A hammer-like instrument with a forgiving hard rubber head for making last-minute adjustments during glue-up.

A hammer-like instrument with a forgiving hard rubber head for making last-minute adjustments during glue-up.

• A. Rubber Mallet
• B. Claw Hammer
• C. Plunge Router
• D. Scissors

Answer: (A)

When you need to nudge parts into position during glue-up without leaving marks, use a soft-faced hammer. The rubber mallet has a forgiving rubber head that transfers enough impact to shift pieces into alignment while protecting surfaces from dents, gouges, or glue squeeze-out. This makes it ideal for last-minute adjustments where you want precision without damaging the work or the finish. The other tools aren’t suitable here. A claw hammer has a hard metal head designed to drive and pull nails, which can mar surfaces. A plunge router is for shaping wood with a bit and isn’t used for tapping or nudging components. Scissors are for cutting and have no role in adjusting glued joints.

When you need to nudge parts into position during glue-up without leaving marks, use a soft-faced hammer. The rubber mallet has a forgiving rubber head that transfers enough impact to shift pieces into alignment while protecting surfaces from dents, gouges, or glue squeeze-out. This makes it ideal for last-minute adjustments where you want precision without damaging the work or the finish.

The other tools aren’t suitable here. A claw hammer has a hard metal head designed to drive and pull nails, which can mar surfaces. A plunge router is for shaping wood with a bit and isn’t used for tapping or nudging components. Scissors are for cutting and have no role in adjusting glued joints.