Buying the best rubber mallet should be a top priority for DIYers and professionals. In this guide, we will help you achieve your aim, by showing you the best rubber mallet to buy out there. Read through this guide to find out. A professional also needs to have a dust mask in his possession.
Generally, rubber mallets are versatile work tools that prevent impactful damages than steel hammers. With the best rubber mallets, you can apply a reasonable amount of force and be confident that your workpiece will be intact. Their non-marring padded heads absorb vibrations too.
Hammers that are used with brute force are designed to make much impact. While rubber mallets are impactful, they are designed with much ease of control. Also, rubber mallets are great for tapping laminating floor tiles, and plumbers use them as sounding devices to test drain lines.
If you need to install brittle materials like countertops and glass window panels, this work tool might be useful for the project.
When considering any mallet that has controllable impacts, the quality of the rubber head and dimension of its larger striking area are important features.
Usually, the impacts of woodworking tools like metal hammers often cause dents on the ends of chisels, surfaces of the workpiece, and wooden materials. With rubber mallets, you can install floor tiles and sensitive materials like glass sheets comfortably. Because of the rubber head of the mallet, it cannot be held in a magnetic tool holder.
Air hammer provide the same tension force, some times more than a rubber mallet.
RUBBER MALLET BUYER’S GUIDE
the factors to be put into consideration before getting a rubber mallet, are different from that used in a leaf shredder, as they both perform different functions.
Heads
A rubber mallet head is soft by comparison to metal, and even when used with considerable force, it’s less likely to break anything.
One drawback of the traditional black rubber mallet is that it can mark light surfaces, and those marks can be difficult to remove. For that reason, white rubber heads are sometimes used. However, the white rubber compound is much more expensive to produce, hence the popularity of dual-faced rubber mallets.
Solid rubber heads are the most affordable option when choosing a rubber mallet, but they do cause considerable bounce or recoil. Historically, professionals have taken advantage of this characteristic, but the constant shock along the arm can prove tiring and could lead to repetitive strain or injury.
Various methods are used to reduce the recoil, including filling the head with steel shot (called dead-blow) or using a steelhead with rubber caps.
Of course, each of these things adds to the price, but if you’re using one all day, the extra expense may be worth it.
Handles
- Rubber
Just like most draw knives, traditional rubber mallet handles are made of wood, often hickory. They feel good in the hand and are effective at absorbing much of the impact. Most are coated in varnish or epoxy to prolong the lifespan. If they do break, they’re relatively easy and cheap to replace.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular alternative because of its linear strength and great durability. Though, it’s smooth, so a rubber grip is normally added. Sometimes fiberglass handles are enclosed. Although breakages are unlikely if they do go there’s no way to repair them. Then it’s a case of buying a whole new mallet.
- Steel
Steel handles are a third option. They’re cheaper than fiberglass and immensely strong but are quite springy, which tends to exaggerate the bounce of the rubber mallet. As a result, they’re the least popular handle choice – with one exception.
Demolition mallets of the dead-blow type quite often have steel handles, but the whole thing, including the head, is encased in polyurethane. Any minimal recoil isn’t a problem because “feel” isn’t an issue when you’re knocking down walls. Also most coping saws use steel for their handles, because of the sturdiness of the steel material.
Price
The low price of most rubber mallets means there’s no excuse for not having the right tool. Spending $10 or $15 will buy you a good all-rounder, and even the best are usually less than $30. The exception is large dead-blow demolition hammers (technically still a mallet) can be $60 or more.
BEST RUBBER MALLETS
NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
TEKTON Rubber Mallet 30603 | Double-faced, non-marking solid rubber head delivers a softened positive strike
High-strength fiberglass handle core helps absorb vibrations The exterior poly jacket protects handle core from missed strikes The soft, nonslip rubber grip is a directly integrated piece of the handle that can never pull loose Made for construction, woodworking, and automotive applications |
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ABN Rubber Mallet | Black Rubber Hammer
No More Damage Fiberglass Handle Built to Last |
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Alltrade Rubber Mallet | Round metal handle.
