Woodworking is an art. It might sound simple on paper, but bear in mind it’s not as easy as you think. All those chiseled works of art and detailing come from good tools and a steady hand. And a true craftsman knows the importance of an excellent chisel mallet.
You can’t just use a random hammer to punch those chisels. Chisel mallets are not like regular hammers we use with nails. They are designed so that it exerts controlled force and does not damage the wooden handles. They also come in various designs, shapes, and sizes. Such mallets provide better precision while chiseling and carving wood. Hence they are the woodworker’s best friends.
If you’re looking for a chisel hammer, you’ve landed at the right place. Let us take a look at some of the best mallets for chisels. Along with that, we will also examine the types, precautions, etc. Let’s dive right in.
Best Chisel Mallet for Woodworking
There are plenty of choices out there when choosing the best mallet. And here, we have compiled eight of the best chisel mallets you will find online.
Schaaf Tools 12oz Wood Carving Mallet
Pros
- Sleek and ergonomic design
- Accurate and consistent performance
- Urethane layered head absorbs shock and reduces noise
- A comfortable handle provides an easy grip and prevents fatigue
- Extend chisel life with controlled blows
Cons
- There is no clear coating on the wooden handle
- The urethane head might come loose with multiple usages
This sleek-looking woodcarving mallet is one of the best of its kind. Its ergonomic design coupled with an easy-to-grip wooden handle makes work easier. It is not your regular hammer that you use for nails. This mallet is perfect for delivering precise blows and chipping required cuts. Carving dovetails and gouging mortise and tenon joints have never been this easy.
Highlights: The Schaaf 12oz Wood Carving Mallet is perfect for your everyday use nouse. The unique thing about it is the head which is wrapped with a urethane lining. This reduces noise and prevents damage to your chisel handles. Plus, it absorbs shock, thus reducing the stress on your hands. It also has a comfortable wooden handle which offers a better grip.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 12 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 10.4 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches |
| Size | 2.8 x 10.8 x 2.8 inches |
| Material | Wooden handle with urethane head |
Best Mallet for Chisels: Wood is Good WD205 Mallet
Pros
- Made of New England hardwood
- It comes with a soft, well-sanded handle
- Ergonomic and sleek design
- The urethane head reduces noise and absorbs shock
- Manufactured in the USA
Cons
- It cannot be used for hammering edges
- The urethane layer is thin and can wear off quickly
The Wood is Good WD205 chisel mallet is another one of the top competitors on this list. It is well-crafted and delivers excellent performance. The WD205 is relatively small in size but gets the job done.
Highlights: It features a sleek and well-polished design. The head comprises a green urethane layer which cuts down the racket while working. The handle is also well-carved and made of hardwood from New England. So, it offers a firm grip for the user and is considered unbreakable. The tightly-sealed urethane layer head provides controlled and consistent strikes without straining your hands.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.12 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.75 x 10.7 x 2.85 inches |
Wood is Good WD201 Mallet
Pros
- Durable and comfortable to use
- A thick layer of urethane on the head
- It comes with a smooth handle made of New England hardwood
- Provides well-balanced performance
Cons
- It is pricey compared to other mallets of the same kind
Let us look at another fine product from Wood is Good. The WD201 mallet can be considered the bigger brother of the WD205 mallet. They look similar in design, including the urethane feature. However, this one is slightly heavier in weight. You can use it with larger wood chisels.
Highlights: The WD201 comes with a smooth handle that offers maximum grip. The head is layered with urethane which makes woodcarving a breeze. Other than soft thuds, you won’t hear any other noise as it absorbs shocks and minimizes the sound. So say goodbye to sprained and sweaty palms.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.26 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 11.02 x 4.53 x 3.35 inches |
Estwing Rubber Mallet Double-face Hickory
Pros
- Versatile design
- Double-face rubber head for multi-purpose work
- It comes with a sturdy, top-grade hickory handle
Cons
- It cannot be used for big woodworking projects
- Non-shock absorbent
If you’re looking for a mallet for multi-purpose hammering, the Estwing Double-face mallet takes the cake. When you’re in your workstation, you’re working with different parts. Some woodcarving requires a delicate touch, while some require harder blows. The two-sided, soft, and hard faces of the Estwing mallet will provide just that.
