Mallets: types and their characteristics

For locksmithing of parts and blanks, for the manufacture of wooden structures, carpentry and joinery craftsmen use a large number of tools that make it possible to create high-quality, practical and necessary things in everyday life or to carry out their reconstruction. One of the most important tools of professional craftsmen is a mallet. In specialized stores, you can see several types of this product, which differ not only in appearance, but also in the price range, as well as strange manufacture.

The mallet is a percussion instrument that is made from durable wood with a high level of density. The history of the creation of a mallet goes back to ancient times, when the Slavs used a large wooden tool to caulk residential and outbuildings, as well as boats before launching. The modern name of the device comes from the Slavic word cue. Professional craftsmen use this product when working with fragile material, the integrity of which can be compromised by strong blows from an ordinary hammer. The mallet consists of the following parts:

• lever;
• bike.

For the manufacture of the handle, manufacturers use dense woods, as well as plastic, metal and fiberglass. To prevent the tool from slipping during operation, some models have rubber pads. The main design feature of the tool is the mounting of the handle from the face of the striker in the place of the through hole. The conical shape of the handle in the place of fixation does not allow the head to come off during operation.

For the production of the impact part, dense, viscous and hard wood, hard rubber and polymers, which have a high chemical density, are used. The polyurethane head, which has improved properties and parameters, is in great demand. To increase the operational period of wooden parts, manufacturers cover them with special protective agents, as well as drying oil.

The mallet is used to perform the following types of work:

• straightening of metal sheets;
• straightening the surface of the car;
• installation of roofing materials;
• folding metal edges;
• Furniture assembly;
• laying tiles and paving stones;
• wood carving;
• installation of laminate flooring.

This tool is used in conjunction with a chisel and chisel. Due to its wide range of applications, the mallet has several forms of the bike head:

• round;
• rectangular;
• square;
• wedge-shaped.

The maximum weight of one tool can reach 1 kg, and the size of the product does not depend on its weight. The impact force depends on the length of the handle, as well as the purpose and model of the tool.

Modern manufacturers produce several types of mallets.

• Wooden Is a traditional tool used to assemble, disassemble and mold various structures. Advantages - universal purpose, affordable price.
• Rubber - a special product for working with fragile materials that have a high level of sensitivity to mechanical stress.Advantages - the ability to work on painted surfaces made of copper, aluminum or galvanized.
• Inertialess - a unique tool that maximizes the avoidance of chips and cracks. The main feature of this product is the presence of a void inside the bike, which is filled with small iron balls or small shot to reduce the level of inertial action upon impact.

• Construction - a special model that is used to work with soft structures made of metal or metal-plastic.
• Locksmith (straightening) - a working tool for tinsmiths who straighten and fold sheet metal. Feature - the presence of a slight taper on the round handle. The shape of the bike is rectangular.
• Lathe - an analogue of a locksmith's tool, all parts of which are made using a lathe.
• Joiner - a tool that is designed to perform chiseling work using a chisel or chisel. The peculiarity is the presence of wide and parallel sides, one of which is flat and the other is rounded.

• Plastic - a device that is used to perform work according to the double standing seam method. Manufacturing material - high-impact polyethylene.
• Sculptural - a carver's hammer, which is shaped like a rolling pin with one handle and is used for wood carving.
• For tiles - a working tool of the master who works with tiles and paving stones. Feature - the presence of a rounded head with a rubber heel.
• Double-sided - a modern model that has two working sides and is widely used for construction and installation types of work.
• Textolite - a specialized tool that has electrical insulating properties and is used in jewelry production and for car repairs.
• With replaceable head - advanced equipment that allows you to change the attachments depending on the type of work performed.

The choice of the necessary tool is influenced not only by the type of planned work, but also by the properties of the working surface and the parameters of the desired result. The most popular is a wooden tool that has the following characteristics:

• different wood in the handle and striker;
• no mechanical damage and burrs on a wooden surface;
• the presence of a protective coating of drying oil.

When choosing a rubber tool, you must rely on the following characteristics:

• weight;
• handle size;
• material of manufacture;
• striker diameter.

A tool that has a lot of weight and a long handle is capable of making a blow of greater force, which requires more physical effort from the master and contributes to the appearance of fatigue. Experienced craftsmen recommend paying attention to modern models of tools that are made of fiberglass. This material is not only highly durable and not affected by solvents, but also has a long service life while maintaining its original shape and properties. For delicate and delicate types of work, it is necessary to stop the choice on mallets with a small head, which has a small force and impact area.

To perform work on light surfaces, craftsmen are advised to purchase mallets with white rubber bikes. The black rubber work surface leaves stubborn streaks that can ruin the look of the structure. The principle and technology of using a mallet is the same as when working with a simple hammer, but before striking the first blow, it is imperative to know the properties of the material and its strength. The first contact of the tool with the working surface should have a low amplitude, which can subsequently be increased.

Working with tiles involves the use of light blows with a rubber tool on the protruding area. Particular attention should be paid to work in the corners of the product, where cracks and chips may appear. Experts recommend purchasing goods only in specialized stores that have quality certificates and all permissive documents. A quality product must comply with the established GOST 19645.

In case of an urgent need for a tool and the impossibility of purchasing it, professional builders recommend making the device yourself. The mallet creation process consists of the following steps:

• manufacturing of the handle;
• choice of material for the bike;
• collection and fixation of parts.

The cut out handle must be processed on a grinding machine, which will help to make the surface smooth and even. The recess in the middle of the handle will simplify the work process and increase ergonomics.

To assemble the beater, you need to string the circles on the handle and glue them together with special glue. The assembled structure must be fixed with a vice and allowed to dry with glue. To prevent slipping of a homemade bike, you need to fix it with a regular washer. The main advantages of a self-made design are noiselessness, ease of use, practicality, versatility and low price.

To make a completely wooden tool, you need to grind the parts necessary in size and connect them together. This procedure will not cause difficulties even for novice craftsmen and will require a small amount of time. Carrying out repair and construction work requires from the craftsmen not only professional experience and knowledge, but also special equipment and tools that will greatly simplify and speed up the process, as well as make it possible to perform high quality work.

One of the irreplaceable locksmith and carpentry tools is a mallet. Simple and primitive equipment has not lost its relevance for many decades and continues to be used for finishing and installation work. To purchase a high-quality and reliable tool, you must definitely contact specialized stores that sell goods from well-known manufacturers.

For information on how to make a mallet with your own hands, see the next video.