In this article we review, what we believe to be the best dead blow hammers, currently available on the UK marketplace. These are unusual in the world of hammers.
They are in fact mallets rather than hammers. These are used to deliver a heavy but slower impact, but with less rebound, than you would get from a normal hammer. They are classed as a specialist type of hammer.
We have shown a picture of one below. These are not normally the type of mallet or hammer, that you will need for normal home use.
What Is a Dead Blow Hammer Used For?
These are primarily used by workers in the car repair trade. Often they are used for tapping out vehicle body dents, working on a chassis and also for working on hub caps.
In some cases they may also be used for freeing up cylinders. They are essentially used where some concentrated force is required, but you need to be extra careful around other working parts.
Some people use them to put stakes into sand, and even for quickly putting in tent pegs.
These vary in price quite a bit. A cheap one costs around £6-8, whereas a professional one will cost around £22- £25.
Video - Difference Between a Dead Blow Hammer and a Normal Hammer
To help explain the difference in dead blow hammers, and an ordinary hammer, we have included a video below, that shows the key differences.
Top 5 Rated Dead Blow Hammers
Just below you will find a table, where we have placed the dead blow hammers in order. The order we have used is the highest buyer rated first. In other words we have placed the dead blow hammers in the order, of what buyers judged their quality to be.
We have also included average UK prices, but be aware that these are always subject to change. Always check on the exact date and time when you are making any purchase. The ratings we update on a regular weekly basis.
if you click on the product name, you will be taken to Amazon UK, where you can read other buyer reviews. In this table we have included the rank, hammer name, an average price, our rating and a grade.
Please note the prices are averages as they change regularly. Always check any price if you decide to make a purchase. The Rating is out of 5 stars.
Rank | Name | Rating | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4.7 | A+ | |
2 | 4.6 | A | |
3 | 4.5 | A | |
4 | 4.5 | A | |
5 | 4.2 | B |
As you can see, the better ones cost around the £22-25 mark. These would be used by people in the auto and mechanical trades, who need a long lasting hammer. The cheaper ones are ideal for those who will need to do a little work, or perhaps some pegging or staking.
Dead Blow Hammer Summary Reviews
Underneath, we have completed short and concise reviews, on these top 5 products. That way you can see at a glance, which one is the best choice for you.
No 1 Choice - Thor 1010 Dead-Blow Nylon Hammer 1.Lb Review
Our Number one choice for quality and value
No 2 Choice - Amtech A1595 1LB Dead Blow Hammer Review
No 3 Choice - TEKTON 30707 Dead Blow Hammer, 64-Ounce Review
No 4 Choice - Graintex DB1459 Dead Blow Mallet, 2-Pound Review
No 5 Choice - Silverline 456887 Dead Blow Hammer, 40 oz Review
Dead Blow Hammer Buying Guide
If you are still unsure as to which dead blow hammer to buy, then the guide below should help you out. Like most hammers, there are a range of choices.We have shown what we believe to be the best of those above.
Most people will never have a need for one of these. Think carefully before you buy one of these, as they do have limited use. Plenty of people use these for hammering in tent pegs, but for me you would need to be a frequent user.
Which Type of Dead Blow Hammer is Best?
When you strike with a normal hammer, the force of the blow is delivered at the precise moment of impact. The dead blow hammer actually delivers less force, but that force is spread, over a slightly longer period of time.
Now we are not talking about a long time, but it is long enough to help prevent damage to a surrounding surface, or other delicate parts.
The important thing though, and why users like them, is that there is no bounce back, that you would certainly get from a normal hammer.
In the video below, a chap takes a look at what is inside a dead blow hammer. It is an interesting and quite enjoyable video.
So as you can see most use a low grade steel ball bearings. Some others use sand as a filler.
What Weights of Dead Blow Hammer Are Available?
These mallets can weigh anything between 1-4 lbs. The most popular are the 4 pound mallets or hammers.
What Are Dead Blow Hammers Made From?
We have covered a little of that in the video above. However it is also worthwhile explaining about the handles as well.
These do differ slightly as some are a steel shaft, covered with a polyurethane coating, whereas others, have a steel handle with a rubber or textured grip.
Personally I prefer the first type as they can do less damage to surrounding surfaces. I also prefer those filled with steel shot, rather than sand.
