deadblow

A deadblow is a type of hammer, mallet, or impact tool designed to minimize rebound after striking a workpiece. Its primary purpose is to deliver controlled energy with reduced bounce, decreasing the risk of misalignment, workpiece damage, and user fatigue.

The head is hollow and filled with a non-clustering material such as steel shot, polymer pellets, or a viscous filler. The fill is encased by a removable end cap or screw plug that allows reloading. The density and fill type influence the peak impact and rebound characteristics. Heads are typically steel, aluminum, or polymer, and the handle materials range from wood to plastic or composite.

On impact, the loose fill compresses or shifts, absorbing energy and dampening rebound. This provides steady blows even on delicate parts, allows precise positioning, and reduces vibration transmitted to the user. It also reduces surface marring compared with standard solid-head hammers.

Deadblows are used in metalworking, woodworking, automotive, and assembly work to align parts, shape sheet metal, set rivets, and install dowels without rebound. They are available in various weights and head shapes; heavier models offer more percussive energy but can be harder to control. For driving fasteners that require high energy, a deadblow may be less effective than a standard hammer.

Maintenance consists of inspecting the head seal, replacing caps if damaged, keeping the fill from leaking, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures.