Wood Chisel
A beveled steel blade with handle for paring, mortising, and shaping wood.
What is it?
The wood chisel is a shaped steel blade with a beveled cutting edge and handle, struck by a mallet or pushed by hand to pare, shape, and mortise wood. A sharp edge is essential for clean work.
What is it used for?
- Paring and shaping wood
- Cutting mortises and joints
- Detail and finish work
How to choose
Choose widths to match the work (1/4 to 1 inch common). Bevel-edge chisels are versatile for joinery; firmer chisels handle heavy use.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a wood chisel helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Body: the main working portion of the tool
- Working end: the part that contacts the material
- Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage
Materials & construction
Quality wood chisels are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Safety & maintenance
- Inspect the tool before use and replace any that are worn or damaged
- Use the right tool for the job and apply controlled force
- Store tools clean and dry to prevent corrosion
- Wear appropriate eye protection for the work
Also known as
bench chisel, bevel-edge chisel