Hammers & Mallets

Learn more about hammers and mallets

Hammers and mallets cover a few different uses, so the right choice depends on the task, the material and the finish you need to protect. 

Steel striking tools feature drop-forged heads securely bonded to fiberglass, steel, or hickory shafts to withstand intense impact without snapping or loosening. Soft-faced mallets utilise rubber, polyurethane, or hide heads to deliver controlled force without cracking, scratching, or marring delicate surfaces like paving slabs, timber joints, or ceramic tiles.

Typical uses

• Claw hammer: driving and pulling nails in timber and general carpentry.

• Ball pein hammer: metalwork, shaping metal and striking punches and cold chisels.

• Sledge hammer: heavy demolition, driving stakes and breaking masonry and concrete.

• Dead blow hammer: assembly and knock-in work where you want minimal rebound and no marking.

• Rubber mallet: fitting flooring, skirting and components without denting or scuffing.

• Soft face mallet: joinery and assembly on delicate materials that need a softer strike.

• Wooden mallet: driving chisels in woodwork and joinery without damaging the handle.

How to choose the right hammer or mallet

• If you're driving nails or working with other fixings, a hammer gives you the striking force and precision you need.

• If you're assembling or tapping delicate materials into place, a mallet helps you suit the surface and the fixing method.

• Head weight changes the feel of the tool. Heavier heads suit demolition and driving stakes, while lighter heads give you more control for finer work.

• Match the face to the material. A steel face suits nails, fixings and masonry work. A soft face, rubber or wooden face is better for timber, finished surfaces and chisel handles.

• Handle and grip affect comfort across a long shift.

• Timber handles absorb some shock, while fibreglass and steel handles are built for regular use.

• A cushioned or textured grip can help keep the tool secure in gloved or wet hands.

Before you order

• Confirm the head size, weight, handle length and grip suit both the job and the person using it.

• Follow safe striking technique, wear appropriate PPE and check handles and heads for damage before use.

• Check fulfilment options, including Click & Collect and branch stock, so you can pick up your order when you need it.

Explore our range of hammers and mallets

Our hammers and mallets range is built for professional tradespeople and contractors who need dependable tools for regular use. Use the product details to compare the different types of hammers and mallets, then choose the tool that matches the work in front of you.