What is the heaviest type of hammer commonly used in automotive work?

The sledgehammer is the heaviest type of hammer commonly used in automotive work. It is designed to deliver powerful strikes, making it ideal for tasks that require a significant amount of force, such as driving heavy objects like axle pins, removing stubborn components, or breaking apart materials. The weight of the sledgehammer allows the user to effectively transfer energy to the target, which is especially useful in automotive repair and maintenance.

In contrast, other types of hammers serve more specialized functions. For instance, the ball peen hammer is primarily used for shaping metal and striking chisels, while the dead blow hammer is designed to minimize rebound and is typically used for jobs that require precision without damaging the workpiece. The claw hammer is mainly a carpentry tool and is not suitable for automotive tasks that require heavier impact. Therefore, the sledgehammer stands out as the most robust option for heavy-duty automotive applications.