Drive chisels with control and strike workpieces without damaging their surface.
When choosing a mallet, consider the face material, overall length, and head weight. To avoid marring, the face material should be softer than your workpiece. Use shorter, lighter mallets for tapping parts into place or making small cuts with a chisel. Use longer, heavier mallets for assembling joints, dislodging stuck parts, and making aggressive chisel cuts.