Which striking tool is designed to strike surfaces without damaging them?

The mallet is designed specifically for striking surfaces without causing damage. It typically has a larger, softer head made of materials such as rubber, wood, or foam, which helps absorb impact and minimizes the risk of marring or denting the surface being struck. This is particularly useful in tasks that require a gentler touch, such as working with delicate materials like wood or when assembling parts that should not be damaged during the process.

In contrast, a hammer usually has a harder metal head that is more suited for tasks requiring force, such as driving nails or breaking apart materials. This makes it less suitable for delicate work, as it can easily cause damage. Similarly, a sledgehammer is a heavy-duty tool intended for heavy striking tasks and demolition, which would certainly result in damage to more fragile surfaces. A chisel, while a cutting tool and not primarily a striking tool, also requires a hammer or mallet to drive it into materials, and using a hammer with a hard striking surface could risk damaging the chisel or the workpiece. Thus, the mallet stands out as the ideal choice for tasks requiring care to avoid surface damage.