Abstract: A hammer protective device, used in conjunction with a hammer having a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion has a shank portion for mounting the handle. The invention comprises a diametrically expandable rubber sheath having a generally cylindrical configuration. The rubber sheath has a relaxed diameter which is slightly less than a diameter of the handle portion. The rubber sheath has an open upper end and an open lower end. The rubber sheath includes an embedded pull cord assembly disposed interiorly thereof. The embedded pull cord assembly is arranged in a coil type arrangement and is rigid, resisting compression and thus holding the sheath in an expanded position. The embedded pull cord assembly has a central lumen which is larger in diameter than the handle portion.