A wrecking ball is a heavy steel ball used in demolition work to knock down buildings and structures. It is typically suspended from a crane and swung into walls or other parts of a building to break them apart. The weight and momentum of the ball make it effective for demolishing large areas quickly. Wrecking balls can vary in size, but they are usually several tons heavy. The use of wrecking balls has decreased with the advent of more advanced demolition techniques, such as explosives and hydraulic excavators, which can be more precise and safer for surrounding areas.