Mallets & Deadblows

A deadblow mallet contains a chamber partially filled with steel shot or sand. When the mallet strikes, the fill shifts forward and absorbs rebound, delivering more of the blows energy into the workpiece with less bounce-back. A standard wooden mallet does not have this fill and rebounds more, which some woodworkers prefer for the feel it gives when driving chisels.

A wooden bench mallet is the traditional and most widely recommended tool for driving bench chisels. Its mass and impact style suit the repetitive chopping required for mortises and joinery. The Narex premium large bench mallet is a solid choice for general bench work.

Smaller, round-headed carving mallets allow you to strike a gouge from any angle without changing your grip, which is essential when working around a carving. Brass carving mallets offer extra weight in a compact head. See the Narex premium carving mallets and the Narex brass carving mallet for options.

Use a mallet, not a steel hammer, for driving woodworking chisels. Steel hammers damage the tops of wooden and composite chisel handles and transmit harsh shock through the tool. Mallets deliver a softer, more controlled blow that preserves both the handle and your tactile feedback during the cut.

The Grace brass mallet with Delrin face combines a heavy brass body with a non-marring polymer striking face. This makes it suitable for assembly tasks where you need significant mass but cannot risk marking the workpiece, as well as for precision tapping of hardware and metal fixtures.

Mallet weight is a matter of task and personal preference. Heavier mallets (over 20 oz) drive mortise chisels and large gouges efficiently. Lighter mallets (1016 oz) are preferred for carving and paring work where control matters more than mass. Many woodworkers keep both a heavy bench mallet and a lighter carving mallet in their shop.

A deadblow mallet can be used for carving but is typically better suited to bench chisel and assembly work. The non-rebound characteristic is less of an advantage during carving, where lighter, responsive blows are preferred. Round-headed carving mallets give better directional flexibility when striking gouges from different angles.

Bench chisels and mortise chisels are designed to be driven by a mallet and have reinforced handles for this purpose. Browse the chisels collection for bench, mortise, and skew chisels that pair well with any of the mallets carried at Infinity Tools.

Keep wooden mallets away from extreme humidity swings that cause the head to crack or loosen on the handle. Occasionally apply a light coat of linseed or danish oil to the head to keep the wood conditioned. If the head feels loose, allow it to soak briefly in linseed oil or swell in a humid environment before use.

Yes. The 5-piece master woodworker’s mallet package assembles multiple mallet types in a single purchase, giving you the right tool for bench work, carving, and assembly without buying individually. Browse the full hand tools collection to complete your setup.