Highlights: The Estwing mallet features a two-sided rubber head. One side is soft while the other is sturdier. These two faces can drive your chisels smoothly while applying controlled force. The material is rubber, as the name suggests. Furthermore, the wooden handle is made of genuine hickory constructed with a triple wedge.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.21 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 12.33 x 4.85 x 1.43 inches |
Best Wood Mallet for Chisels: UJ Ramelson Rock Maple Mallet
Pros
- Multi-purpose and simple design
- One-piece construction makes it last longer
Cons
- Prone to cracking and drying
- It can be stressful if used for long periods
- Since there are no joints between the head and handle, we cannot replace parts
At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary chunk of wood. But appearances can be deceiving. Such is the case with the UJ Ramelson Rock Maple Mallet. There is nothing fancy going on here. Just the required material and specs put together to serve its purpose.
Highlights: The UJ Ramelson Rock Maple Mallet is simple in design. It is by no means sleek but gets the job done. You can also use it for sculpting as the curved surface offers better control than flat-headed hammers. The whole mallet is carved from a single piece of natural rock maple. This includes the handle as well, which provides a controlled grip.
Product Details:
| Item Package Dimensions LxWxH | 9.45 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.39 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.85 x 9.4 x 2.95 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
| Material | Synthetic |
Narex 16oz Beech Wood Carving Mallet
Pros
- Well-balanced and sturdy design
- It can be used for a variety of projects
- Made of solid, top-tier birch wood.
Cons
- Not meant for delicate surfaces
- It is pretty light compared to its size
- The head is oversized for some users
Are you looking for a robust wooden mallet for your workshop? Your search ends here. The Narex Beech Wood Carving Mallet is perfect for several purposes such as carving, hammering joints, etc. Since this is an all-wood tool, it is not as stressful as other hammers.
Highlights: This multi-purpose mallet comes from a boutique tool maker in the Czech Republic. Hence, we can consider that it was handcrafted with equal love and care. The whole mallet is made of high-quality beech wood. And the flat surface of the head makes it easy to hammer carved joints. Plus, it has rounded edges, which makes it smooth and less prone to splintering and tear-outs.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1 pound |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 6.3 x 13.5 x 3 inches |
| Material | Beechwood |
Best Chisel Set with Mallet: IRWIN Chisel set with Mallet
Pros
- Made of good quality steel
- You can sand the wooden handle to your desired shape
- It comes in a handy and sturdy plastic case
Cons
- The mallet is unfinished
- The handle is uncomfortable to grip
- Some of the chisel blades have multiple scratches
Everyone loves a combo pack. And when it comes to chisels and mallets, you cannot overlook the IRWIN Chisel and Mallet 4-piece set. While you’re searching for a decent wooden mallet, you can add three more chisels to your collection.
Highlights: The 4-piece IRWIN Chisel and Mallet set comprises three different chisels and a wooden mallet. The handles come with polypropylene covering for maximum leverage and comfort. Plus, the blades are well-forged. On the other hand, the mallet does what it’s supposed to do. It is a solid wood mallet with a flat head surface. You can use it for carving and hammering joints for furniture.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 11.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.13 x 12.88 x 13.5 inches |
| Size | 4-Piece |
| Style | Set with Case |
| Material | Steel |
| Handle Material | Polypropylene |
Best Rubber Mallet for Chisels: TEXTON 16oz Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet
Pros
- Made for multi-purpose applications
- The rubber handle provides a firm grip
- The interior of the handle is made of durable fiberglass
Cons
- The rubber surface is prone to drying and falling off
- The head can be too heavy for specific applications
If you’re looking for a super affordable and well-built rubber mallet, look no further. The TEXTON Rubber Mallet is designed for an all-around performance. And the best thing is it is a complete rubber mallet. Hence, it checks the list for performance as well as handling.
