A ball-peen hammer is a type of hand tool commonly used in metalworking. It features a flat striking surface on one end and a rounded, ball-shaped end on the other. The flat side is used for driving nails and shaping metal, while the rounded side is ideal for peening, which is the process of shaping or compressing metal surfaces. This hammer is often made of steel and comes in various sizes. It is particularly useful for tasks that require precision, such as working with wrought iron or sheet metal. The design allows for effective force application without damaging the material being worked on.