This is a good solid hammer with some weight. It didn't feel too heavy even after using it all day. He will deliver a powerful blow without damaging the butt of the chisel. The plastic head dissipates shock from impact, relieving hand and forearm strain. I haven't used it for a lot of small jobs, but I've used it for lighter chiseling and it's worked well. I used it to gouge grooves in a 10" walnut log and it worked better than my beech mallet. The head has some signs of wear but is not damaged in any way. will probably buy one of the lighter models for smaller and finer work.