Hammers & Forming Blocks

Jewellery hammers, dapping blocks, bench blocks and forming tools for metalwork and jewellery making. Perfect for silversmiths, jewellers and craft hobbyists. Free UK delivery.

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The Toolsmith range of jewellery hammers and forming blocks for silversmiths, bench jewellers and metalsmiths. Chasing hammers, planishing hammers, raising hammers, rivet hammers, brass and nylon mallets, plus the forming blocks that go with them - dapping and doming sets, bench blocks, steel anvils, doming punches and swage blocks.

This is the heart of metalsmithing: the kit that shapes, hardens, textures and planishes. Every piece stocked is chosen for bench use at working-studio standard, UK-warehoused, same-day dispatch before 2pm. Free UK delivery, 30-day returns on unused tools.

Who buys from this range

Working silversmiths, bench jewellers, blacksmiths, jewellery students and serious hobbyists moving beyond a beginner kit. Also popular with armourers, prop makers and metalsmithing classes.

Hammers and blocks by job

  • Chasing hammers: weighted head, shock-absorbing handle - for chasing, stamping and punch work
  • Planishing hammers: polished domed face - for smoothing and hardening a raised form
  • Raising hammers: cross-pein heads for hollowware and bowl raising
  • Brass and nylon mallets: non-marring, for setting rivets, forming round stock, seating stones
  • Dapping/doming sets: graded half-spheres for forming domes, cups, beads
  • Bench blocks & anvils: hardened steel, flat and true - the surface every other strike lands on

How to choose

Match the hammer weight to the stock: light chasing hammers (around 100-120g) for stamping and fine work, heavier planishers (170g+) for silver sheet forming. For dapping, pick a set with punches graded in small steps - gaps cause flat spots on domes. Always work on a true, hardened bench block; a soft surface absorbs the strike and doubles your workload.

Frequently asked questions

Chasing hammer vs. planishing hammer - what's the difference?
Chasing hammers have a flat, weighted face for driving punches and stamps. Planishing hammers have a polished domed face designed to leave a smooth, slightly work-hardened surface on raised forms.

Do I need brass or nylon mallets?
Yes, if you're riveting, setting stones or shaping soft metal where steel would mark the work. A brass head grips without marring; nylon is softer still for plated or fine-finish pieces.

What size dapping set should I start with?
A 10-18 punch set covers most bench work - beads, rivets, small domes. Step up to a 24+ piece set with a bigger block if you're making earrings, spinner rings or cuff components.

Do you dispatch the same day?
Yes - orders placed before 2pm UK weekdays ship the same working day.

Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes - email info@toolsmithltd.co.uk with your requirements.

Further reading