Best Rubber Mallets For Your Projects
Ever since he was a child, Jason has loved repairing, building and creating things. Growing up, he spent all his free time carving intricate woodcraft pieces that soon caught the eye of neighbours and friends. Before he knew it, Jason turned his hobby into a job, earning an income from being his hometowns handyman. Many years have passed since then but Jason’s enthusiasm for woodwork remains the same. He can usually be found in his workshop, crafting furniture or restoring old treasures.
1. TEKTON Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet
Key Features
Ideal for construction
Double-faced
High-strength
Exterior poly jacket
Non-slip rubber grip
One of our favorite selections when it comes to the best rubber mallets is this double face option from TEKTON. A brand well-known for producing high-quality DIY tools and materials, you can expect nothing short of the best from the TEKTON Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet. The double-faced head is made from solid rubber, and each strike you deliver is softened as a result. This means you don’t need to worry about recoil or putting too much strain on your wrist when hammering. This rubber mallet is ideal for professionals in the construction industry or home improvement enthusiasts looking to add something extra to their tool kit. Additionally, the fiberglass handle is incredibly strong, which helps the mallet absorb vibrations, and it features a soft, non-slip rubber grip that will never come loose. Best used for construction, woodworking, and automotive we highly rate this as being one of the best rubber mallets for your money.
2. Coleman Rubber Mallet
Key Features
High-impact
Durable
Double-sided head
Includes a tent peg remover
Wooden handle
You might not think you need a mallet when going out camping – after all, pop-up tents exist – but if you need to pound tent pegs into the ground, you might find yourself wanting for a mallet. In this case, Coleman Rubber Mallet will not only drive your pegs into the ground, but the attached tent peg remover will help you dig when out when it’s time to pack up and go home. The rubber head is double-sided, made from high-impact rubber, making it great for use on plastic, wooden, or steel pegs. This is another one that can also be used by professionals in the construction industry, as the durable rubber head and wooden handle can withstand quite a bit of force and absorb vibrations.
3. MulWark Small Double-Faced Soft Rubber Mallet
Key Features
Drop-forged and heat-treated steel
Lightweight
High-quality
Comes with a pouch
Durable
For users looking for nothing but the best in their next mallet or DIY tool purchase, we advise you to look into MulWark. The MulWark Small Double-Faced Soft Rubber Mallet is a double-faced soft rubber mallet might be one of the smallest on the list, but it is also one of the mightiest. Drop-forged and heat-treated, you will find that the extreme durability of this humble-looking faced rubber mallet. This is perfect for construction work, as well as any DIY work you are undertaking around the home. MulWark has also included a 35mm grip to protect you as well as provide a smooth, comfortable strike every time. Add this rubber mallet to your tool kit and get ready to work effortlessly on all manner of materials.
4. TEKTON Double-Faced Soft Mallet
Key Features
Non-slip rubber handle
Double-faced
Lightweight
Delivers extra power each blow
Comfortable grip
Another rubber mallet by the wonderful folks at TEKTON, this mallet is particularly useful for the home user. While TEKTON Double-Faced Soft Mallet is not a weak mallet by any means, it might not stand up to the rigors of construction. When using it around your home, you will notice that the soft face delivers a solid strike just the same as a sturdier mallet, and it will not damage the work surface. Even the lightweight tubular steel handle is made to withstand a decent amount of force, as it shifts the weight balance toward the head for additional power with each blow. This tool also benefits from featuring a good amount of grip.
5. CROWN Beechwood Mallet
Key Features
Lightweight
Good quality
Designed to be quiet
Delivers maximum blow
Durable
When looking for a mallet, whether it’s for a touch of DIY or you need to replace something in your tool bag, you want something with a strong handle. If it’s a wood handle rubber mallet that’s grabbing your attention, then this is an excellent choice for you. Beechwood is one of the best woods to use in mallet handles because it is, by nature – pun not intended – a sturdy, strong-standing tree. The CROWN Beechwood Mallet is our top selection for its beechwood handle. This exceptional quality mallet is manufactured from the finest kiln-dried beech, which helps this lightweight mallet transmit the maximum power with every blow while remaining quiet. When it comes to useful tools that you will use time and time again, this is an excellent choice.
6. General Tech STEEL GRIP Rubber Mallet
Key Features
Lightweight
Hardwood handle
Comfortable grip
Soft face
Delivers maximum impact
Sometimes you just need something simple, with a firm grip that will deliver the maximum blow with no extra hassle. The General Tech STEEL GRIP Rubber Mallet earned its spot on this list by having a sturdy steel grip that will not let you down in the slightest. The hardwood handle absorbs most of the shock from the blow, while the soft face rubber head is just as forceful as anything else on this list. Additionally, if you need to carry it around in your tool bag, it only weighs 16 oz, making it one of the lighter weight hammers on this list.
7. ONXIGLI ABN Rubber Mallet
Key Features
Fiberglass handle
Durable
Long-lived
Lightweight
Delivers optimal force
A new mallet for DIY or crafting purposes should, ideally, be bought within your own budget. ONXIGLI ABN Rubber Mallet is the best value rubber mallet you will find. ABN has designed it to last. The head is made from durable rubber, which can withstand extensive, repeated use. You can hammer away at pretty much anything. Simultaneously, the fiberglass handle reduces the vibration felt when in use, meaning minimal recoil and a reduced chance of aching after extensive use. This rubber mallet delivers optimal force with every blow, all without risking damage to the surface you’re working on!
