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Tools Hammers

Best Mallets

Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Jennifer has a decade-plus of experience testing the best products on the market, leading her neighbors to ask if she ever stops vacuuming.

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Wood Is Good 18 oz. Mallet WD205
Wood Is Good
18 oz. Mallet WD205

Regardless of the task, this mallet will get the job done and provide superior comfort while you're using it.

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Bottom Line

Regardless of the task, this mallet will get the job done and provide superior comfort while you're using it.

Pros

This mallet offers a round, state-of-the-art design that's comfortable and easy to grip. Delivers precise power. Has earned praise for its usefulness in woodworking projects. Handle is polished hardwood.

Cons

Expensive for a mallet. Very rare reports of quality control issues, including damaged handles upon arrival, but most mallets are designed with quality workmanship.

Best Bang for the Buck
TEKTON 35 mm Double-Faced Soft Handle Mallet 30812
TEKTON
35 mm Double-Faced Soft Handle Mallet 30812

You aren't likely to find a mallet that offers more for such an impressive price. It's built for multiple uses.

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Bottom Line

You aren't likely to find a mallet that offers more for such an impressive price. It's built for multiple uses.

Pros

Rubber-coated handle that resists slipping. This mallet stands out for its dual head that features plastic and rubber-like sides to accommodate different surfaces and materials. Lightweight, rugged construction.

Cons

Some consumers gripe that this mallet seems larger than expected. The head isn't quite as flexible as on traditional rubber mallets.

Stanley Tools 18 oz. Rubber Mallet 57-522
Stanley Tools
18 oz. Rubber Mallet 57-522

There's nothing fancy about it, but if you want a traditional rubber mallet with a classic design, this is the one to buy.

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Bottom Line

There's nothing fancy about it, but if you want a traditional rubber mallet with a classic design, this is the one to buy.

Pros

A fairly sturdy rubber mallet manufactured by one of the most trusted names in tools. Has classic design with wooden handle that's basic yet effective. Flexibility for use on variety of surfaces. Easy to use and affordable.

Cons

The rubber tends to chip and dent easily. The rubber has a strong odor at first, which tends to fade over time.

Crown Tools, LTD 4 1/2 in. Beechwood Mallet
Crown Tools, LTD
4 1/2 in. Beechwood Mallet

A good choice if you want a wooden mallet that is especially useful for woodworking tasks, though it's a bit pricey and won't work on all surfaces.

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Bottom Line

A good choice if you want a wooden mallet that is especially useful for woodworking tasks, though it's a bit pricey and won't work on all surfaces.

Pros

This unique mallet is crafted in solid beechwood, which is ideal for projects that require a material that's more solid than rubber. Earns praise for its balanced performance.

Cons

There's a chance some rough areas on the mallet will need a bit of sanding upon arrival. Rarely, the head has been known to pop off with heavy striking on hard objects.

TopBuilt 16 oz. Black Rubber Mallet with Fiberglass Handle 25050
TopBuilt
16 oz. Black Rubber Mallet with Fiberglass Handle 25050

Choose this mallet if you'd like to give the fiberglass handle a try. It offers nice craftsmanship and is suitable for many small household projects.

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Bottom Line

Choose this mallet if you'd like to give the fiberglass handle a try. It offers nice craftsmanship and is suitable for many small household projects.

Pros

Has interesting combination of classic rubber head and patented fiberglass handle. Comfortable shape and slip-resistant grip. Feels balanced. Reasonably priced.

Cons

Seems a bit too light for some tasks that require weight behind strikes. A few defective tools upon arrival have been noted.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
30
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Wood Is Good
Best of the Best
Wood Is Good
18 oz. Mallet WD205
Bottom Line
Regardless of the task, this mallet will get the job done and provide superior comfort while you're using it.
Shop Now
TEKTON
Best Bang for the Buck
TEKTON
35 mm Double-Faced Soft Handle Mallet 30812
Bottom Line
You aren't likely to find a mallet that offers more for such an impressive price. It's built for multiple uses.
Shop Now
Stanley Tools
Top Pick
Stanley Tools
18 oz. Rubber Mallet 57-522
Bottom Line
There's nothing fancy about it, but if you want a traditional rubber mallet with a classic design, this is the one to buy.
Shop Now
Crown Tools, LTD
Top Pick
Crown Tools, LTD
4 1/2 in. Beechwood Mallet
Bottom Line
A good choice if you want a wooden mallet that is especially useful for woodworking tasks, though it's a bit pricey and won't work on all surfaces.
Shop Now
TopBuilt
Top Pick
TopBuilt
16 oz. Black Rubber Mallet with Fiberglass Handle 25050
Bottom Line
Choose this mallet if you'd like to give the fiberglass handle a try. It offers nice craftsmanship and is suitable for many small household projects.
Shop Now
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