Do you have a hammer?
mar-TEL-lo — stress the second syllable; double 'l' gives a crisp hold.
Use this straightforward request when you need a hammer. Follow up by specifying the weight or type if needed: martello da carpentiere (carpenter's hammer), martello da muratore (mason's hammer), mazza (sledgehammer).
Martello is the standard Italian word for hammer. Martello da carpentiere or martello a penna is a standard claw hammer. Martello da muratore is a mason's hammer. Mazzetta is a medium rubber or wooden mallet. The type you need depends on the task — for general household use, a 400g or 500g claw hammer is standard.
Un martello da 500 grammi.
A 500-gram hammer.
Hammer weight (in grams) is the standard specification in Italian ferramenta.
Una mazzetta di gomma.
A rubber mallet.
Mazzetta di gomma is a rubber mallet; useful for tiles and flat-pack furniture.
Un martello con estrattore di chiodi.
A claw hammer.
Estrattore di chiodi is the claw for removing nails; the standard carpenter's hammer.
Italy has a strong tradition of bricolage (DIY), despite a national joke that Italians prefer calling an artigiano (craftsman) to doing it themselves. Hardware stores report peak sales on Saturday mornings and after bank holidays — exactly when Italians are most likely to attempt home repairs. The ferramenta's busiest season is spring, when home renovation projects begin.