Durable. White rubber head that won’t leave marks. |
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Vaughan Rubber Mallet | Professional rubber mallet with forged steelhead
Excellent balance helps reduce arm fatigue Triple-wedged, the white hickory handle has been epoxy sealed for better grip and long life Includes 1 white 2-Inch tip and 1 black 2-Inch tip Measures 14-Inch long; backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
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Estwing Deadhead Mallet DH-18N | Gray rubber head
Non-marring Hickory handle Two sizes: 12 oz. and 18 oz. Made in the U.S.A. |
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Gunpla Rubber Mallet | double rubber faces.
reduced shock. stainless steel handle rubberized ergonomic grip precision-balanced: |
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Coleman Rubber Mallet | Double-headed mallet design
Handle notches to easily pull tent pegs High-impact, durable ABS construction |
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Estwing Rubber Mallet DFH12 | Dual hard plastic faces: one hard, one soft
Non-marring Hickory handle Made in the U.S.A. |
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HORUSDY Rubber Mallet | The 5-piece hammer set, made of high-quality steel, is sturdy and durable and is widely used to strike a variety of things.
Including 16 oz. Ball Pain Hammer, 32 oz. Ball Pain Hammer and Rubber Mallet, 3 lb. Sledge Hammer and Cross Pain Hammer。 Comfortable non-slip handles reduce damage to your arms and allow you to work long hours. |
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Great Neck Saw RM8 Rubber Mallet | Hardwood Handle is Durable and Easy to Hold
Chemical Resistant Rubber Head Perfect for DIY or Professional Use Limited Lifetime Warranty |
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TEKTON Rubber Mallet 30603
The TEKTON 30603 mallet has a lightweight, double-faced solid rubber head and a handle with a durable fiberglass core to help prevent some of the vibrations. The handle is surrounded by an exterior poly jacket that protects the fiberglass core and helps absorb some of the impacts of missed strikes. It also has a rubber grip so your hand doesn’t slip upon impact.
When we used this mallet, it left marks that we had to wipe off our surface continually. You might even say that the surface leaves a mark on the mallet because a little bit of rubber is chipped off the edge with every strike. We also found that the rubber head wasn’t securely attached to the handle
PROS | CONS |
Dual-color rubber heads | The piece of plastic that binds the handle and rubber head is not sturdy. |
Fiberglass and anti-slip handle | |
It’s ideal for soft and hardwood |
ABN Rubber Mallet
ONXIGLI ABN Mallet is a blend of affordability and functionality. This 32-ounce rubber mallet can be used on a finished piece safely.
It comes with molded rubber handles with that’s compact and allows you to grip conveniently. You shouldn’t worry about a broken handle because this ABN rubber mallet is reliable. Also, the cushioning material on this handle is oil-resistant and easy to clean.
Usually, regular rubber mallets leave black marks (smudge) on the surface of a workpiece. It’s a different experience with this non-marking version. While the head is solid, its rubber material is well-textured and durable. The ABN mallet can deliver soft strikes and prevent damage on a surface.
PROS | CONS |
The shock-absorbing handle reduces the level of vibration from strikes | This 11-inch fiberglass handle might not be comfortable for users with small hands. |
Its rubber head fits heavy-duty applications | |
It comes with an oversized handle that provides a secure grip |
Alltrade Rubber Mallet
The 16Oz White Rubber Mallet (648336) by Alltrade has a 16-ounce, non-marring white rubber head, with a sturdy, lightweight tubular steel handle. The rubber grip on the end of the handle will help keep the mallet from slipping in your hand and give you better control over your strikes.
This mallet is big. It’s too big for small, around-the-house jobs. However, those are the only jobs that this mallet can handle. It has a cheaper grade of rubber that chips off when you strike it against something. The white head also shows every bit of wear and tear. The flaking off of the rubber wouldn’t be as noticeable if the head were black.
PROS | CONS |
Strong, lightweight tubular steel handle | Rubber chips |
16-ounce non-marring white rubber head | Shows wear |
Non-slip rubber grip | Too big for small jobs around the house |
Vaughan Rubber Mallet
One of the amazing features of this Vaughan rubber mallet is the ‘Sure-Lock’ wedge. It holds the hickory handle core with the rubber head securely.
The design ensures consistent strikes with these non-marring white and black tips. Also, these small-profile 2-inch tips allow accurate and soft strikes on surface materials. However, you’ll need the white tip for a non-stain use on your workpiece.
This 14-inch rubber mallet comes with a hickory handle that is attached to a triple-wedge steelhead.
