{"product_id":"stewmac-deadblow-fretting-hammer-no-bounce-fret-installation","title":"StewMac Deadblow Fretting Hammer - No-Bounce Fret Installation","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the StewMac Deadblow Fretting Hammer is examined for luthiers and hobbyists who want faster, more reliable fret seating. The bottom line: this is a specialized tool that consistently reduces rebound and concentrates energy on the fret, making installations quicker and cleaner than with a standard hammer. Its machined brass convex face and shot-filled, no-bounce head are the single biggest reasons to buy, since they help seat frets firmly with fewer blows and less risk of springback during planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo-bounce deadblow head:\u003c\/strong\u003e The shot-filled, shock-absorbing head transfers more energy to the fret and minimizes rebound for firmer seating with fewer strikes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachined brass convex face:\u003c\/strong\u003e The convex striking surface is shaped specifically for fretwork, helping to apply force evenly across the fret crown without marring the board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteel-reinforced handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e A durable steel reinforcement in the handle improves longevity and resists flex during repeated use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks on stainless frets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for modern, harder stainless-steel fretwire so it handles a range of materials used in contemporary builds and refrets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact size and weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e At roughly 9-1\/2 in overall length and 1\/2 lb weight, it balances control and impact for hand work at the nut and frets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hammer is aimed at luthiers, repair techs, and serious DIYers who install or replace frets regularly and want a repeatable, low-rebound striking tool. It's particularly useful when working on delicate fingerboards where minimizing hammer bounce reduces the chance of frets springing back or damaging the edge seating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who seldom do fretwork or who prefer pneumatic press-style fret installation might look elsewhere; this is a hand tool optimized for controlled blows and benefit grows with repeated use and familiarity with fret planting technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShot-filled head reduces bounce so more force goes into seating the fret.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrass convex face is machined for fretwork and helps distribute impact properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteel-reinforced handle adds durability for workshop use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot intended to replace a press for large-volume shops; best for hand fretting tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe compact 9-1\/2 in length gives less reach than larger hammers for some setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOverall length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9-1\/2 in (241.3 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2 lb (0.2268 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStriking surface diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13\/16 in (20.64 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFace material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined brass convex face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHandle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDurable steel-reinforced handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable for stainless-steel fretwire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StewMac Deadblow Fretting Hammer is a sensible investment for luthiers and hobbyists who do hand fretting and want to reduce rebound and work faster. Its deadblow design and brass convex face deliver more direct energy to the fret, making installations cleaner and more consistent, so it represents good value for anyone serious about fretwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this hammer be used on stainless frets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The tool is suitable for use on stainless-steel fretwire as noted, so it handles harder modern fret materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size is the striking face?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe striking surface diameter is 13\/16 in (about 20.64 mm), machined in a convex shape for fretwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a full replacement for a fret press?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. This deadblow hammer is ideal for hand planting and small jobs; high-volume shops may still prefer a press for large refrets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"StewMac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48263737245915,"sku":"B01HUCZQPO","price":62.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71EUtg5ZjfL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1776366798","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/stewmac-deadblow-fretting-hammer-no-bounce-fret-installation","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}