8. Evwoge Leather Carving Mallet
Key Features
Ideal for crafting
Lightweight
Nylon head
Professional quality
Durable construction
And now, a choice for the crafters reading this list. Specially designed for professional crafting, particularly leather, the Evwoge Leather Carving Mallet is made from the highest quality materials (wood, nylon, and stainless steel) so you can work your leather without harm. Whether you are a professional or amateur, this is a crafter’s mallet worthy of your consideration. The sturdy construction of this mallet prevents splitting and cracking, while the anti-slip technology keeps it in your hand for as long as you need it. With a soft rubber grip it handles really well.
9. ZEXETT Rubber Mallet
Key Features
High quality
Double-faced rubber head
High-strength fiberglass handle
Reinforced head
Suitable for crafting
For more force when striking, the ZEXETT Rubber Mallet, a double-faced mallet – though soft – will deliver more power with every blow. As well, this high-strength fiberglass handle is designed to prevent slippage and absorb vibration. So, while you administer some of the most powerful strikes to your work surface, the handle will absorb vibration, making it safer to use. Both the head and handle are completely reinforced to prevent damage while in use, and the handle itself is a bit longer than a typical DIY mallet. This makes it ideal for crafters, as it’s great for leather and jewelry and home use.
10. AmazonBasics Rubber Mallet
Key Features
Lightweight
Contoured fiberglass handle
Solid rubber head
Balanced
Ideal for crafting
It’s something of a meme that you can get anything on Amazon, and to an extent, it’s true. You can even get this rubber mallet through the AmazonBasics range. The solid rubber head delivers soft strikes with maximum force, which can be great for shaping and direct strikes. This makes it great for woodworkers and metal crafters, and the contoured wooden handle is comfortable to hold. It also dampens strike vibration, protecting your wrist and arm, preventing them from getting sore after extended use. If you need something high-quality and are on a budget, the AmazonBasics Rubber Mallet would be an excellent choice for you.
Features To Consider With Rubber Mallets
We've listed out below some of the key features we recommend that you consider before going ahead and investing in the best rubber mallet for your workshop. Rubber mallets are essential tools, excellent for any job around the home or a construction site where you require the power of a hammer.
Mallet Head
When choosing your next mallet, consider the weight of a mallet head. The heavier it is, the harder it will strike. This is what we mean when we say that a mallet can deliver 'optimal force' when hitting. While rubber heads on mallets might be among the lightest, they are often weighted so you can get the absolute most power out of them. Following this thought, some mallets might have steel or brass heads, which might weigh more. As a result, they will deliver a heavier strike when used and be highly effective power tools.
Handle
It would help if you considered a couple of things regarding a mallet's handle: length and material. Wooden handles might stand up to less force than a fiberglass handle, while a long-handled mallet can move faster. You could, for example, invest in a hickory handle. The faster your mallet moves, the more energy you transfer to your work surface or whatever you happen to be working on. A shorter handle can be used for slower, more precise strikes. The downside of a longer handle is you have to hold it further away from the head than you think, while a short handle will cause more vibration to be transferred into your wrist.
Size
This one is a little more straightforward, especially if you are an amateur or DIY enthusiast. A few things can affect the size of a mallet, including the head and the handle's length. As previously mentioned, a long handle means faster strikes, which can be ideal for crafters. However, this also means the size can be quite big. A smaller mallet might be used for positioning. With this in mind, consider why you are buying a mallet in the first place. Then, keep an eye out for a mallet that will fit into your tool bag, so you can easily store it away out of arm's length when not in use.
Weight Balance
Mallet weights vary wildly, and this is the critical thing to consider as the head-to-handle weight balance of the mallet can influence stress to the hand, wrist, and arm after periods of extensive use. You may have heard the saying that a 'well-balanced [mallet] seems to swing itself,' and if you have used one for a while, you may understand this. Please give it a few test swings to see how it feels in your hand before purchasing a mallet. A lighter mallet will require much less force to use, but it should also feel comfortable in your hand.
Anti-Vibration Design
Mallets require a steady grip, so an anti-vibration design is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a new mallet. Vibration is the force transferred to the hand and wrist with each strike, causing damage to the nerves in your hand. As you can imagine, finding a mallet whose handle has appropriate and adequate anti-vibration technology is quite crucial for your health and safety. Keep an eye out for wood and fiberglass handles, as both these materials are excellent at absorbing vibration, making them great for mallet handles.
Rubber Mallet FAQ
Q: What are mallets used for?
Mallets are used for a variety of purposes. If you work in construction or are a home improvement/DIY enthusiast, you might use a mallet to fit two pieces of wood together or drive dowels or chisels. Alternatively, if you are a craftsperson by trade or hobby, you might need a mallet for different reasons. Mallets can be used to drive chisels into leather to punch holes or shape pieces of metal into jewelry. While mallets might look menacing and can deliver a tremendous amount of force, they are also quite delicate when appropriately used.
Q: How is a hammer different from a mallet?
The key difference to keep in mind when choosing between a hammer and a mallet is the anatomy of the two. While a hammer will have multiple components, as a mallet consists of just the head and the handle. A hammer's variation distinguishes it from a mallet (think of a hammer, with the 'head' at the front and the 'claw' at the back, a mallet does not usually have this 'claw.') Hammers are used for driving hard materials such as nails into soft surfaces. In contrast, a mallet can be used for more forceful tasks that require a higher degree of precision.
Q: Can I use a rubber mallet for nails?
The answer may surprise you: yes, you can use a rubber mallet for nails. Even though a mallet's head is made from rubber, it is usually hardened rubber to give it some extra strength and help it absorb excess vibration to prevent it from cracking. However, keep in mind that mallets are typically used for piecing together sheet material such as metal and plasterboard but can also be used for positioning tile. While you can use your rubber mallet when a hammer is not to hand, it is not always the best solution.