If you work with metals, a sturdy ball pein (or ball peen) hammer is a must-have, this should be in your tool case. It has a double-sided head with one flat side, and (the hint is in the name) a rounded (hemi-spherical), end. This hammer is sometimes referred to as a jobbing hammer.

This hard-faced ball pein hammer is used for so many things in jewellery making and metal work, for instance:

• Flattening & shaping metal and wire
• Use with metal stamps and punches to imprint words and design shapes onto copper, brass, silver and pewter blanks
• Hardening wire
• Removing dents and deformations
• Hammering charms and findings to add texture or give a distressed look

This hammer is made of drop-forged steel, mounted on a hardwood handle.

Head weight is 113g (4 ounces), overall length approximately 24cm.  

The flat end is 1.60cm (5/8") deep and the round end is 1.27cm (1/2") deep.