A short handed hammer with a round head is commonly called what?

The correct answer is a mallet. A mallet is characterized by its round head and is often made from softer materials like rubber or wood, which makes it distinctively different from other types of hammers. It is primarily used for striking tools without damaging them or for purposes where a softer impact is needed.

In the context of tools, the other options represent different types of hammers with specific features and uses. A hitting hammer is a general term and lacks the specificity of the designated type of hammer. A ball peen hammer has a rounded head but is designed for metalworking rather than being categorized as a short-handed hammer. Sledgehammers, on the other hand, are significantly larger and used for heavy-duty tasks, such as driving stakes or breaking concrete, thus differing greatly from the function and form of a mallet.