Metal hammers

Metal

— in this case, metal means tool steel — a classic material used in most modern hammers (with the exception of straightening models and mallets — see "Type"). Steel is strong, reliable, withstands impact well and has a high hardness (although specific hardness values may vary). At the same time, the latter is sometimes a disadvantage — a hard striker is not suitable for some delicate work and materials. That is why, along with steel, other, softer materials such as plastic or rubber can be used for strikers; for details on them, see the relevant paragraphs.