The mallet in its various forms is one of the most versatile tools you’ll ever find. If you don’t have at least one in your toolbox now, you are going to want to get one sooner rather than later.
Rubber mallets are the best of the bunch, but there are a ton of others as well. Before long, you will know all about the different mallet types and how they can help you complete your next project.
What is a Rubber Mallet?
The name itself gives you a good idea of what you can expect from a rubber mallet. Whether you are working as a professional handyman or projects around your home, you need to have the right tools to get things done properly. A rubber mallet is one of those tools that you’ll come back to time and again because of its construction.
As the name implies, rubber mallets have a soft rubber face. This face comes in different colors, typically white, beige, grey, and black. Rubber mallets generally have wooden handles, but they can also have metal, rubber, and even fiber handles as well. The more you use them, the more comfort you’ll have with the tool at large.
Why are Rubber Mallets the Best?
That leads to the question of why rubber mallets are the best. The simplest explanation is that they are extremely versatile, at the same level as metal hammers just in different ways. For instance, you would want to use rubber mallets for applications that require a more delicate touch. Rubber mallets – so long as you have the right color – don’t leave marks when striking the surface you’re working on.
Mallets are also great for applications like woodworking, carpentry, laying carpet, and installing tile. The softer head allows for adequate power without delivering so much force that it does damage. If you like to take on DIY projects routinely, a rubber mallet should probably be in your toolbox at some point.
The Other Main Type of Mallet
While the rubber mallet is an extremely versatile tool, it is far from the only one you should have in your toolbox. There are other mallet types that can come in handy from time to time. The more DIY work you do, especially woodworking, the more benefit you will find in having a wider array of mallets at your disposal.
Dead blow mallet. While some mallet types are used to drive other tools, this one is meant to help with the overall construction of the project. There are two faces on this hammer, both made of hard plastic, that helps prevent damage to the workpieces as you drive them together.
Dead blow mallets don’t rebound, which is another nice feature. This one is heavier and delivers a firmer hit than your average rubber mallet, too.
Nylon mallet. Though not nearly as common as the rubber or dead blow mallet, the nylon mallet has one interesting feature. It has a smaller head but still delivers good power. It’s great when you need to have something more portable to bring to job sites.
The head is usually made of metal and has a pair of threaded ends that hold knobs into place. This mallet is also versatile, making it a valuable addition.
Wooden mallet. If you like woodworking, there’s a pretty good chance you have one of these already. Wooden mallets are considered the middle ground between a regular metal hammer and a rubber mallet.
This mallet is perfect for woodworking, especially dovetails and joint work. The only real downside is that you can’t really use a wooden mallet for much of anything else.
