Soft Face Hammers

About Soft Face Hammers

Soft face hammers are essential tools designed to deliver controlled striking force without damaging delicate surfaces or workpieces. Unlike traditional steel hammers, these specialist tools feature heads made from materials such as copper, rawhide, nylon, or plastic, making them ideal for precision work where surface protection is paramount. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of soft face hammers from trusted brands including Thor, Draper, Expert by Facom, and Sealey.

Our selection includes copper hammers for non-sparking applications, dead blow hammers that minimise rebound, nylon and plastic hammers for assembly work, and rawhide hammers for traditional craftsmanship. Many models feature interchangeable faces, allowing tradespeople to switch between different materials depending on the task at hand, providing excellent versatility and value.

Applications

Soft face hammers are indispensable across numerous trades and industries:

• Engineering and Metalworking: Assembling machinery, aligning components, and working with finished surfaces without leaving marks
• Woodworking and Joinery: Tapping joints together, adjusting timber assemblies, and fitting delicate woodwork
• Automotive and Vehicle Maintenance: Wheel balancing, panel alignment, and removing hubcaps without scratching
• Manufacturing and Assembly: General assembly work where surface protection is critical
• Maintenance and Facilities: Machinery adjustment and non-destructive testing
• Stone Masonry and Heritage Restoration: Working with delicate materials requiring controlled force
• Jewellery and Precision Crafts: Forming and shaping soft metals without damage

Choosing The Right Soft Face Hammers

Selecting the appropriate soft face hammer depends on several key factors:

• Face Material: Copper and rawhide offer different hardness levels; nylon and plastic provide excellent resilience; copper is non-sparking for hazardous environments
• Head Weight: Ranging from lightweight 200g models for delicate work to heavier options exceeding 1kg for substantial striking force
• Handle Type: Wooden handles offer traditional feel and shock absorption, whilst fibreglass provides durability and reduced vibration transmission
• Interchangeable Faces: Split head designs allow quick face replacement, extending tool life and providing multiple material options in one hammer
• Dead Blow Design: Internal shot-filled heads eliminate rebound and deliver maximum energy transfer for stubborn assemblies

MyToolShed.co.uk offers hammers suitable for both professional tradespeople requiring daily reliability and DIY enthusiasts tackling occasional projects.

Safety Information

Always inspect soft face hammers before use, checking for worn or damaged faces, loose heads, and handle integrity. Replace worn faces promptly as hardened or damaged striking surfaces can mark workpieces or cause the hammer to slip. Wear appropriate eye protection when striking, as soft materials can shed particles. Ensure handles are secure and free from cracks or splinters. Never use soft face hammers on hardened steel or for demolition work, as this will damage the face material and compromise effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a dead blow hammer and a regular soft face hammer?

Dead blow hammers contain loose shot or sand within the head that shifts upon impact, eliminating bounce-back and delivering maximum striking energy. Regular soft face hammers have solid heads and will rebound slightly after striking.

Can I replace the faces on my soft face hammer?

Many models, particularly those from Thor and Expert by Facom available at MyToolShed, feature interchangeable faces that can be easily replaced when worn, extending the tool's working life and allowing you to switch between materials for different applications.

Which face material should I choose for automotive work?

Nylon or plastic faces are ideal for automotive applications as they won't scratch painted or chrome surfaces. For wheel work and general assembly, a nylon-faced hammer provides excellent durability whilst protecting finished surfaces from damage.