A standard wood chisel has a blade with beveled sides you can push by hand or strike. The
most expensive chisels usually have wooden handles. They are designed for fine woodworking,
and should be struck only with a wooden mallet. For rougher carpentry work, look for chisels
that have plastic handles with a metal cap; these can be struck with a hammer.
Standard wood chisels come with blades of different lengths. Those with shorter blades,
good for tight spots, are sometimes called butt chisels (pictured). Chisels with longer
blades are sometimes called paring chisels.
Using a standard wood chisel
To use the tool, grasp the handle with one hand. Use your other hand to swing the mallet or
hammer. Chisel away wood with a closely spaced series of slices - never make thick cuts
that require using the chisel to pry away the waste, as this can damage the tool or split
off more wood than you intended.
Purchasing
Standard wood chisels range in width from 1/8 to 2 inches. You can buy them in sets, or
just pick up different sizes as the need arises. Handles vary in shape: Choose one that
suits your hand. Make sure handles are attached securely enough to withstand hammer or
mallet blows. Avoid buying the cheapest chisels; typically, these dull quickly and cannot
be adequately sharpened.
Caution
- Never push a chisel toward your hand.
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