The humble mallet.

[formariz 11,987]

 

Mallets are items that are not on everyone’s list of tools and perhaps not used by the majority of tradesmen. Not a glamorous tool but still important for what they are designed for. They are sort of specialized  for a few trades , woodworkers and stone masons or carvers are the ones that immediately come to mind, although some types can be used in general work. Basically most carpenters when using a chisel , use the side of a hammer which is ok for most spur of the moment uses but not ideal  specially for a chisel with a wood handle . 

 One can use or make a mallet out of anything. Commercially made mallets are available but since they are geared to wood carvers they are not cheap.  There are many different types ,different tasks dictating the type of mallet used but it’s mainly personal preference that affects the choice. 

  Below are examples of what I have here and  have used for years. 
 

 The fleet
 

 

 

About twenty five years ago I was asked to shorten the post from a horse wagon . This is what I cut off. It is ash and extremely light. It became my favorite and most used mallet. Rare is the week that I don’t use it.

 

 

Made this one 30 years ago from a chunk of poplar and walnut for the handle. Along with top one mostly used for carving.

 

This is a commercially made mallet from Lignum Vitae. It’s extremely heavy for its size and just as expensive. You pay by the pound.

 

 

Stone carvers mallet. One of my favorites. Lots of mass in a very small area. I have several of different weights,

 

Most of the time I use them inside of my hand. Total control for very delicate carvings.

 

 

Made by my son many years back, a favorite for using with a chisel. Head is made of locust.

 

 

Large one for heavier jobs such as driving a framing chisel.

 

 

This beauty was made by my son a couple of years back from a chunk of locust that was firewood. A great example of precise hand joinery .I can’t bring myself to put a dent on it.

 

These are great for assembling joints like mortise and tenon without marring work. The bottom one an Estwing is a great tool allowing a good feel for what is happening as one drives a tight tenon.

This poor guy was actually rescued from a basement clean out. It had a rough life. I figured it was owed a little respect and appreciation for its service retiring with dignity somewhere besides the garbage dump.

 

 

Don’t laugh. There has been a few times over the years where something has refused to budge such as from a stuck beam being slid under a structure to a truck wheel that just won’t come off. Just three comments come to mind when used. First by me which is usually “ just give me a minute” as I go to the shed where it hangs.Then by the other person which is typically “holy crap”, and then finally WOW.

 It weighs about 25Lbs. What ever it hits, it will move.

[Pullstart 62,843]

That last one brings a whole new meaning to BFH Cas!  As always, that you for sharing so many amazing photos, explanations and stories!  

[ri702bill 8,316]

We have a local Company in north central RI - LIXIE by name. Been making DEAD-BLO hammers for many generations - I have two...

 

[rmaynard 15,442]

 

Reminds me of the old hi-striker mallet at the carnival in my youth.

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by rmaynard

[Handy Don 12,216]

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

DEAD-BLO hammers

I used to use “lead head” hammers that would deform and need reshaping. Some years ago got two dead blow hammers similar to these. Revelation!

[formariz 11,987]

1 hour ago, rmaynard said:

 

Reminds me of the old hi-striker mallet at the carnival in my youth.

 

 

Incredible how similar it looks. This one came from a defunct horse carriage shop. I assume it was used to force wheels onto axle. I can’t even imagine swinging this thing over my head. It probably would dislocate a shoulder if not worse. I have never used it above my waist. 

[ebinmaine 67,459]

Excellent write up as usual Caz. 

Thank you for doing these. 

 

Over the last few years Trina and I have accumulated more and more tools in our arsenal while learning from many threads here on Redsquare and other places.  

 

A couple years ago when we were among several families that helped out a local widow and long time friend we bought and were gifted several hammers and mallets. 

They now hang on the top of "Trina's tool wall". 

 

We've added a bit since Trina built this in March of 22. 

 

[Darb1964 1,042]

11 hours ago, formariz said:

Incredible how similar it looks. This one came from a defunct horse carriage shop. I assume it was used to force wheels onto axle. I can’t even imagine swinging this thing over my head. It probably would dislocate a shoulder if not worse. I have never used it above my waist. 

A local fair has one of those, if you could ring the bell you won a cheap cigar. In my youth I could do it no problem, them days are over for me.

[squonk 41,081]

13 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I used to use “lead head” hammers that would deform and need reshaping. Some years ago got two dead blow hammers similar to these. Revelation!

I've had this lead mallet for about 30 years. Made by a friend's father who worked in an Alco Locomotive plant.

 

 

I use this little mallet to keep the riff- raff out of the shop! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[formariz 11,987]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

I use this little mallet to keep the riff- raff out of the shop! 

That little mallet is a rawhide leather workers mallet.

 

[Ed Kennell 38,162]

Here's mine.       It came from Iran in 1970.   

 

I wonder if it could have been used to carve my hard hat and plates.

[formariz 11,987]

51 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

Here's mine.       It came from Iran in 1970.   

 

I wonder if it could have been used to carve my hard hat and plates.

Since yours has a round end and also the presence of the “knob” at end of handle could it be a pestle. Mallets of that type usually have a flat end so they can be placed on bench upright. They will roll off bench on their sides. Handle is also a little too long for a typical mallet. Wear on the end would indicate that. Can definitely be used as a mallet .

 Gorgeous metal work as usual from that part of the world. Beautiful items. 

Edited April 22, 2023 by formariz