Which end of a ball peen hammer is used for riveting and metal expansion?

• A. Face End
• B. Peen End
• C. Claw End
• D. Flat End

Answer: (B)

The ball peen end is used for riveting and metal expansion. The rounded face is designed to deform metal rather than cut or flatten it, making it ideal for peening rivets—thumping the rivet shank with the ball end to mushroom and form a tight second head. This controlled upset distributes the impact over a small curved surface, which helps expand or secure the rivet without gouging the material. It’s also handy for shaping and swaging metal during expansion tasks. The flat face, by contrast, is for general striking and finishing, not for forming rivet heads, and the claw end is meant for nail work, not riveting.