4 Specialty Hammers for Every Toolbox

You probably own a standard claw hammer, but do you have any of these specialty hammers?

A hammer seems like a simple tool, right? You aim it at something you want to hit – usually a nail - then swing. For a little variety, you can turn that hammer around and use its claw end to pull that nail out. While this is true, there are other hammers that have specific purposes. These specialty hammers aren’t as simple as aim, swing, pound. These specialty hammers are good to have around if you do a lot of different work around the house. Let’s take a closer look at these four specific hammering tools.

1. Ball Pein Hammer

The first thing you need to know about this tool is that there are two ways to spell its name. A  ball pein hammer and a ball peen hammer are the same thing. They’re just spelled slightly differently. A ball pein hammer has two different sides to its head. One is a flat head, and the other head is round. This circular hammer head is known as the “peen head” or “pein head.”

What is a Ball Peen Hammer Used For?

Well, the flat head can be used for just about any type of work you’d do with a standard hammer. For example, you can use it to hit punches and chisels, though there is a better hammer for that. (We’ll get to that later.) The peen head from which this hammer gets its name handles the specialty tasks. It’s used for rounding off the edges of metal pins, rivets, and other fasteners. This process is called “peening,” obviously.

2. Rubber Mallet

This is a hammer with a rubber head, as its name suggests. These rubber heads tend to be bigger than the heads on standard hammers and even ball peen hammers. The average  rubber mallet looks like a sledgehammer head on an average hammer handle. While it might resemble a sledgehammer, a rubber mallet does something completely different.

What is a Rubber Mallet Used For?

Rubber mallets are a favorite among woodworkers. They use them to force tightly fitting wooden parts together or apart. Because its head is rubber, the mallet will not dent or damage the wood you’re using. This is very important to anyone who wants their woodwork to look and perform its best.

There’s another reason woodworkers like rubber mallets. Because of the tool’s soft head, they can hit chisels with plastic, metal, or wooden handles. Like the case of working with wooden pieces, the mallet won’t damage a chisel’s handle. This makes rubber mallets a very valuable hammer tool.

3. Brass Hammers

Most  brass hammers are not made entirely of brass. These hammers typically feature handles made of wood, hard rubber, or fiberglass. They can also feature a metal neck. The only part of a brass hammer that’s actually brass is its head. That is where having this specific metal is most important to the hammer’s operation. As a side note, some small versions of these hammers are made completely out of brass.

What is a Brass Hammer Used For?

Brass hammers have a handful of benefits, which means they can be used for a few different tasks. Auto repair technicians use brass hammers because they don’t make a spark when hitting metal. This is extremely important to anyone who uses a hammer near fuel lines. You’ll find auto mechanics swinging brass hammers when they’re working on:

• CV axle/boot replacements
• Pinions
• Struts
• Tie rods
• Transmission flanges
• Wheel bearings
• And wheel hub removals

Metal fabrication workers make good use of brass hammers. Brass is softer than steel, so brass hammers don’t damage metal workpieces when being shaped. This is what makes these hammers the tool of choice for many metalworkers.

Lastly, brass hammers are often used by people working with a chisel, punch, or chasing tool. The soft brass head offers less of a chance of damaging the handles of those tools. The flat head of a ball peen hammer, on the other hand, might shatter your chisel or punch after just a little use. (We promised that we’d come back to this.)

4. Dead-Blow Hammer

Dead-blow hammers might be the most unique-looking specialty hammer featured here. Also called dead-blow mallets, these hammering tools have a hollow head. Manufacturers put a specific amount of steel shot, lead shot, or sand into the heads of these hammers. The tool’s rubber-coated handle helps reduce the effects of shock on the user’s hand.

What is a Dead-Blow Hammer Used For?

Dead-blow mallets are similar to rubber mallets and brass hammers. The head and rubber coating let you provide a soft blow. In automotive repair, these tools help install and dislodge parts without damaging them. The same goes for working on hydraulic machinery, woodworking, and other industries.

Trust JB Tools for Specialty Hammers

We know so much about these hammering tools because we carry these products. Whether you’re a pro or not, these specialty  hammers are good to have around. We stock our inventory with all of the top-name brands including ATD Tools, Ken-Tool, and Titan Tools. Search our inventory to find the specialty hammer you need.

JB Tools offers the best prices on the best power tools. All orders usually ship within 24 hours. Free shipping for orders over $99, and all other orders ship for $7.99 or less within the continental US.