If you need to drive nails through walls, remove them, or pry things apart, then a hammer would be the right tool. It requires more physical strength and power when you’re using it. It will also leave more marks, scratches, and scuffs when it makes contact with the surface. If you need to drive wooden pieces together or hit a chisel without damaging its tip, then a mallet would be the better choice. Its purpose is to strike a blow onto a soft material without damaging its surrounding area.