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.