Advice On My Mallet Please

[camano ridge]

You are not comming across like a dimwitt you are comming across like some one new to this and overwhelemed with choices and decisions. Every one here has opinions based on there experiences. IF you had money I would say keep trying different ones until you find what ytou like. However like most of us you don't sound like you have an overabundance of spendable assetts. All I can offer you is my experience of 40 years. I have two mauls I use for most of my tooling needs. I used to use a rawhide mallet and about 4 years ago I talked my self into getting two custom made mauls. I have never looked back and in fact just gave my rawhide mallets away to someone who had need for them. All of my rivetting and snap setting is done with a dead blow hammer. Although it is rubber coated it is not the same as using a rubber mallet. I set snaps and or rivets daily and it is done with a dead blow hammer. Your poly mallet will work for tooling for now until you get more experienced. Again what works for me may not work for others.

[zuludog]

You say you have a nylon soft - faced hammer. Thor is a good make; work with what you have, and learn to use it well.

Meanwhile build up your collection of other tools, and your experience

You can't really make much of a judgement if all you've done so far is one belt

A dead blow hammer is designed to have no bounce or rebound whatsoever, hence the name - dead blow. It is usually made from a hard plastic or rubber outer containing lead shot. It requires a definite effort to lift it after each strike, and is not intended for regular or frequent use. It was originally designed (and is still used) for the installation of heavy engineering components.

A hide or nylon hammer will do just about all you want at the moment, and is a bit easier to handle.

Do not be tempted to get a rubber mallet even if it is heavier than your nylon one, it will bounce too much. It is the lead shot in a deadblow hammer that gives it the desired effect

[zuludog]

I've just re-read your post. I must have been half asleep the first time because I've only now seen the link and realised what you've bought

You've got a Thor nylon faced hammer! They're pretty damn good, you can't really get much better

I used them in my job as a dairy plant manager, and at home working on cars. They stand up to serious use and last for ages. For leatherwork they should last for ever

The faces might be interchangeable, you'll have to check with Thor; so although leatherwork shouldn't cause much damage or wear, you could change one of the faces for hide, or copper or something if you wish. Have a look at their website

http://www.thorhammer.com

Just carry on and use it!

[Tramps Leatherworking]

Jazzman,

Although, I am an huge advocate for using the proper tool for the job at hand --- I also allow a particular tools limitations to influence when and if I need to purchase something different... Use the Mallet and you will learn its limitations, and then you can decide if you need a more specialized tool...