maillets

Maillets are a class of small, soft-faced hammers used for shaping, assembling, and riveting delicate workpieces without marring their surface. The term is often used interchangeably with mallets, though some distinctions exist depending on field. In metalworking and jewelry making, a maillet typically has a head made of wood, rubber, or nylon, and a short handle. The head may be solid or filled with shot for dead-blow action to minimize rebound. In woodworking, maillets are lighter and used to drive chisels or gauge blocks with a soft hit. In sculpture and leatherwork, maillets provide controlled impact for forming and setting.

Common materials include boxwood and other hardwoods for the head, and rubber, polyurethane, or nylon for soft faces; handles are usually wood, fiberglass, or plastic. Weights range from roughly 50 g to several hundred grams, chosen to suit the task.

Compared to steel or hard-faced hammers, maillets reduce surface damage and deformation at the impact site, and are preferred when the goal is to avoid marring, leaving clean edges, or transferring minimal shock.

Care and maintenance include keeping the head free of cracks, ensuring the connection to the handle is secure, and replacing worn faces. After use, wipe and store in a dry place to prevent swelling or mold.

Maillets have long-standing use in craft workshops and are a common introductory tool for beginners learning precise assembly and shaping techniques.