The head of a maul is generally made from either rubber or wood. These materials will give a softer blow than a metal hammer but with enough force to deliver an impact.
When selecting a maul, it is important that you consider the material’s various properties and its applications before making your choice.
Rubber maul heads
The head of a rubber mallet is made from a solid, durable rubber. Some manufacturers claim that they use a high grade rubber for extra strength and a longer life but expect to pay more for this. Most rubber mauls are fitted with either a fibreglass or wooden handle.
Rubber mauls are available in three colours:
Black or grey – for use outdoors and in damp conditions.
White – will not discolour or leave marks on surfaces.
Or check out the 2-in-1 maul on the left!
Wooden maul heads
The head of a maul can also be made from wood. A wooden maul will sometimes have rigid iron bands around the edges to prevent the wood from splitting and deforming during use. To complement the wooden head, a paver’s maul handle is also generally made from wood.
Which maul head should I choose?
Both rubber and wood are lightweight yet strong materials and both are resilient enough to only deform temporarily when striking a surface and will spring back after use. However, there are additional advantages to each material and which you choose will depend on your preference.
Rubber mallets are softer and, hence, kinder to paving stones.
They are also less prone to splitting.
Wooden heads have more driving force than rubber heads and are excellent for chisel work.
Wood is both universal and unique and there is something organic and beautiful about the natural properties that keep people hooked. These are just some of the reasons why wood tends to be more expensive.
If the wooden maul head becomes loose, leave the maul in a bucket of water overnight. The wood will expand thus making the head tighter on the shaft. This treatment can last for a number of weeks but should only be used as a temporary measure. Ideally, the handle should be replaced once the head becomes loose. For more information, see our sections How to replace a wooden maul handle? and How to replace a fibreglass handle?