A dead blow hammer is a type of mallet designed to deliver strong blows with minimal rebound. The head of a dead blow mallet is hollow and filled with sand or shot. Because of this, the force delivered by each strike is spread over a greater amount of time, thus reducing rebound while minimizing damage to the target surface.
Think of it this way – as the mallet is swung towards its target, the shot in the head cavity will collect towards the opposite side in the head similar to how one can “fall up” in a dropping elevator. At the instant the mallet strikes its target, the shot is projected towards the target-side of the head. Whereas a rubber mallet would rebound away from the target at this instant, a dead blow continues to deliver an additional force.
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A dead blow is well suited for many assembly and removal applications. While most common dead blows have a non-marring plastic casing, there are many other styles available – dead blow ball peins, for example.
Good pro-quality dead blows hammers are typically priced at about $1-$2 per ounce, but we’ve seen certain brands go for much more, and of course you can find many non-pro versions for less.
rusty
The composite faced deadblows also do minimal if any damage to the object you are striking.
This is a major concern with expensive parts that may be corroded or gunked in place.
Brake rotors and drums are especially bad about sticking and the dead blow often releases the bond with no damage.
GAC
Dead blows either work or don’t work. Not much need for Tool truck premium here.
Superautobacs
The PB Swiss deadblow hammers are excellent. Instead of the common fill, they incorporated shaft containing several steel washers. For their respective sizes, they produce a pretty hefty blow.
Nick
The only dead blow I’ll ever use is my Wiha dead blow. Industrial grade steel all around, with polyurethane heads and 100% environmentally steel shot as well. Made in Germany and the heads of this hammer are built to last and not wear down after a few times like the Craftsman are.
I’ve used this to take apart a 200 pound bed furniture set and other items and this tool has lasted me well with no issues at all.
Bill L
Nick, what in the world is “100% environmentally steel shot”???
How can something be “environmentally steel”?
How about environmentally brass? Environmentally copper, maybe? Would you consider environmentally aluminum?
Stuart
I suppose he means as opposed to lead shot. If a dead blow hammer fails and spills out chunks of lead, it’s not going to be good for anyone.