Most trades that require the use of striking tools use a hammer particularly suited to the work. Consequently there is an enormous variety of specialty hammers made. Most commonly seen in a variety of designs is the carpenter's claw hammer, which is made for driving nails or tacks.

Other varieties for driving fasteners include joiner's hammers, tack hammers, carpet layer's hammers, upholsterer's hammers, cobbler's hammers, pattern maker's hammers, saddler's hammers, sheathing hammers, grocer's and packer's hammers.

Striking hammers for metalworking include the engineer's ball pein, cross pein, and straight pein hammers, as well as a variety of blacksmith's and farrier's hammers.

The repousse hammer and the jeweler's hammer are used for more delicate work in metal. The cooper, the wheelwright, the chairmaker, the shipwright, and the mason are other tradesmen who use special hammers.