PROS | CONS |
MADE IN USA | none |
Rust-resistant powder coat finish on smooth ground sides and solid steel handle. | |
Molded slip-resistant grip | |
Computer-designed for superior balance to reduce fatigue | |
Comes with two replaceable 2″ diameter rubber tips; one non-marring white for “clean” work, one black | |
Beautifully balanced light two-faced hammer with 13″ handle |
Estwing Deadhead Mallet DH-18N
Estwing’s Gray Rubber Deadhead® Mallet is bounce resistant and non-marring with a top grade hickory handle.
It offers long-lasting life with the ease of maintenance. Additionally, you can control the rate of bounce safely. Quality mallets have sturdy designs, and their excellent balance provides extra driving power for a range of hammering applications.
PROS | CONS |
Comfortable grip with the ease of control | The hickory handle is very thick. |
Smooth and sturdy hickory (Carya) handle | |
Bounce-resistant head |
Gunpla Rubber Mallet
Usually, compact handles that allow better grips and their anti-vibration rubber heads are suitable for driving sheet metal. Gunpla 8-oz Mallet comes with heavy-duty rubber heads that protect the surface of the workpiece from impact damages.
This double-headed rubber design is convenient for tough projects. It’s suitable for laminate flooring materials, and sensitive surfaces. As a pro-grade tool, you don’t need much energy to make decent strikes with this Gunpla mallet.
You need hammering tools with sturdy components to make accurate strikes. However, the handle is a blend of stainless steel and an anti-slip grip that attaches to the rubber head. Apart from this ergonomic design, this rubber mallet produces great results.
PROS | CONS |
Anti-vibration technology | The stainless steel handle is not sturdy. |
The rubber head fits heavy-duty applications | |
Non-slip stainless steel |
Coleman Rubber Mallet
The double-sided head is made of high-impact ABS plastic. When the fun is done, specially-designed openings on the handle give you the leverage to pull your tent pegs, no matter how hard the ground is.
PROS | CONS |
Tent stake remover | Need to loosen stakes before pulling |
Double-sided high-impact rubber head | Really strong rubber odor out of the bag |
Wooden handle | Heavy |
Estwing Rubber Mallet DFH12
12 oz mallet has a hickory handle, dual hard plastic faces, and tips connected by forged steel. This double-faced hammer is used for assembling furniture, setting dowels and wood projects that require non-marring blows. The hammer features two different types of heads, one soft and one hard for working on various tasks. Genuine top grade 10 1/2 inch curved hickory handle with triple wedge construction. The yellow cap is 60 Shore D and the red 40 Shore D.
PROS | CONS |
The hickory handle allows for a comfortable grip and easy control | The hickory handle is not well sanded and might cause a splinter in your hand. |
Double-face soft and hard rubber heads | |
It’s easy to identify the rubber heads that offer soft or hard strikes. | |
A secure attachment between the hammerhead and its handle |
HORUSDY Rubber Mallet
This set of HORUSDY tools contains a 32oz double-face mallet. Its fiberglass handle has shock-absorbing properties that fit chisels and marble countertops. You can apply soft striking force on a range of materials too. Usually, low-vibration mallets are comfortable to use during long periods of work.
While this HORUSDY rubber mallet reduces noise from impacts, its non-slip handle can be used with wet hands. Another impressive design is the effectiveness of these black rubber heads. You can use them on sheet metal and woodwork projects.
PROS | CONS |
Sturdy and durable components | It might not be affordable than regular rubber mallets. |
Non-slip and textured handle | |
It’s ideal for DIY and professional applications. |
Great Neck Saw RM8 Rubber Mallet
The Great Neck Saw RM8 Rubber Mallet has a double-sided rubber head attached to a solid wooden handle. The handle is very slim and will need to be wrapped in tape to be comfortable for any hands that aren’t small. This mallet is also too lightweight and small. It doesn’t have enough power to handle big jobs. It’s strictly for occasional around-the-house use. Any blows, even light ones, chip away at the rubber with each strike.
PROS | CONS |
Wooden handle | Too small |
Double-sided RM8 rubber head | Rubber chips easily |
CONCLUSION
Buying the best rubber mallets has been made easy with this guide, you are covered if you follow this guide. The rubber mallets above are of great quality, you will be pleased if you purchase any.