible dimensional tolerances for the eye, the striking face diameter and the overall head length; buyers procuring hammers for certified workshop environments should request a copy of the manufacturer's test certificate alongside the delivery.
Which handle material is right for the job?
The handle is the interface between the user and the hammer's kinetic energy. Picard offers three handle materials, each with distinct mechanical properties that make it better suited to certain working conditions.
| Handle material | Advantages | Limitations | Best suited for |
| Fibreglass | High vibration damping (reduces transmitted shock by up to 40%), weather-resistant, low maintenance | Heavier than hickory; cannot be replaced in the field | Construction sites, demolition, outdoor use in all weather |
| Hickory wood | Natural vibration absorption, lightweight, replaceable, traditional balance | Susceptible to moisture; can splinter if damaged; requires inspection before each use | Carpentry, joinery, indoor workshop use |
| Steel (tubular) | Maximum durability, one-piece construction, anti-vibration grip sleeve | Highest vibration transmission to the hand; heaviest option | Heavy demolition, sledgehammers, engineering workshops |
Picard's SecuTec and BlackTec ranges pair fibreglass-core handles with ergonomic overmould grips that further reduce hand-arm vibration. For buyers procuring hammers under the EU Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) regulations, specifying vibration-damped handles is not just a comfort issue but a legal obligation in many member states. The handle choice also affects total tool weight: a 500 g head on a hickory handle produces a total weight roughly 15% lower than the same head on a fibreglass handle, which matters for overhead or repetitive work.
Where can buyers find verified Picard hammer offers online?
A search for hammer suppliers on europages.co.uk returns a broad range of tool manufacturers and distributors. However, Picard-branded hammers are primarily distributed through German-language B2B channels. The most efficient route for English-speaking buyers is to use international industrial suppliers that stock Picard products alongside other European tool brands.
| Supplier | Location / Founded | Core range |
| Picard GmbH (manufacturer) | Wuppertal, Germany / 1857 | Full Picard hammer range; 50-99 employees; worldwide delivery |
| triverti GmbH | Kirchbichl, Austria | 40,000+ tools; stocks Picard mason's, joiner's and sledgehammers |
| Edgar Borrmann GmbH & Co KG | Fernwald, Germany | 35,000+ fastener and tool articles; Picard lathe hammers in stock |
| Tegral GmbH | Uberherrn, Germany | 238 products; Picard fibreglass and hickory sledgehammers |
| Nogel Montagetechnik GmbH | Twist, Germany | Construction supplies; Picard mason's hammers with steel-tube handles |
| HENKA Werkzeuge GmbH | Stollberg, Germany / 1990 | 598 precision tools; certified dealer; Picard lathe hammers |
All six suppliers above were verified on their respective platform profiles in September 2026. For buyers who prefer English-language procurement, RS Components and the Hoffmann Group both carry Picard hammers in their European warehouses and provide datasheets, pricing and delivery estimates through their online portals. Direct enquiries to Picard GmbH via the company's wlw.de profile are also possible for bulk or custom specifications.
Which compliance marks and quality certifications should a Picard hammer carry?
Professional hammers sold in the European Economic Area must comply with the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC). Beyond this baseline, the following marks and standards apply specifically to hand hammers and are relevant when evaluating Picard hammer offers.
| Mark or standard | What it covers | How to verify |
| GS mark (Geprufte Sicherheit) | Product safety tested by an accredited body (e.g. TUV, DEKRA) against DIN or EN standards | GS certificate number on the product label |
| DIN 1193:2007-02 | Technical specifications for steel hammers: dimensions, hardness, eye tolerances | Manufacturer's test report or certificate of conformity |
| ISO 15601:2000 | International equivalent: hammer head specs, test procedures, assembly requirements | Supplier's quality documentation |
| DIN 5111 / DIN 5112 | Wooden handle specifications for hammers up to / over 2 kg | Handle material certificate |
| CE marking | General EU conformity; confirms the product meets applicable safety directives | CE mark on product or packaging |
The GS mark is particularly important for B2B buyers in Germany and Austria, where many procurement specifications require it by default. For UK buyers, the equivalent is the UKCA mark under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. In both cases, the certification applies to the complete tool (head plus handle assembly), not just the head. Buyers should request the test certificate for the specific Picard article number they are ordering, rather than accepting a generic "DIN compliant" statement.
What do Picard hammers cost, and how do prices vary by type?
The reference prices below are based on published trade listings from European industrial suppliers in 2025-2026. Prices vary by head weight, handle material and whether the hammer belongs to Picard's standard range or a specialty line such as AluTec or BlackTec.
| Product | Reference price (EUR) | Note |
| Picard engineers' hammer (200-500 g) | 15-30 | Ball-peen or cross-peen, hickory or fibreglass handle |
| Picard claw hammer (English pattern, 500 g) | 25-45 | Carpentry standard, hickory handle |
| Picard mason's hammer (500-1,000 g) | 20-50 | Flat/chisel face, fibreglass or steel-tube handle |
| Picard joiner's hammer (French pattern, 300 g) | 30-55 | Lightweight, precision balance, hickory handle |
| Picard sledgehammer (2,000-5,000 g) | 40-120 | Fibreglass handle, alloy steel head |
| Picard BlackTec soft-face mallet | 35-80 | Interchangeable copper or plastic faces, fibreglass handle |
| Picard AluTec hybrid carpenter's hammer | 90-180 | Aluminium head, 30% lighter than steel; checked face |
Prices for the AluTec range reflect the manufacturing cost of the aluminium-alloy head, which is around 30% lighter than a comparable steel head while retaining similar striking force. This weight advantage reduces user fatigue during extended overhead work and justifies the higher unit cost for production environments where hammers are used continuously. MOQs for standard Picard hammers are typically one unit from stock; for fleet orders above 50 pieces, direct enquiry to the manufacturer or an authorised distributor yields volume pricing.
