Hammers & Forming

Master metal manipulation with our curated selection of jewellery and silversmithing hammers, designed for precision forming and finishing tasks at the bench.

This collection offers essential tools for shaping, raising, and refining precious metals. Jewellers and silversmiths rely on these hammers daily for everything from initial doming to final planishing. When choosing, consider the weight and face shape for specific applications; a domed peen moves metal effectively, while a flat face is crucial for smooth finishes. Material choice for mallets, like rawhide or brass, prevents unwanted marring on softer metals.

What's in this collection

  • Chasing Hammers — Ideal for controlled strikes to move metal precisely, essential for detailed decorative work and forming.
  • Planishing Hammers — Featuring a smooth, slightly convex face for flattening and smoothing forged surfaces after raising.
  • Riveting & Raising Hammers — Versatile tools for setting rivets securely and for the initial stages of shaping metal.
  • Mallets (Brass/Rawhide) — Non-marring options for striking dies, punches, or annealed metal without leaving marks.

Tested at our Birmingham bench

Every hammer and mallet in this range undergoes rigorous testing at our Small Heath workshop. Working alongside practising silversmiths and jewellers, we inspect each tool for balance, durability, and ergonomic comfort. We select items that perform consistently under demanding bench conditions, ensuring they meet the practical needs of trade professionals who demand reliable, hard-wearing equipment for daily use.

Browse the full range below, or read our buying guides on the Bench Journal.
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From the Bench Journal

Hammers & forming — buying & technique guides

Hammers & forming — frequently asked questions

Answers from our Birmingham bench, written by working jewellers and silversmiths.

Which hammer is best for initial metal forming?
For initial shaping and raising of sheet metal, a raising hammer with a slightly convex face is ideal. Its shape helps to move the metal gradually without thinning it too much. Consider a heavier head weight, around 100-200g, for more efficient metal movement.
What's the difference between a planishing hammer and a chasing hammer?
A planishing hammer has a larger, smooth, slightly convex face (often 25-30mm diameter) used for flattening and smoothing metal after raising. A chasing hammer typically has a smaller, domed face and a lighter head, used with punches for decorative work or texturing.
What should I look for in a good quality silversmithing hammer?
Look for a hammer with a well-balanced head and a comfortable, securely fitted handle, often hickory or fibreglass. The faces should be precisely ground and polished to avoid marring the metal. Check for consistent hardness in the steel head, typically around 45-55 HRC.
When would I use a ball-peen hammer for jewellery making?
A ball-peen hammer is useful for riveting and doming. The rounded peen end can be used to form domed shapes in softer metals or to create rivet heads. The flat face is for general striking. It's a versatile tool for various bench tasks beyond simple hammering.
What's the purpose of a rawhide or brass mallet?
Rawhide and brass mallets are non-marring hammers used when you need to strike metal or tools without leaving hammer marks. They are ideal for tapping forming stakes, doming blocks, or gently persuading metal into shape without surface damage.
How do I choose the right hammer weight?
Hammer weight depends on the task and metal. For delicate texturing, a lighter hammer (under 100g) is suitable. For raising thicker gauge metals or for initial forming, a heavier hammer (150-250g) provides more force. Experiment to find what feels balanced for your grip.
What steel is typically used for jewellery hammer heads?
Jewellery hammer heads are usually forged from high-carbon steel, often tool steel grades like 1055 or 1075. These steels are heat-treated to achieve a hardness of around 45-55 HRC, providing durability and a good striking surface without being too brittle.
How does a doming block and dapping punch work together?
A doming block has hemispherical depressions of varying sizes. You place your metal sheet over a depression and use a dapping punch (a domed punch) to push the metal into the cavity, creating a smooth, rounded dome. Different punch sizes create different dome radii.
Where do hammers fit into a typical jewellery making workflow?
Hammers are fundamental from the start. Raising hammers begin the forming process. Planishing hammers refine the shape. Chasing hammers and punches add texture or detail. Ball-peen hammers are used for riveting. Mallets are used for non-marring adjustments throughout.
How do I care for my jewellery hammers?
Keep hammer faces clean and polished to avoid transferring imperfections to your work. Store them carefully to prevent the heads from becoming damaged or the handles from loosening. A light oiling of the steel head can prevent rust, especially in humid conditions.
Do you stock these hammers in the UK for fast dispatch?
Yes, we hold a comprehensive range of jewellery hammers and forming tools in stock at our Birmingham warehouse. Orders placed before 2pm Mon-Fri are dispatched the same day. Enjoy free UK delivery on all orders over £30.
Do you offer trade accounts or wholesale pricing?
We welcome trade customers. If you are a workshop or retailer, please email info@toolsmithltd.co.uk with your workshop name and an estimate of your average monthly spend. We can then discuss setting up a trade account with preferential pricing.