What is a characteristic of a dead blow hammer?

Answer: B — It absorbs shock and reduces bounce

A dead blow hammer is specifically designed to minimize rebound and absorb shock due to its construction, which typically includes a hollow head filled with sand or other materials. This design feature helps in delivering a controlled impact, allowing users to strike an object without it bouncing back, thus enhancing safety and precision during use. The weight distribution in a dead blow hammer helps maintain a steady application of force, making it particularly effective in applications like construction or automotive work, where a controlled strike is crucial. The other characteristics mentioned do not align with what defines a dead blow hammer. For instance, a hard hitting surface may produce more bounce rather than reducing it, while lightweight materials and a long handle for leverage define different types of tools that serve various purposes but do not reflect the unique design features of a dead blow hammer.