How to Use a Chisel

Chisels can be used by being tapped lightly with a mallet, or they can be worked by hand. Follow these guidelines to be sure you've chosen the right chisel for the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Butt Chisels
• Cold Chisels
• Deep-mortise Chisels
• Firmer Chisels
• Mallets
• Mortise Chisels
• Paring Chisels

1. Look over the workpiece for knots and nails.
2. Clamp the workpiece so that it doesn't move.
3. Make sure that the cutting edge of the chisel is sharp. A dull chisel is hard to control and makes the job harder than it needs to be.
4. Stand with both feet on the floor and don't overreach.
5. Use a wood or plastic mallet with a large face. Never use a steel hammer.
6. Position the chisel with its bevel side up for deep cuts, convex curves and in places where the chisel can be nearly level to the work.
7. Position the chisel with its bevel side down for concave curves and fine shaving and in confined spaces.
8. Face the bevel toward the waste side for square-sided cuts.
9. Tap the chisel lightly while holding it at an angle of 45 degrees.
10. Point the chisel away from your body.
11. Chisel across the grain and then with the grain - otherwise, the chisel will split the wood.
12. Make smooth finishing cuts by hand without the mallet.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use your chisel as a wedge or prying tool, or you will damage the cutting edge.
• Don't use a wood chisel on metal.

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