A rubber mallet is a type of hammer that has a rubber head instead of a metal one. The rubber head is softer than a metal hammer and is typically used when a more gentle touch is required, such as when installing flooring, assembling furniture or striking objects that are fragile or delicate. The rubber head helps to prevent damage to the surface being struck and reduces the likelihood of leaving marks or dents. Rubber mallets are also commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, and automotive repair.