Author Topic: Halder Simplex Mallet -- Any User Experience Here? (Read 2692 times)

ChuckM · « **on:** October 02, 2020, 01:46 PM »

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/mallets/111433-halder-simplex-replaceable-face-mallet?item=69K5030

Does anyone have experience with this, and if so, how good is it?

six-point socket II · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2020, 01:53 PM »

Hey Chuck,

It's >>THE<< industry/trade standard to have. It's a "safe bet" all around.

(They even bought Picard in '17.)

They also produce a large amount of "standard parts".

https://www.halder.com/eng_de

Kind regards,
Oliver

FestitaMakool · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2020, 02:33 PM »

Oliver, you do probably have a degree in (German) hand tools😇

Curious since I’ve never seen these hammers/Mallets here.
I just bought this from Axminster, I thought it might come in handy, especially since it got square heads to reach into corners.. one side fairly hard, the other side semi-soft.
It looks very similar to Halder.

https://www.wiha.com/int/en/tools/hammerchisel/wiha-safety-soft-face-hammer/combination-of-different-faces/1105/soft-faced-hammer-safety-soft/medium-hard?c=26

Halder Simplex Mallet -- Any User Experience Here?

grobkuschelig · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2020, 05:05 PM »

I also can only attest positive feedback to the Simplex line.
I‘m using a 30mm on a lot of the woodworking tasks I do, one side with the blue „non-marring“ rubber. The second with „superplastic“.

Then for laying stone pavement, I used a 60mm a lot.
Great tools.

But If you can get hold of one, I would suggest to also check out Kukko.

They manufacture basically the same form factors, but with the option of a removable dead-blow element. (Shot filling)
I really like dead blows for a lot of work, but the option to just remove the filling makes the mallet the ultimate design, in my opinion.
Please find a couple of pictures below of the internals of the Halder Simplex vs the Kukko.
The Kukko is the one with green mallet casting and plain wood handle.

In my opinion the Kukko is nicer made. Better design with the removable dead-blow element and also cleaner castings and a much nicer paint job.

hdv · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2020, 05:43 PM »

I have the 30 mm and the 40 mm versions of the Halder Simplex. I absolutely love them. Mine came with a soft (blue) head and a mid (gray) head. Both of a rubbery material. I wanted the option of harder, non-porous heads. So I added the nylon (40 mm, hard) and superplastic (30 mm, mid) heads. I already had a Gedore deadblow, but otherwise I might have gone for their deadblow hammer as well (not a Simplex). These hammers have replaced all my non-metal/non-wood hammers by now (except the Gedore). I can recommend them without reservation.

derekcohen · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2020, 10:27 PM »

Another alternative is the Veritas Cabinetmaker’s mallet: https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/mallets/50229-veritas-cabinetmakers-mallet?item=05E1501

I throw this in here as it comes down to what you want to use the mallet to do. I drive chisels. If I pounded joints together I would add a block of wood to the surface. That would aid registration.

My Veritas mallet is modified. I prefer a thicker and shaped grip, which does not come with any of the manufactured mallets. Then I add UHMW to the faces. This is hard, without maring, and allows for good feedback (too soft and you lose it) ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

mkasdin · « **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2020, 01:38 AM »

Quote from: ChuckM on October 02, 2020, 01:46 PM

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/mallets/111433-halder-simplex-replaceable-face-mallet?item=69K5030

Does anyone have experience with this, and if so, how good is it?

I saw them at “Hudson and West” in Torrance, California. So I’m guessing from the price and distribution they are professional tools. That retail store along with Anderson Plywood, Culver City and Austin Hardwoods in Santa Ana deal with primarily tradespeople. Along with Ganahl Lumber locations. My mallets and hammers are Sunday Circular items, discounted products. Husky, black and decker quality. Throw it in the dirt, who cares. It lives for another day!

ChuckM · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2020, 11:38 AM »

Given the endorsements here, I'll try it out in person next time when I get to the store (I have never set foot in the store since March, only dealing with my orders via curbside pickups).

I plan to use the mallet for disassembling/assembling, and for seating dominoes, not for chiselling work.

mkasdin · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2020, 01:25 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on October 03, 2020, 11:38 AM

Given the endorsements here, I'll try it out in person next time when I get to the store (I have never set foot in the store since March, only dealing with my orders via curbside pickups).

I plan to use the mallet for disassembling/assembling, and for seating dominoes, not for chiselling work.

Post what you decide to get? One mallet with two faces or two mallets: one for tapping in the dominoes and the other mallet for dry fitting cabinets or furniture 🪑 (assemble and knock down)?

ChuckM · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2020, 01:53 PM »

I'm checking with Tom of Thomas Johnson Antique Restoration about the mallet he uses. Based on the videos, his mallet doesn't seem to dent wood or leave any marks.

My final choice will be between his (if it's readily obtainable in Canada or available from the US with reasonable shipping cost) and the Halder Simplex (no shipping cost).

