Leather Mallets vs. Mauls: A Complete Guide for Leathercrafters
The right strike makes all the difference. Whether you’re tooling a floral pattern, setting hardware, or driving a punch, choosing the correct striking tool is essential. That’s where leather mallets and leather mauls come in.
At Weaver Leather Supply, we’re often asked: What’s the difference between a leather mallet and a leather maul—and which one should I use? This guide breaks it down so you can work cleaner, longer, and with better control at your workbench.
What Are Leather Mallets and Mauls?
Both mallets and mauls are leatherworking tools designed to strike stamps, punches, chisels, and setters without damaging your tools—or your hands. Unlike standard hammers, they’re built to deliver controlled force with minimal rebound.
The key difference comes down to shape, balance, and how the force is delivered.
What Is a Leather Mallet?
A leather mallet typically features a cylindrical or barrel-shaped head, often made from rawhide, poly, or nylon. Mallets are lightweight and versatile, making them a popular choice for general leatherwork.
Best Uses for a Leather Mallet
- Light to moderate tooling
- Setting snaps, rivets, and grommets
- Driving stitching chisels
- General shop use
Why Choose a Mallet?
Leather mallets are easy to control and familiar to beginners. If you’re just building your kit of leathercraft basics, a mallet is often the first striking tool you’ll reach for.
What Is a Leather Maul?
A leather maul has a round, domed head and a weighted, balanced design that delivers force straight down through the tool. The handle is usually centered under the head, allowing gravity to do more of the work.
Best Uses for a Leather Maul
- Leather stamping and tooling
- Basketweave and geometric patterns
- Consistent, repeated strikes
- Longer tooling sessions
Why Choose a Maul?
Mauls reduce wrist fatigue and provide excellent control. Many experienced leathercrafters prefer mauls for detailed tooling because each strike lands cleanly and evenly.
Leather Mallet vs. Maul: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re deciding between a leather mallet vs. leather maul, consider how and what you work on most often.
Choose a mallet if you:
- Do a variety of leather tasks
- Set a lot of hardware
- Want a lightweight, all-purpose tool
Choose a maul if you:
- Focus on stamping and tooling
- Work on larger projects
- Want consistent impressions with less strain
Many leathercrafters keep both tools at the bench and switch depending on the task. But if you’re new to leathercrafting and don’t want to break the bank just yet, check out the video below for Chuck Dorsett’s tips on choosing the right maul or mallet for your needs.
Choosing the Right Weight
Weight matters just as much as shape.
- Lightweight (12–16 oz): Detail work, small stamps, lighter leather
- Medium (18–24 oz): General tooling and stamping
- Heavy (32 oz+): Large stamps, thick leather, production work
The goal isn’t to hit harder. It’s to let the tool do the work.
Pro Tips for Using Mallets and Mauls
- Let gravity provide the force—don’t muscle it
- Use a proper tooling surface like a granite slab
- Match tool size to stamp size
- Avoid using metal hammers for punching and tooling, as they can damage punches and stamps
Using the correct striking tool helps protect your investment in stamps and punches while improving consistency across your work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a claw hammer or metal mallet
- Choosing a tool that’s too heavy
- Overstriking instead of making controlled hits
- Ignoring ergonomics during long sessions
Small adjustments at the bench can make a big difference in comfort and results.
Choosing the Right Mallet for You
Understanding the difference between leather mallets and leather mauls is a key step in leveling up your leathercraft. The right tool improves accuracy, reduces fatigue, and helps you achieve cleaner, more professional results—whether you’re tooling a belt or setting hardware on a bag.
As with all leatherworking tools, quality and proper use matter. Choose the tool that fits your work style, and your leather will show it.
