The large, flat faces deliver heavy strikes for pounding stakes, chisels, and wedges, and for freeing seized or press-fit components. The short handle offers controlled swings in confined spaces. This combination makes the mining sledge useful in stonework, demolition, and general mechanical work.

A steel collar provides overstrike protection, helping prevent damage to the wooden handle just below the head.

A tapered Torx wedge screw expands the wooden handle within the hammer eye hole to secure the head.