ChuckM · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2020, 06:54 PM »

Tom is a generous soul, and he sent me the mallet info. including this link: https://www.lixiehammers.com/prod1DeadblowHickory.shtml

I Googled and found this recent review (non-scientific)

I'll make a decision after I try out the Halder Simplex at the store (I have started looking for a Canadian source for the lixie yet).

Edit: So far, I can't find any Canadian sources for Lixie, and the shipping costs are $35 Cdn or so from the States (Amazon & eBay, e.g.).

grobkuschelig · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2020, 10:12 AM »

Halder also makes Dead-Blows similar to the Lixie, if that is what you are looking for...

They are called „Supercraft“ and available with a choice of Hickory, Steel or Composite handle.

The one on the right is the Halder.

BTW: this Halder, I inherited from my Granddad. It is over 40 years and still rocking the original handle. I rencently renewed the pads and gave it a light coat of paint.
Speaks to the build quality, in my opinion.

ChuckM · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2020, 11:23 AM »

Quote from: grobkuschelig on October 04, 2020, 10:12 AM

Interestingly enough that I was looking at this this morning: https://www.amazon.ca/Halder-3366-025-Supercraft-Hammer-Hickory/dp/B008XHPT6C/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Halder+3366.025+Supercraft+11+oz&qid=1601824813&sr=8-2

rmhinden · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2020, 11:38 AM »

Quote from: ChuckM on October 04, 2020, 11:23 AM

Interestingly enough that I was looking at this this morning: https://www.amazon.ca/Halder-3366-025-Supercraft-Hammer-Hickory/dp/B008XHPT6C/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Halder+3366.025+Supercraft+11+oz&qid=1601824813&sr=8-2

Interesting pictures in the Amazon ad. Especially the one with the guy working on a very steep roof with no apparent safety gear, and the one next to a jet engine. Hammers and jet engines, what could go wrong.... :-)

Bob

ChuckM · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2020, 11:55 AM »

I noticed that roofer working without a harness, too. Here, most residential roofers (small businesses/self-employed) work without the use of any safety harnesses; those who are seen walking on the roof with one are exceptions. Commercial sites are different.

When I had my roof shingles replaced, I specifically asked the contractor before we signed the paperwork that his staff use safety harnesses. They all did, but only when they started working that morning!

Occasionally, we come across news that people fall from the roof, resulting in serious injuries or deaths. It's particularly heartbroken when the story is about some young family losing their dad as a result of a jobsite accident. I personally know of a guy my age who fell to his death from the garage roof (10 to 12 ft high?) as he was trying to trim tree branches, but lost his balance.

ChuckM · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2020, 01:49 PM »

Update: After reviewing the feedback given in this thread and that by Tom, I decided to get both the Halder Simplex mallet and the Lixie 14Oz 1.25" dia face mallet. I couldn't find any Canadian merchant that carries the Lixie brand, but managed to locate a US vendor that charges only $25US for shipping (most quoted me between $35 to $50US for shipping to Canada).

grobkuschelig · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2020, 03:37 PM »

Let us know your thoughts, when you received it.
Will be interesting to read your perspective.

I recon you will be happy with your choice.

ChuckM · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2020, 01:30 PM »

My Halder mallet from LVT should arrive this week, while the Lixie from the States next week or so. I should try them out immediately, but I'm not having a bigger carcase/furniture project to really test them until early next year (the two projects planned for the fall are small ones).

But I'd like to broadcast my appreciation of the service received from this company: https://westhoffinc.com/ (the website is being revamped).

They sent out my order (yesterday, holiday here in Canada) before I even had a chance to call them today and make my payment! Yes, it was a small order ($65 US+), but they never dealt with me before, and what if I failed to pony up. If I have another chance to deal with this company, I will.

ChuckM · « **Reply #18 on:** October 16, 2020, 04:52 PM »

The Halder Simplex mallet and the Lixie (both 14 oz) arrived one day apart. Initial thoughts:

1) The Halder Simplex has a nice slimmer handle, great for prolonged use when lots of pounding are done. Its soft face (blue) is too bouncy, meaning greater force is needed for assembly work. The hard face (white) is definitely too hard for any softwood. I'll reserve it for hard maple, etc.

2) The Lixie, costing almost twice as much as the German mallet (because of shipping/custom fees), has a fatter handle with a cheaper finish look. The larger handle is appropriate for heavy pounding though as you get a better grip.

Unfortunately, the soft face (brown) came with two hairline cracks and seems to have been used (and returned by someone?). I didn't try it, fearing that it could break apart. It has been reported to the seller for a response. But the soft face feels pretty hard, not like the Halder Simplex's blue face. Its green and black faces are both tough. The green one did not leave much a dent on softwood unlike the black one or the white face of the Halder Simplex.

