Abstract: A more or less conventional claw hammer is equipped with a special magnetic insert in its head for convenience in picking up nails and tacks prior to driving with the hammer. The special magnetic insert is comprised of high carbon hardened steel which is heat treated prior to magnetizing and then press-fitted into a hard metal non-magnetic shield and the assembly is further pressed into a recess in the hammer head presenting a flush face which may then perform the combined functions of magnetic pick-up and driving over long periods of time without impairing the function of the magnet.