Dead On AN18 18-Inch Annihilator Utility and Wrecking Bar

Dead On's Annihilator Bar was certainly designed by someone fed up with existing wrecking/demo tools. This thing is both sledge and surgical instrument. The spike is isn't sharp except for the tip, so you shouldn't get hurt with it. That spike is great for making small openings to find whether wires travel up or sideways. Both the handle and the head remove a significant amount of weight, leaving you to swing it for extended periods without fatigue. Everything else works well -- from the nail puller/s to the deck board adjuster to the hammer end. I tested the nail puller right away by splitting 2x4s, but it's also thin enough to remove trim cleanly. I like the hammer because it punches through even the hardest drywall as if you were poking a fork through paper. And unlike the Stanley wrecking bars, the drywall blade is sharp and includes a wire stripper (which works!), allowing you to slide down the wall. The day I brought to the worksite, two others ordered their own that night. Hats off to Dead On for really thinking this tool through.

I am always looking for new types of tools that I don't have, especially those that have more than one use. I have used this puppy for everything from twisting out studs to helping clear out an area to lay a water storage tank foundation. I have used it to pound concrete off of poles that needed to be reused and to tap/break flagstone. While not pretty, its robustness makes up for it. The pointed tip makes it an effective narrow gap prybar in a pinch. I got the bigger 18", and it's weight makes it quite functional for alternative uses. I had a handyman over one after noon and he saw me using this thing. He liked it so much, he knocking more than I paid for it off my bill, and I just had to buy another. I think this thing will outlast me, so definitely worth the purchase.

If you need to change the way a thing is, this hammer will do it. Good for defeating barriers.

I love this tool... its done everything I've asked it to do and more.

I just bought this for the second time. The first one I had was from about 10 years ago and man it went through some trauma. It does all kinds of things like being used as a wrench a nail puller a pry bar etc. My last one finally broke as I was using it as a make shift chisel on an old concrete foundation. It is a little on the heavy side but if you need a hammer that helps you stay prepared for many different situations this is about as good as it gets.

I haven't gotten into any serious demolition work with this just yet, but by the heft of it I can tell it will do well as long as I don't misuse it. For example, the point does work on getting tile up, and functions well as a basic wrench. It can also stab into your thigh while swinging in an awkward position. The hammer seems more suited for demolishing drywall and cinderblocks than for use as a framing hammer, but it can work in a pinch. I'd say that this is a good buy for the asking price. The fact that it looks suspiciously like the Shattermaster from Red Faction Guerilla didn't hurt my decision either. **UPDATE** So, it's been a few more weeks, and I've found that this tool is better than anything I have ever had. (I am a CASUAL handyman, and not a pro, so if you know better, don't use this opportunity to knock my ignorance.) Yes, hammering in nails with this will leave marks on the face of the hammer...all of my actual hammers, also have marks from nails. The Annihilator didn't deform on me, and the point is still intact. I haven't used it to pry doubled up 2x4s with it, but based on what it seems to be for, I figured it isn't supposed to be used that way. It does split a 2x4 nicely, and the board straightener is suitable for MY needs. The longer handle vs the 14" model gives better leverage. I don't just yank on the thing, I work it slowly, if it flexes too much, I STOP, and use the claw to pry out some of the nails. The bottle opener works, and is a nice way to wrap up a day of modest demo work. I haven't used the drywall axe to cut conduit yet, but this thing will DESTROY drywall. Watch your knuckles, the first time I took a swing, it went right on through, and I smacked my knuckles on the wall. The only gripe I can think of is the fact that the grip on it will rough your hands up a bit. Typically, not an issue, but it contributes to hand fatigue. Wear some basic work gloves, and this thing can be your best friend. I must reiterate though, this isn't a sledgehammer, it is not a prybar, and it is not a framing hammer. That being said, I still keep it nearby for work, and potential zombie attack. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of demo tools...good enough, but if you want something suited for the purpose then get the right tool. If you're planning on knocking down a cinderblock wall with this, DON'T. Use a sledge, then use the Annihilator for some of the tight spaces. The point is great for knocking up old mortar. I also find myself using this more and more on camping trips...it just seems to be useful for a broad spectrum of tasks, as long as you understand the limitations of the tool you're using. Additional note...coat it with some good gun oil. Any scrape, or exposed metal will rust pretty quickly. Just use a cloth with some of the oil, and wipe off the metal parts after use. YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR TOOLS ANYWAY. Hope this review helps.

The Annihilator is a do-everything wrecking crew. It is very well-balanced, and the cushiony grip absorbs a lot of impact. There are so many ways to utilize the built-in features and its replaces so many other tools to have to carry around. I am extremely impressed with the engineering that went into this tool, and so far it appears indestructible, but then again my teen-aged son has yet to play around with it. Even then he will have a difficult time harming this Armageddon-appearing wonder weapon - and yes, I do carry it in my truck in a tool bag easily accessible to repel would-be invaders, or help extract a motorist trapped in a wrecked vehicle, whichever occurs first. The only feature I have not used much is the sharp pointed end, which you need to be aware of because if you accidentally come in contact with it during use there will be a long ER visit. It is on my personal short list of must-have equipment. You will not be disappointed.

They say if you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Well with this tool, every project or person looks like addled flesh eating zombie. Sure you could buy it as a great tool to dismissal a wall, floor or part of a building. You could look at it and think it would be perfect for destroying zombies, robots, or giant amoebas from another planet. Or you could look at it as a great way to injure yourself while doing home improvement projects. Even with the safety cap crowbar like end could puncture your foot if dropped on it. With the safety cap off it's the perfect tool for losing and eye or damaging a foot. The hammer is perfect for using on projects that never needed a large hammer and the nail puller will go beyond giving one a concussion if it falls off a ladder onto one's head. If one went back in time it would be perfect for removing a knights armor, or just braining them. The drywall cutter is perfect for accidently shattering a friends bones, and the multi-purpose wrench could strip many a nut if used improperly. Use it to caber toss 2x4s. Marvel at it's black color as you step on it in the night because it is just a little too large to fit into many home toolboxes. In short, if you have great insurance and no sense make this your only hammer. If you are like me and bough it thinking that it was perfect for most jobs, you should seek some help. I love this hammer and use it gently. I also pay my health insurance premiums on time and keep a little in my wallet for the ER deductible.