The 6 Best Rubber Mallets
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in July of 2020. Rubber mallets are designed for use on materials that would otherwise be damaged by the metal heads of typical hammers. Their softer striking surface is ideal for tasks like woodworking, shaping metal, or installing flooring. We’ve included a variety of sizes to choose from, so whether you’re assembling a birdhouse or banging out a dent on a car door, you should find an option that works for you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Ox Tools Standard Trade
2. Alltrade 648336
3. Tekton 30605
Editor's Notes
August 01, 2020:
The most important thing to consider when choosing a rubber mallet is what you’re going to be using it for. Heads made of white rubber, like the Alltrade 648336, or OX Tools Standard Trade, are essential when you’re working with any materials that need to stay clean, and could otherwise be marred by a black rubber head. Carpet laying and light-colored tilework are generally done using white rubber mallets. That being said, wrapping a black rubber hammer in a cloth, or tape, can achieve the same result.
If you're just looking for something to use for rough, non-cosmetic projects, black rubber mallets like the Bangerz Sunz Hardwood or our extra-large Tekton 30605 are just fine. Plus, they tend to cost less than white rubber models.
One of the most common uses of rubber mallets is woodworking. Often, when assembling a piece of furniture or joinery, two pieces of wood need more force than you can generate with your bare hands. So, since a regular metal hammer will easily dent and damage both hard and softwood, rubber mallets allow you to apply a good amount of force, while preventing any damage to the surface.
If rubber mallets are too soft for your project, consider one of these soft-faced hammers instead. They tend to be a bit harder than rubber, but still not as hard as metal.
4. Zexett 40
5. Estwing Deadhead
6. Bangerz Sunz Hardwood
Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.