How do budget and premium Picard hammers compare?
The table below contrasts Picard's professional-grade hammers against generic imported alternatives across the dimensions that matter for daily use.
| Dimension | Budget (generic import) | Premium (Picard) |
| Price range | EUR 5-15 | EUR 15-180 |
| Head material | Carbon steel, cast or rolled; unspecified hardness | Drop-forged alloy steel, 50-58 HRC at striking face |
| Head shape accuracy | Ground faces may be uneven; peen geometry inconsistent | Ground to DIN 1193 tolerances; flat striking face within 0.5 mm |
| Handle attachment | Glued or loosely wedged; prone to loosening | Precision-punched eye, steel or wooden wedge, secured |
| Safety certification | No GS mark; no individual test certificate | GS-tested (most models); DIN 1193 / ISO 15601 compliant |
| Vibration damping | Bare steel or untreated wood handle | Fibreglass core with ergonomic overmould (SecuTec/BlackTec) |
The price gap between budget and premium hammers narrows significantly when measured against total cost of use: a EUR 8 hammer that causes hand-arm vibration complaints or fails a site safety inspection costs far more in lost time and liability than a EUR 35 Picard hammer that passes both on day one.
How do you source Picard hammers safely in six steps?
| 1 | Define the hammer type and specification. Write the full designation: hammer type (ball-peen, claw, mason's, etc.), head weight in grams, handle material and the applicable standard (DIN 1193 or ISO 15601) before contacting any supplier. |
| 2 | Identify the compliance requirements. Determine whether the application requires a GS mark (common in Germany and Austria), UKCA marking (UK) or CE marking (general EU). Note any employer-mandated vibration-damping specifications. |
| 3 | Pre-select suppliers. Check company profiles on europages.co.uk or wlw.de; collect three to five candidates that stock the specific Picard article number you need. |
| 4 | Request compliance evidence. Ask for the GS certificate number, DIN 1193 test report or ISO 15601 declaration of conformity for the exact article number. Verify the certificate at gs-mark.com if required. |
| 5 | Compare prices and delivery terms. Match quotations against the reference price ranges above. Clarify whether prices include VAT, shipping and any minimum-order surcharges. |
| 6 | Confirm logistics and packaging. Picard hammers ship with head and handle assembled; ensure the supplier uses protective packaging to prevent handle damage in transit. For cross-border orders within the EU, confirm the Intrastat declaration if the shipment value exceeds the threshold. |
What other questions do buyers ask about Picard hammers?
Q: What is the difference between Picard's BlackTec and CopperTec mallet ranges?
A: Both are soft-face mallets with interchangeable heads, but they target different applications. BlackTec faces are made from a high-density polymer that resists marking on steel and stone surfaces; CopperTec faces are non-magnetic and non-sparking, making them mandatory in explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones) and for work on stainless steel where iron contamination must be avoided. CopperTec mallets carry a price premium due to the cost of the copper alloy faces.
Q: Can I buy Picard hammers directly from the manufacturer?
A: Picard GmbH maintains a company profile on wlw.de where buyers can submit enquiries directly. For single units or small quantities, authorised distributors and industrial suppliers such as RS Components or triverti GmbH typically offer faster delivery from stock. For fleet orders or custom specifications (e.g. non-standard handle lengths), direct contact with the manufacturer is the recommended route.
Q: Are Picard hammers compliant with UK safety regulations post-Brexit?
A: Picard hammers carry CE marking for the EU market. For UK use, the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 accept CE-marked products placed on the market before the UKCA deadline. Buyers should check whether their procurement specification requires UKCA marking specifically; if so, confirm with the supplier whether the Picard article in question carries both marks.
Q: How often should hammer handles be inspected and replaced?
A: Hickory wood handles should be inspected before each use for cracks, splinters or looseness in the eye. Any visible defect means the handle must be replaced immediately. Fibreglass handles last significantly longer but should be checked for impact damage or cracks at the head junction. Steel handles are the most durable but the anti-vibration grip sleeve may need replacement after extended heavy use. Picard recommends replacing any handle that shows more than 1 mm of play in the eye.
Q: What does the "SecuTec" designation mean on Picard hammers?
A: SecuTec is Picard's proprietary handle system that combines a fibreglass core with an ergonomic thermoplastic overmould grip. The design reduces hand-arm vibration transmission by up to 40% compared to a bare fibreglass handle, and the overmould provides a secure grip even with wet or oily hands. SecuTec hammers are the preferred choice for buyers procuring tools under HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) compliance programmes.
Find Picard hammer suppliers directly: Compare verified company profiles on europages.co.uk: Hammers, europages.co.uk: Hand tools and wlw.de: Picard Hammer and request quotations with compliance evidence.
Sources
- GIR (Global Info Research), Global Hand Tools Market 2026 - girinfo.com/reports/hand-tools-market-2026
- DIN 1193:2007-02, Hammers made of steel - technical specifications - beuth.de
- ISO 15601:2000, Hammers - technical specifications concerning steel hammer heads - iso.org
- EU-OSHA, Hand-arm vibration - osha.europa.eu
- GS Mark database, Product safety certification - gs-mark.com
- RS Online, Picard hammer product listings - rs-online.com
- wlw.de, Picard GmbH company profile and verified dealer profiles, September 2026
