The dead blow hammer, sometimes referred to as the rubber mallet, is a tool used for chassis work, to dislodge parts that are stuck, or even fix small dents. Due to its design, it is helpful when trying to avoid damage on parts or machinery.

The hammer is sometimes hollow due to it being filled with loose particles such as sand, allowing for distribution of energy with each each blow. Sometimes they are solid and made of rubber plastic to absorb the energy in each blow.