How to Choose a Peg Hammer! Substitutes and Recommended Products

When setting up a tent or tarp, you use "pegs" to secure them by driving them into the ground.

A "peg hammer" is essential for driving pegs firmly into the ground.

While peg hammers are designed specifically for driving pegs, making the job easier, there are many differences in materials, size, weight, and price, so it can be hard to decide which one to buy.

So, here are some key points to consider when choosing one. Please use this as a guide to selecting a peg hammer that will become your reliable partner for setting up tents and tarps.

What Is a Peg Hammer?

Some people might think, “I don’t need to buy a special hammer—can’t I just use a rock I find at the campsite or a regular hammer?”

Sure, if you’re only setting up one or two stakes, using a heavy rock might work. However, while it varies depending on the type of tent or tarp you’re setting up, it’s common to have to drive over 20 stakes into the ground—more than 10 for a solo tent alone, and more than 10 for a tarp alone.

Furthermore, don’t forget that “for every peg you drive in, you have to pull one out!” Driving 20 pegs firmly into the ground and then pulling all 20 out is a grueling task using just rocks or a regular hammer.

In short, a peg hammer is an indispensable tool for driving pegs firmly into the ground and pulling them out smoothly.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Peg Hammer

Peg hammers are sold in a wide variety of types by many manufacturers.

Since practicality and functionality are key for this item, be sure to check the following points rather than focusing on how cool it looks.

Choose a grip that’s easy to hold

You use a peg hammer by gripping the handle and swinging it up and down to drive in pegs. Also, when taking down a tent or tarp, you use the principle of leverage to pull out the pegs.

Therefore, it is important that the grip is comfortable for you to hold. The shape and material of the grip also play a significant role.

You should also check how easy it is to swing

When driving a peg, you swing the hammer down to drive it in. You have to repeat this motion endlessly for 10 pegs or more (and in some cases, dozens of pegs).

Therefore, it is important to consider "ease of swinging." A major factor affecting ease of swinging is the "weight" of the peg hammer. Please take the weight into account as well.

Can you strike the peg with minimal effort?

The best type is one that allows you to strike the peg with minimal effort.

If you focus too much on the peg hammer’s lightness and choose a compact model, the small head will result in a smaller striking surface, making it harder to aim. Not only will setup take longer, but you’ll also waste energy…!

For camping beginners, a product with a larger head and a bit more weight will likely require less force to strike the peg.

How to Choose a Peg Hammer

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for when choosing a peg hammer.

Selection Tip 1: Head Material

There are three main types of materials used for peg hammer heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

"Metal": Stable and powerful

The most common materials for metal peg hammers are iron and stainless steel.

Metal peg hammers

• they offer superior strength and durability
• They deliver strong impact power
• They provide stability when driving
• the striking surface is resistant to deformation, eliminating the need to replace the head
  

and many other benefits, making them popular. However, because they are so strong, they are also heavy, and there is a risk of damaging the pegs.

"Rubber" peg hammers produce little noise and won’t damage pegs

Rubber peg hammers are quiet when striking pegs due to their cushioning properties. They also do not damage the pegs.

Compared to metal models, they are reasonably priced and easy to carry, which is another attractive feature.

However,

• they are not very impact-resistant
• They lack durability
• prone to deterioration
• and they don’t transmit impact well

there are also some drawbacks.

Since many products do not come with a peg remover, you will need to purchase one separately.

Inexpensive and lightweight "plastic"

Affordable and lightweight plastic peg hammers. These are ideal for driving plastic pegs. They are gentle on the pegs and are a good choice for those who want to keep their gear as light as possible.

However, they have the drawbacks of having low impact power and wearing out quickly with use, so they are not suitable for frequent campers.

"Copper" and "Brass" Heads

Some metal peg hammers feature copper or brass components on the head.

Compared to iron or stainless steel heads,

• the sound of driving the pegs is relatively quiet
• and are less likely to damage the pegs
• and the impact is softer

—overcoming the typical drawbacks of metal.

How to Choose #2: Handle Material and Shape

Peg hammers come in a variety of materials and shapes not only for the head but also for the "handle."

[Handle Material]

▪︎Rubber

Rubber peg hammers are often lightweight, and are characterized by how they fit snugly in your hand when gripped. They also absorb the impact when driving in pegs.

▪︎Wood

Peg hammers made from natural wood absorb the impact of striking. Since they are made from a natural material, one of their charms is being able to enjoy how their texture changes over time with use. However, these products tend to be heavier overall.

