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I think besides the maintenance issue, it's just all down to "right tool for right job". The hammer/ shield combo gives you more defense, and I would assume the chainfist variation would be less of a power spike if you wanted to- say- carve out of a rock formation/ solidified rockcrete. And of course, vs autocannon/ storm bolters, lightning claws won't do much- the old "Knife to a gunfight" adage.
But what do I know? I play Orks and the Power Klaw is our only power weapon option!