The two physical properties on the basis of which metals can be distinguished from non-metals are Malleability and Ductility.

The property of metals which allows metals to be hammered into thin sheets is called Malleability. Due this unique property, metals can be flattened into thin sheets by hammering and rolling.

The property of metals which enables them to be drawn into wires is called Ductility. Due to this property metals can be stretched without breaking and drawn into thin wires. For example, Aluminium and copper are examples of highly ductile metals.