So I finally splurged and bought a rawhide mallet from my local supplier. I had been using a rubber mallet I bought from the hardware store years ago. Remember, I'm trying to become professional ;)
I've watched several videos on Youtube in which upholsterers are using a rawhide mallet and I see that they've covered one end of the mallet. Is this so that it won't mar the fabric? What would I use to cover one end of the mallet and is it necessary?
I will say that the rawhide mallet is much better for driving in metal tack strip than the rubber mallet.
I also bought the yellow handled CS Osborne staple puller. I think I'm going to like it better than the Berry's staple puller I've been using. That could vary on the project, I suppose.
Jeremy
I cover mine with a layer of leather and then a layer of like velvet or anything soft. First make sure the ends are smooth. Run them on a sander to make them nice and flat.
I found a yellow handled CS Osborn staple puller in a chair a few years ago and have been using it as my primary staple puller ever since.
I like to sing the theme song from Rawhide when I'm using my rawhide mallet. It just doesn't work to sing that song when I'm using a rubber mallet.
I also cover the mallet head with a soft fabric.
gene
I love my rawhide mallet. I seldom find it necessary to put any additional wrapping on it.
As for the yellow handled Osborne, I must be the only upholsterer who still prefers the Berry's. But I use a wide variety of staple/tack pulling tools, depending on the particular situation:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi775.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy33%2Fsofadoc%2Fth_DSC05403.jpg&hash=baf3981579901518e70764e7ac3c6626) (http://s775.photobucket.com/user/sofadoc/media/DSC05403.jpg.html)
A lot of people use side cutters (dikes) for pulling/cutting broken staples. To me, the nippers (similar to pincers) work better.
If stripping furniture were an Olympic event, and the rules stated that you could only use 2 tools, I'll take my Berry's and my converted tile nippers. And I'll bring home the Gold! ;D
30 years ago my bro-in-law made me a wood mallet. A 4-1/2" block of wood with a 1-1/2 " dowel drilled into it. I covered it with leather and recover it about once a year. Works great.
My favorite is a deadblow hammer that I picked up from a liquidator a couple of years ago at a woodworking show. I went back last winter and they were sold out. They did have a few of the replaceable heads left (in various hardnesses). I'll be sad if I ever lose or break this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTWING-28OZ-DEAD-BLOW-HAMMER-MALLET-SOFT-TOUGH-TIP-USA-/170789986070