Mallets and hammers are two tools that seem similar, but are actually very different. Although both are blunt instruments used to hit things, they are made of very different materials and have very different uses.
Choosing the right tool for the right project is critical. However, it can be difficult to figure out when you need to use which tool. In this article, we will go through an in-depth look at hammers and mallets so that you can choose the right option for each project.
Overview of a Mallet
Mallets are blunt tools that are used to hit things. They are made to change the shape or appearance of a workpiece. They are usually made of rubber, which allows them to be used directly on a surface without leaving any marks. There are also some wooden options, although these are less common. The purpose of a mallet is to create a softer impact and prevent scratches and scars on the finished workpiece.
The two sides of the rubber mallet head are usually the same. You can use either side to strike your workpiece. Both sides are often identical and balanced.
Mallets are not made for extreme hammering. The head is made of rubber and will bounce back, so it won’t cause much damage anyway. The swing and impact are relatively light, so they tend to be suitable for light applications.
Overview of a Hammer
For most hammers, their primary use is to drive nails. They can be used to drive nails into a variety of materials, though they are mainly used for wood. In a claw hammer, for example, there is a flat surface on one side of the hammer head that is used for striking. On the other side, there is a “claw” that is used to pry things. Usually, it is used to pull out nails. However, it can be used for many other purposes as well.
Uses
Hammers and mallets are used for different purposes. Hammers are usually used to drive nails. After all, that’s what they were originally designed for. Most people use them for that purpose. Mallets, because of their rubber heads, cannot be used to drive nails and can only be used with a tool like a chisel.
Also, hammers can be used to shape metal. However, they will leave marks on the surface, as you might imagine.
Mallets are better suited for striking pieces of wood or driving chisels. Due to their rubber construction, they do not leave marks on the surface of the material they are working with. They are best suited for light use because they bounce back and do not have a strong impact.
Versatility
Since there are many more types of hammers than mallets, they can be used for many more things. They can be used to pry things apart, drive nails and shape metal. Mallets can really only be designed to hit things very lightly, which greatly limits their versatility. Because of this, not everyone needs a mallet, but almost every homeowner should have one.
Generally speaking, a hammer will be much more useful if you are trying to decide which tools to put around your house.
Conclusion
A hammer and a mallet may look similar, but they serve very different purposes. If you need to hit something gently, a mallet is the answer. For things like chisels, a mallet is the best choice. A mallet can hit a work surface without leaving any marks, which is the main benefit it has over a hammer.
On the other hand, a hammer is really used for everything else. It can drive nails, reshape metal, and pry things apart. It is best used for everything that does not require light work. As you might imagine, this makes it a much more versatile tool. Most people should have several types of hammers at their disposal.