In conclusion:

The German mallet is a good buy, suitable for light to medium pounding given the handle (could the handle stand heavy pounding? I can't tell given the limited pounding I tried). I wish they offered a medium face, not too soft and bouncy. I'll see if I can harden the blue face....

The American mallet with its narrow body of the head is great for hitting in tight corners, and it doesn't leave a hard mark as much on the softwood with its green face. I suspect the green face and brown face will work quite the same. No bouncy feeling of whatsoever. Useful for precision/controlled hits and larger casework.

In 6 months after I use them enough, my views may change. Now, I've just added one more project to my "Winter Projects" list: A Mallet/Hammer Rack.

mkasdin · « **Reply #19 on:** October 16, 2020, 06:29 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on October 04, 2020, 11:55 AM

I noticed that roofer working without a harness, too. Here, most residential roofers (small businesses/self-employed) work without the use of any safety harnesses; those who are seen walking on the roof with one are exceptions. Commercial sites are different.

When I had my roof shingles replaced, I specifically asked the contractor before we signed the paperwork that his staff use safety harnesses. They all did, but only when they started working that morning!

Occasionally, we come across news that people fall from the roof, resulting in serious injuries or deaths. It's particularly heartbroken when the story is about some young family losing their dad as a result of a jobsite accident. I personally know of a guy my age who fell to his death from the garage roof (10 to 12 ft high?) as he was trying to trim tree branches, but lost his balance.

I spoke to a realtor who flips houses. I mentioned to him that he should get insurance in case someone gets hurt? His uncle is a roofing contractor and earlier that week an employee fell through the roof and smashed his ankles. Accidents happen, loose your balance, trip, something gets caught, take a wrong step backwards, etc.

I purchased the simplex 40 because it is a light weight do it all for joinery and such. The website breaks down the specs if you have the patience to compare the features. I used the Simplex 40 today, it’s very good, better control then my hammer fist 🤛 for nudging, coaxing into lightly forcing into submission. Stubborn wood 🐦

dwillis · « **Reply #20 on:** October 30, 2020, 04:29 PM »

I recently purchased a Halder Simplex mallet with the soft blue and hard white faces (Simplex 30) and am pleased with the mallet. I've most recently used it to coax a countertop together using Domino 700 connectors (which was unnecessary after I seated the connectors). It's non marring so I didn't have to use a sacrificial block of wood.

mkasdin · « **Reply #21 on:** October 30, 2020, 08:02 PM »

Which number?

CarlsonCarpentry · « **Reply #22 on:** October 30, 2020, 08:13 PM »

I’ve used both of these extensively. I enjoy them very much. The red one I’m tougher with, the blue is for delicate shop use only.

Took a while to get used to small handle but I like it now. I would like the next larger size up.

The replaceable heads are nice but can be a bit tricky to find the exact one. I’ve found halder Picard online presence can be difficult to track down models/sizes and have yet to see it laid out clearly what exactly you are getting.

mkasdin · « **Reply #23 on:** October 30, 2020, 10:28 PM »

I have the next size up the # 40 and it now takes the place of me hitting wood with a clenched fist or the front of my knuckles. I have better control if I’m just trying to ease a joint together or test fit. I looked at the 30 but it almost felt too light. It will probably be my next mallet purchase for finer woodwork....

rst · « **Reply #24 on:** October 31, 2020, 10:42 AM »

I have Wiha 83295 Split Head Mallet Set, 40mm head, 10 piece, metal case, works for anything I might need to bang on.

ChuckM · « **Reply #25 on:** November 06, 2020, 06:51 PM »

In post #18, I mentioned about the defective brown face. The replacement face came in today (Westhoff incurred a postage twice the price of the face for the USPS shipping!). Excellent after-sales service.

A surprise to me is that the brown face is firm soft, not like the defective brown one which is brittle and hard (medium) like the green face. That's the kind of softness I prefer to the Halder Simplex blue rubber face which is bouncy. I'm now trying to get a grey rubber face (medium) for the Halder Simplex mallet.

ChuckM · « **Reply #26 on:** January 01, 2021, 04:52 PM »

After using the Halder Simplex mallet and the Lixie in several projects (edge jointing, pounding dominoes and case assembly), I came to this conclusion:

The Lixie gives harder blows while the Halder Simplex's smaller handle is good for controlled hits. The blue face on the Halder Simplex is simply too bouncy and must be replaced as soon as the gray (medium) face is obtained.

For pounding and large case assembly, I'll pull out the Lixie, while handling boxes, softwood, etc., I'll see the Halder Simplex used more.

hdv · « **Reply #27 on:** January 02, 2021, 10:00 AM »

That's one of the reasons why I have both the 30 mm and the 40 mm Halder. I do agree with you on the blue face though. For most uses it is too bouncy.

ChuckM · « **Reply #28 on:** January 27, 2021, 08:58 PM »

The grey face arrived. It packs a solid but non-marring punch. The grey and white faces now make a perfect team for most assembly work.