In search of the perfect mallet
The naming of Parts
One might think that there is not much to a croquet mallet from a terminological point of view, but it turns out that a guide to which bit is called what is useful. Here it is:
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Small protrusions at the top of the shank that are intended to keep removable shafts in good alignment with the head. |
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Allen key |
A hexagonal L-shaped key used for tightening or untightening the fixing screw. Available from hardware stores, 5mm is the size used by most mallet makers, including FEM. |
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Collar |
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The metal disc, with hole through the middle, used to seat the fixing screw. There is no standard diameter or thickness; different manufacturers use different sizes on different models, or none at all. |
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Ferrule |
The metal plug bonded into the shank of the shaft, drilled with a threaded hole to accept the fixing screw. |
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Aka fixing bolt. The screw used to tighten the shaft up into the head. Most makers of mallets with removable shafts use a standard M8 screw, with a countersunk head, tightened by means of a 5mm Allen key. |
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Grip |
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The material wrapped around the upper shaft in improve comfort and enhance grip. Grips intended for hockey sticks are often used (tennis racket grips are too short). FEM mallets are intended to used with synthetic or leather grips; some other makers use foam-like materials. |
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Head |
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The cuboid or cylindrical part of the mallet set perpendicularly on the bottom of the shaft. See laws. |
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Overgrip |
Some players wrap a thinner grip over the main grip, to increase the effective diameter of the shaft and/or to conceal the fact that their main grip is starting to show its age. |
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A grip position near the bottom of the shaft, used by the lower hand in roll shots. Often used on shafts with a small and/or circular cross section; not needed on a Fenwick Elliott shaft |
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Shaft |
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The part of the mallet held in the hands. Traditionally, shaft length is measured from the bottom of the head to the top of the shaft. |
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The part of the shaft that is inserted into the vertical hole in the head. Most makers of mallets with removable shafts use a standard 25mm diameter. |
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Shell |
The main part of the head, into which the weights are inserted and onto which the striking faces are bonded. |
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Sighting line |
A line running fore to aft along the top of the head, intended to assist accurate aiming. FEM Series 3 heads often used 2 sighting lines formed from marquetry, Series 4 heads use a single painted line. |
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Striking face |
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The material bonded to the ends of the head used to strike the ball. On a series 4 head, these are made of finplate. Other mallets use tufnol, other composite or brass. |
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Top piece |
The plastic bung that is glued into the top of the shaft after the shaft is cut to length |
