The head of the dead-blow hammer can be solid or hollow (often partially filled with loose steel shot), which distributes the energy of the strike over a longer period of time and reduces rebound.

[1] Solid-head dead-blow hammers are usually made of rubber or resilient plastic (such as polyurethane or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene UHMW) and rely on the inherent properties of the material to absorb shock and reduce rebound.

A variant design omits the handle entirely; the dead-blow head is gripped directly in the hand, for use in tight locations.

These replaceable faces (or “inserts”) not only can extend the life of the tool, they can be hardness matched to the surface being struck, minimizing damage while allowing optimal energy transfer on impact.

In maintenance of hydraulic machinery and aerospace work, dead-blow hammers are useful in freeing stuck cylinders without damaging their precision-formed surfaces or any nearby bearings.