What Is the Difference Between a White Rubber Mallet & a Black Rubber Mallet?

Rubber mallets have a variety of uses in home remodeling and construction projects when it is necessary to apply force to a material, such as thin metal, without denting the surface. Mallets come in several colors, including black and white. Each color comes in different weights, degrees of hardness and shapes. White mallets are less likely than black mallets to leave marks.

Black mallets come in different shapes, weights and hardness. The hardness of the mallet determines its use. Harder mallets should be used on materials that require greater force or are more resilient. They range considerably in price, depending on the size and materials, and can have wooden, metal or fiberglass handles.

White mallets are less likely to leave marks than black mallets. Carpet layers, tile installers and others who work with materials with a surface that a black mallet might scuff use them. White mallets are somewhat more expensive than black and do not come in as many sizes, shapes and degrees of hardness.

White mallets are less likely to mar the work surface, but they are required in only a few specialized projects. Investing in two different mallets might be outside the budget or interest of a nonprofessional. A black mallet wrapped in clean cloth can serve the same purpose in small jobs.

If you use a rubber mallet infrequently, you can purchase coverings for the end of a hammer in either black or white rubber. A white rubber hammer bumper is slightly less expensive than a white rubber mallet and can provide most of the same benefits.