A mallet is a type of hammer designed to deliver strikes without damaging the material. Mallets consist of a handle and a large head made of rubber or wood (as well as other materials). The tool is common in trades such as woodworking, metalworking, construction, and blacksmithing, to name a few.

Mallet Uses in Various Trades

There are several types of mallets designed for various industries and applications including:

• Woodworking: Woodworkers often use mallets to strike chisels and other carving tools. 
• Metalworking: Metalworkers benefit from the mallet’s capability to shape metal sheets and other components.
• Leatherworking: Mallets are also used in leathercraft to stamp or emboss designs onto leather.
• Construction: In construction, mallets made of rubber and plastic are effective for tapping materials (such as tiles) into place.
• Masonry: Masons can use mallets to tap stones into place, or to adjust bricks during construction.
• Carpentry: Carpenters can use mallets for various tasks such as adjusting joints, tapping wooden components together, or driving chisels and dowels.
• Printmaking: In printmaking, artists can use mallets to create impressions when printing from engraved plates.
• Restoration: Mallets are also essential for restoration projects. They can gently remove layers of decayed material from historical artifacts and structures.

Types of Mallets

Below are different types of mallets designed for various industries and applications:

• Rubber: Equipped with a rubber head, this is useful for tasks that require a softer impact. This includes woodworking and assembling furniture, among others..
• Dead Blow: Dead blow mallets have a hollow head filled with materials like sand or metal shot. This feature reduces rebound to deliver a more controlled impact.
• Wood: Often used in woodworking and carpentry, wood-headed mallets are less likely to leave marks on wood surfaces, as opposed to metal-headed mallets.
• Nylon: Nylon mallets have heads made of nylon, a durable synthetic polymer.
• Rawhide: Rawhide mallets have heads made from a leather-like material called rawhide. These types of mallets are common in metalworking, jewelry making, and other similar trades.
• Plastic: Plastic mallets are perfect for light assembly work, adjusting components, and other tasks that require a more gentle impact.
• Joiner’s: These are designed for woodworking tasks such as driving chisels and dovetailing, as well as mortise and tenon work.

Mallet Handling Safety

Proper handling is essential in preventing accidents and injuries. Here are some tips to ensure safe usage:

• Use the right woodworking mallet for the task
• Inspect the tool and check for any damage
• Work on a flat, stable surface
• Wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from flying debris
• Maintain proper grip. Keep it firm without causing any strain on your hands
• Use controlled strikes. Be accurate and do not use excessive force