Abstract: A shock absorbing claw hammer consisting of a head with a striking face and a claw portion and having a chamber extending through the head. In a first embodiment, an inset step is formed at one end of the chamber to receive a cover plate and an aperture is formed at the opposite end to receive a handle. and The handle is affixed to the head with an epoxy base. The aperture is incompletely filled with shot and a cover plate is affixed to the head. The entire head assembly is cleaned and finished to produce a smooth finish. In a second embodiment, a hole is formed at the top of the chamber, which is sealed and finished after the shot is loaded in the chamber.