deadblow

deadblow

English

Etymology

dead +‎ blow

Noun

deadblow (plural deadblows)

1. (chiefly attributive) A hammer or mallet designed to minimize rebound from the surface being struck, useful in precision work and in tight locations.
   • 2000, Timber Framing: Journal of the Timber Framers Guild (page 11)

     The most important is that the feel of the chisel's cutting action should be transmitted through the mallet to the operator. Wood, steel and rawhide do this well; deadblow mallets don't.

   • 2008, Andy Rae, Choosing & Using Hand Tools (page 103)

     The lack of vibration makes deadblows a good choice for case construction and other large panelwork, or wherever you need to hammer parts home in a controlled manner. But this style of hammer also excels at smaller work, too.