What type of mallet should be used to hammer without marring the surface?

The rubber mallet is specifically designed to deliver a softer impact that minimizes the risk of damaging or marring the surface of materials being worked on. Its composition allows for the force to be distributed more evenly, which helps to prevent indentations or scratches that can occur with harder materials. This makes the rubber mallet an ideal choice when working with delicate surfaces or when precision is needed, such as in woodworking, crafting, or assembling furniture.

In contrast, other types of mallets, like wooden, plastic, or metal, do not offer the same level of protection against surface damage. Wooden mallets can potentially leave marks, especially on softer woods, while metal mallets can cause significant marring due to their rigidity and hardness. Plastic mallets, although somewhat softer than metal, can still cause damage depending on the material they are impacting, making rubber the most suitable option for tasks requiring careful handling.