▪︎Metal

Peg hammers with metal handles are resistant to dirt and highly durable. Another advantage is that many are lightweight, making them easy to carry.

[Handle Shapes]

Peg hammers come in a variety of handle shapes.

▪︎Straight

This is a straight, cylindrical handle, similar to a standard hammer.

▪︎Textured

The wooden handle features a textured, carved pattern, providing better grip for your fingers and making it less likely to slip compared to the straight type.

▪︎Curved

The grip is curved, making it easier to hold and apply force.

Tip #3: A weight of 500g to 600g is easiest to use

The “weight” of the peg hammer itself is also important.

Generally, lighter models weighing 400g or less are easy to carry and can be swung up without much effort. However, the downside is that if you don’t put enough force into the swing, it’s difficult to drive the peg into the ground.

You might end up wasting energy by swinging down with all your might, only to miss the peg and hit the ground instead.

Conversely, while models weighing 700g or more can be used without a wide wind-up, they are difficult to swing unless you have considerable strength, and you’ll tire quickly. Additionally, the extra weight makes them harder to carry.

The ideal choice is a "peg hammer weighing around 500–600g." It’s easy for anyone to swing and drive in, so you’ll tire less quickly.

• I want to keep my gear as light as possible
• I don’t want to get tired from hammering
• I’m confident in my arm strength, so weight doesn’t matter
  

Choose a hammer that meets your personal criteria.

How to Choose #4: There are three main types of peg-removal mechanisms

Many peg hammers come equipped with a peg-removal function. There are three main types of peg-removal mechanisms.

▪︎Hook Type

The hook type is used by hooking the tip of the hook into the peg’s hole. Therefore, it can generally only be used with “pegs that have holes.”

▪︎Hole Type

This type features a round hole in the peg-removal section. You thread the peg’s hook (barb) through the hole to pull it out. A key feature is that many models are compatible with a wide variety of pegs.

▪︎Hoe-type

This type is shaped like a shovel. It is useful for digging up gravel or removing stones.

Tip 5: Pay Attention to Functionality

Many highly functional products are available on the market. Be sure to check for these clever design features!

▪︎ Interchangeable Heads

Some metal hammers allow you to replace the head used for driving pegs yourself. By replacing it occasionally, you can extend the life of a single hammer.

▪︎Non-slip grip

Even with hammers that have wooden or metal handles, models featuring rubberized non-slip grips on the handle provide a secure grip and ensure safety during use.

▪︎With a cord

Some models feature a handle with a hole through it and a looped cord attached. By slipping your hand through this cord when driving a peg, you can prevent the hammer from accidentally flying out of your hand due to the recoil.

Can you use something else instead of a peg hammer?

It’s common to bring your pegs but realize, “I forgot to bring the peg hammer!”

Here are some items you can use as substitutes in such situations.

Use stones lying around the campsite

When using a rock as a substitute, look for one that’s easy to grip and strike with. Depending on the material of the peg, you might break it, so proceed carefully and avoid striking it too hard at once.

Use firewood

If you’ve bought firewood for a campfire, you can use thicker, heavier pieces to drive in your tent pegs.

Alternatively, look for thick, heavy wooden sticks lying around the campsite.

TOKYO CRAFTS' "Air Dry Peg Case"

If you don’t store your pegs and peg hammer together in a single case, they tend to get lost.

Also, since pegs have sharp tips, carrying them loosely in a thin bag can cause the bag to tear.

TOKYO CRAFTS Air Dry Peg Case” is a Boston-bag-style peg case that’s easy to carry.

Made from durable mesh material, you can store muddy pegs inside right after washing them without needing to dry them first. Of course, the case itself is fully washable!

It also features a double bottom, so if you place a towel inside, it will absorb any water dripping from the pegs after washing.

It features a simple, modern design in solid black.

A peg hammer is a must-have for setting up a tent! Choose one carefully that suits you

A peg hammer is indispensable when setting up tents or tarps at a campsite.

Since you’ll need to drive not just one or two pegs, but dozens, using a makeshift tool will leave you exhausted.

If your aim is off, you risk wasting energy or even getting injured.

Even if you manage to drive them in, pulling them out during takedown can be a real hassle. That’s why it’s important to use a dedicated peg hammer to drive pegs smoothly and accurately.

Please use the tips we’ve shared here to choose the perfect peg hammer for you.