deadblow

plural deadblows

1. attributiveA hammer or mallet designed to minimize rebound from the surface being struck, useful in precision work and in tight locations.

   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.

   2000, Timber Framing: Journal of the Timber Framers Guild, page 11

   1 more example

   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.

   2008, Andy Rae, Choosing & Using Hand Tools, page 103