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.