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.

Mine is 13 years old now, I have beaten the the living crap out of it. no special treatment - even my kids abused it and left it out in the snow. We most recently demolished an 8,000 sq ft gun shop into an indoor cannabis business. This is by far the best utility and demo hammer I have ever used. I had to pull HUNDREDS of broken arrowheads from 6x6 beams from the old shooting range. a 3 gallon bucket full of arrow heads from 40+ years of indoor shooting practice with crossbows and compound bows. I have have never had to yank, pull, twist or pry more things than ever and this was my #1 go to tool to get it done. Even the hand grip material is still in great shape. This is a tool you pass down. This hammer is basically Hulk Proof. ;-)

This is the most potent wrecking bar I have ever owned. When destroying something with your standard Stanley crowbar, a lot of work must be put into wriggling the beak out of whatever you are trying to destroy... This isn't a problem with the Annihilator, as each blow usually either bites off a big chunk of the object or mangles it entirely in one swing. The beak is great for splintering old wood/fiberboard and for prying stubborn planks apart, the axe cuts through drywall and plaster with a solid hit, the spike will punch holes where you need it, the hammer drives nails, the wrench-like head will bite onto and twist/rip wood apart... this thing is fantastic. I have made very short--and fun--work of many poor, hapless pieces of furniture and a friend's currently-being-remodeled home. Just be careful how you swing it, and wear thick boots... this thing is packed full of ways to accidentally hurt yourself!

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

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.

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

Das Ding ist solide und macht auf den 1. und 2. Blick einen guten Eindruck. Da ich auch Fotos vom ersten Dead on gesehen habe, weiß ich was manche hier zu bemängeln haben. Ich habe das Teil für 35€ bekommen und erwarte dementsprechend nicht viel.

My understanding, is that they don't even make these anymore. So, if you get a chance to grab one and you've got some 'wrecking' to do, get it! This thing is a monster. While it's definitely not the "Only tool you'll need", it does everything it promises and its weight and length means it really packs a punch.

Great tool

i have not had a tool that worked this well. i recommend anyone that needs to tear s*** down to get one of these there great.

Bought both Dead On Annihilator and Stanley Fubar. I like the design of the Annihilator but feel more comfortable with the build quality of the Fubar. Some reviews also had bad reviews re quality of the Annihilator. I will save the Annihilator for light duties or for wall hanger, which defeat the purpose of s tough wrecking tool. Too bad. Wish Dead on can review/fix the quality problem. This could be my first and last of Dead On products