Switched to a rubber mallet for my chisels after 20 years and wish I did it sooner

Everyone told me a wooden mallet was the only proper tool for hand-cut joinery. I finally swapped to a 16 ounce rubber mallet two weeks ago and my chisel handles aren't mushrooming anymore. Has anyone else made this switch or am I missing something with the traditional approach?

2 comments

2 Comments

miller.eva17d ago

I remember reading in a woodworking magazine that some old-timers actually used rubber mallets for things like dovetails because they felt it gave them more control. I thought they were crazy at the time but now I see the POINT. You're definitely not missing anything with the traditional approach if the handles are getting chewed up. A wooden mallet does have a certain feel to it but if your chisels are taking damage that's a real problem. Plus with a rubber mallet you can HIT harder without worrying about splitting the handle. I'd say stick with what works for YOUR hands and your tools.

craig.nathan16d ago

Wait, aren't wooden mallets supposed to be the whole point of hand tool work?