Log In. Alphabetical: Z-A. In these cases, a rubber mallet is a better choice. International Shipping. Products Products. Date Added: Most Recent Last.

The head of a rubber mallet usually has significantly larger striking area than a hammer, so while it still has plenty of force, that force is spread over a larger area. A rubber mallet is not a complicated tool, but you still have choices to make when it comes to the head and handle.

The standard rubber mallet head is simply a molded lump of black rubber or synthetic rubber. These mallets are available in a variety of weights, from a few ounces to several pounds. The drawback with black rubber is that it can mark some surfaces. As such, you will commonly see rubber mallets that are half black and half white.

Some rubber mallets are completely white. You might ask why they don't just make all rubber mallets white. The answer is that the white material, though similar in performance terms, is more expensive. The main disadvantage of a solid rubber mallet is bounce-back.

It's uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if you hit something with a lot of force. If it keeps on happening, it could cause a type of repetitive strain injury.

Some manufacturers use a forged steel head with rubber caps or tips. This offers arguably the best compromise between a hammer and a mallet, though the additional weight can restrict the head size. Also, having three components makes these tools slightly more expensive. The heads are actually hollow and partially filled with steel shot or another fluid material. As you strike, the content surges to the front, acting as a shock absorber.

As a result, there is virtually no bounce. While dead-blow hammers are advantageous in demolition and other situations where a lot of force is needed, many tradespeople prefer a degree of bounce to give them feedback — especially when a light tap or series of taps is required to set something in place. Wooden handles usually hickory or ash are inexpensive, and most people like the way they feel in the hand. These handles naturally absorb some of the shock of impact and are easily replaced if damaged.

There are a couple of negatives. Fluctuations in humidity make wood expand and shrink. This can eventually lead to the head working loose, in which case the handle would need to be changed.

Also, these handles also not very durable — especially if they get wet. Notably, a wooden handle with a polyurethane coating will be slightly more durable. Fiberglass handles are lightweight and have tremendous strength. There's little difference in price, too, which is why many consumers are leaning toward fiberglass nowadays. The only disadvantage is that if a fiberglass handle does break not common, but it does happen , you would likely need to buy an entirely new mallet.

Steel handles are all but unbreakable. They cost little more than wooden ones, so you would expect them to be really popular. They aren't. In our view, the problem is that they flex under impact, exaggerating any bounce in the head.

There is one further type of rubber mallet construction: all-in-one molded models. Usually dead-blow, the head and handle are entirely encased in a polyurethane shell. The result is very durable. Though sometimes these handles aren't very comfortable, it's seldom a problem because users would normally be wearing work gloves with this kind of tool. One final consideration is handle length. The longer the handle, the more force you can generate.

Having said that, we normally recommend spending a little more to get a quality tool from a trusted brand. As mentioned, there is little if any difference between the price of a wooden handle mallet and the price of a fiberglass handle mallet. Prices do rise a little when you have a mallet head made of two materials or a forged head with rubber or synthetic rubber caps.

Holding your mallet high up the shaft, close to the head, might seem safe, but it actually restricts your striking power and also your control. Instead, use a firm but relaxed grip in the middle of the handle. A rubber mallet might be soft compared to a steel hammer, but it can still deliver a great deal of force. Whatever you hit could break or shatter, so always wear protective glasses or goggles.

Accurate striking takes practice. The trick is to focus on the object you're hitting, not on the mallet head. The Coleman Rubber Mallet is a basic, low-cost tool with a useful little twist that will appeal to campers: at the end of the handle, there's a hook for tent peg removal. Can't decide which is the right size rubber mallet?

This set of three mallets — eight ounces, 16 ounces, and 32 ounces — gives you all the choice you need, and the cost is noticeably less than it would be if you were to buy them separately. Generally speaking, a mallet is made of rubber, wood, or occasionally leather. It has two striking faces, which may be of the same or different materials. A hammer is made of metal usually steel and typically has one striking face and another tool opposite it.

For example, a hammer may have a split pry for removing nails. It depends on the task. A wooden mallet is usually used to hit a wood chisel or to knock together or open up joints. A rubber mallet can be used for the latter, but if you try to use it with a chisel, the weight and feel is wrong.

Different types of mallets aren't really interchangeable. As with any task, you'll enjoy more success if you choose the right tool from the start. Is there an easy way to prevent a black rubber mallet from marking the surface it hits? The easiest thing to do is use a white rubber mallet! However, assuming all you have is a black one, try wrapping the head in a piece of light-colored material, such as a soft cloth or a strip from an old t-shirt.

The dual material head offers outstanding flexibility, and the durable fiberglass handle wrapped in a comfort grip allows for frequent use without wear on the hands or the mallet. The impressive inch size of this model offers extra torque, and the epoxy-sealed handle will last through frequent use. This versatile rubber mallet is light enough for tile work but heavy enough for metal work.

The fiberglass handle will take a lot of pounding with no signs of wear. The dual-faced head is sturdy enough for working with different materials, and durable enough to last. With a sturdy rubber head and heavy duty wooden handle, this basic model from a trusted brand is a good option for occasional work around the home. BestReviews wants to be better. Hardwood Flooring. Furnace Filters. Pipe Insulation. Heating Cable. Weather Gauges. Chimney Supplies. Air Conditioners.

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