Highlights: The TEXTON 16oz Rubber Mallet comprises a double-face rubber head. You can use this versatile mallet for soft as well as hard blows. But the main highlight of this mallet is the fiberglass core handle. This material absorbs shock and vibrations. Plus, it has a poly covering on the exterior, which protects the handle if you miss or slip your strikes.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 0.16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 13.6 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Mallet |
Types of Mallets for Woodcarving & Chisels
Mallets are of different types depending on the project you’re working on. So let us look at the differences between the varieties of mallets.
Woodcarver’s Mallet
This type of mallet has a cylindrical head and is excellent for carving and gouging details. The head is usually of foreign material like urethane, and the handle is wood.
Joiner’s Mallet
Featuring an all-wood structure, the Joiner’s mallet makes heavy-duty chiseling a breeze. The handle and head are two separate pieces of solid wood. The head-on some of these mallets are large with flat striking faces.
Rubber Mallet
A rubber mallet is one that all woodcarvers should have in their arsenal. They are helpful for hammering joints with controlled force. Rubber mallets come in various sizes and designs. Some are entirely made of rubber, while some have a wooden handle. The rubber head gives an added advantage as they prevent damage to the chisel’s handle.
Journeyman’s Mallet
The Journeyman’s mallet is the smallest in the family of chisel mallets. They are maybe small but effective in many aspects. The small design makes it easy to use in narrow spaces and chisel precise cuts.
Parts of a Mallet
- Handle – The handle is the part that the hand grabs while hammering. The primary thing to watch out for when choosing a mallet is the handle. If you get one with a rough surface, your hands will get coarse and tire out quickly.
- Head – The head is the part that is connected to the handle. It is the centerpiece that acts as the center of mass. Depending on the type of mallet, the head comes in different materials and sizes. They are usually all bare wood or have a rubber covering. For instance, you have rubber heads or those made of urethane.
- Face – The faces of the mallet are the sides that will be striking the surface of the chisel. It is the part that makes contact with the chisel handles while carving. Most experts and professionals prefer a rubber face as it prevents damage and lasts longer than wooden faces.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Mallet for Chisels
Weight
Usually, most workers prefer heavy mallets. They are less stressful on your hands and deliver harder blows. They also vibrate less, which is another plus point. Go for one that weighs about 12-20oz for the best results.
Material
Wood and rubber are the two most common materials used for chisel mallets. If you buy a wooden one, check for the quality of the wood. Another thing to note is that those with rubber heads will exert less force and extend your chisel’s life.
Grip
Some mallets will get slippery and strain your hand with long working hours. Therefore, the ones with a carved surface or rubber handle are the best choice. They offer maximum comfort and grip.
Shape
Depending on what you’re looking for, mallets come in different shapes and sizes. Some have big square heads, while some have cylindrical heads. However, most people go for the ones that have a cylindrical head.
Using a Mallet for Chisels and Woodworking
Not every mallet is made equal. There are various types of mallets used for different applications. So while you’re using one, the position of your grip gives different results. For instance, if you hold it in the middle, you can exert stabilized blows. And to apply maximum force, you can grab near the handle’s end.
Another essential aspect is to listen carefully while hammering joints. If you’re doing it right, you can hear the joints coming together. If not, stop what you’re doing, check for errors, and resume to prevent damage.
Lastly, you want to use suitable material for the intended application. For instance, if you use a rubber mallet for driving nails, it would damage the face. What you want to use is a cross-peen hammer for this. Consequently, a rubber mallet is best for gouging delicate details.
Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
So, there you have it. We have listed some of the best chisel mallets for your everyday use. These tools should be handled with care if you want them to last long. In addition, you want to use the right tools for the right applications.
We hope you’ve made your choice. But if you’re still stuck, you want to go for the Schaaf Tools 12oz Wood Carving Mallet. It is versatile and well-made, which makes it our top pick from the list. We recommend this product to all the woodworking enthusiasts out there.