The 6 Best Rubber Mallets

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.