Essential Guide to Crab Hammers: Types, Uses & Care Tips

An Introduction to Crab Hammers

Crab hammers, sometimes referred to as crab mallets, are essential tools for breaking apart the hard outer shell of crabs to access the delicious meat inside. For those who enjoy eating blue crabs from places like the Chesapeake Bay or who fish for Dungeness crabs off the Pacific coast, having a high-quality crab hammer is a must.

What is a Crab Hammer?

A crab hammer typically consists of a wooden handle attached to a metal hammer head. The head features a flat striking surface on one side and a pick for prying and cracking shells on the other side. Quality crab hammers should be durable yet lightweight for easy swinging and leverage when cracking tough shells.

The hammer head is often made of aluminum, brass, zinc, or steel while the handle is usually hardwood. Hickory is a popular choice as it is dense, shock-absorbent, and less likely to splinter. Some crab hammers also have non-slip rubber handles for a better grip, especially when hands are wet or messy from dealing with crabs.

Using a Crab Hammer Properly

Using proper technique when wielding a crab hammer is important for safety and effectively breaking apart crabs. The process begins by gripping the base of the crab in one hand while striking the top shell swiftly with the flat end of the hammer. Apply even, firm blows until the shell begins cracking.

Once the top shell is fractured, the pick end can be used to further pry open and break pieces of the shell to expose the meat inside. Work the pick into cracks and joints in a twisting motion to break the crab into smaller, easier to handle pieces.

Take care not to strike too hard or at extreme angles as this can cause the hammer head to chip or fracture. Proper use will also help prevent hand, finger, and eye injuries from crab shell fragments dislodging.

Types of Crab Hammers

There are a variety of styles and designs for crab hammers suited for different purposes. Understanding the options available can help select the best crab hammer based on intended use, budget, and other factors.

Claw Crab Hammers

As the name suggests, claw crab hammers have metal claws protruding from the neck of the hammer head. These claws help grab and break apart crab shells and are useful when trying to reach meat in awkward spots like joints and leg cavities.

Double Pick Crab Hammers

Double pick crab hammers feature two pick ends rather than a flat striking surface on one side. The twin picks provide added leverage and effectiveness at prying up stuck pieces of shell versus having just a single pick. This style is popular for breaking apart whole cooked dungeness crabs.

Single Pick Crab Hammers

The most common style features a flat striking face paired with a single pick on the reverse side. This versatile design works well for breaking apart all types of crab species. Single pick crab hammers are affordable and suitable for casual or periodic crab feasts.

What to Look for in a Quality Crab Hammer

Not all crab hammers perform the same. When selecting a crab hammer, there are several aspects to evaluate to determine quality and durability.

Comfortable Handle

Having a comfortable grip allows swinging the hammer freely without hand strain. Contoured wooden or rubberized handles provide a secure non-slip grasp even when hands become slick with crab juices and spices.

Durable Construction

Given the hammering forces and prying motions applied, cheaper crab hammers can quickly break. Select a crab hammer with solid welded joints between head and handle. The head itself should show no signs of weak spots or cracks that could shatter under impact.

Proper Weight Distribution

Quality crab hammers feel balanced in the hand versus head or handle heavy. The hammer’s weight should concentrate toward the head for maximizing smashing power. Lighter handles reduce hand fatigue for extended cracking sessions.

While cheap crab hammers might suffice for occasional use, serious shellfish fans should invest in a sturdier option built to handle frequent abuse when faced with piles of unbroken crabs.

Maintaining a Crab Hammer

Like any frequently-used tool, crab hammers require proper maintenance to prevent corrosion damage and keep them performing their best through years of service.

Cleaning

After breaking apart a batch of crab, thoroughly handwash the hammer head and handle with hot soapy water. Pay special attention to any exposed crevices on the head where shell fragments can become lodged. Allow to fully air dry.

Sanitizing

For added protection against bacteria, occasionally sanitize the entire hammer by soaking for 5-10 minutes in a vinegar/water solution. One cup of vinegar per gallon of water works well. Let the hammer head sit in the sun afterward to ensure complete drying.

Protecting/Storing

Avoid leaving crab hammers outside exposed to rain or dampness which can lead to rusting. Have a dedicated storage place in a garage, shed, or closet protected from direct moisture. Lightly coat the hammer head in food-grade oil to inhibit corrosion between uses.

By properly caring for crab hammers, they can crack open bushels of crabs season after season.

Whether plucked fresh from the seawater or bought live from a local market, few things beat the communal experience of gathering round a table covered in steamed blue crabs or Dungeness crab halves. Just be sure to arm the table with at least one trusty crab hammer before diving into the picking pile. Because when faced with a stack of shells bursting with sweet meat, you’ll want a quality hammer along for quick smashing.

FAQs

What is the difference between a crab hammer and a crab mallet?

A crab hammer and crab mallet are essentially the same tool. The terms are used interchangeably to refer to the two-sided instrument featuring a flat striking surface on one side and a pick for prying on the other. They are designed specifically for breaking apart crab shells.

Should I get a wooden or rubber crab hammer handle?

Wooden handles like hickory are more traditional but rubber coated handles provide extra grip, especially when hands become slippery. Both materials are durable options, so choose based on personal preference.

What size crab hammer is best?

Standard crab hammer heads weigh 16-32 ounces and fit most adult hand sizes. Heavier hammers add smashing power but could cause hand strain with prolonged use. Match weight to your strength and comfort level when swinging.

How can I prevent my crab hammer from rusting?

Always handwash after use with hot, soapy water and fully air dry. Occasionally soak in a sanitizing vinegar solution. Lightly coat the head in food-grade oil before storing to inhibit corrosion. Keep in a moisture-free area.