Why, oh why do people insist on using a ratchet for a hammer?
I totally agree with that statement. I usually use a pipe wrench, but only steel, not aluminum. When I was an apprentice all my journeymen taught me to use, occasionally, my 10" for a hammer. Everyone of them said "Don't let anyone else see you doing this, and if they do catch you, don't tell them I taught you to do it."
But I always use a ball peen hammer for drilling holes in block walls and for striking cold chisels.
Chilly