How to Use a Wood Chisel

Wood Chisel Basics

You may not need one often, but when it comes time to carve out a recess for a hinge or strike plate, nothing beats a razor-sharp chisel. Here we’ll show you some basic chiseling techniques and sharpening tips so you’ll be ready for any chiseling task with a woodworking chisel set.

Start with a new sharp 3/4-inch chisel for all-purpose use. Keep your old dull chisel handy for jobs like cutting nails or scraping caulk. Buy one with an impact-resistant plastic handle. You can pound on these with a hammer without damaging them. Good-quality chisels don’t cost much, and if you have a little extra cash, buy three—1/2-inch, 3/4-inch and 1-inch—for a good starter set.

Keep in mind that even brand new chisels will need sharpening. Put your chisels in a sock or a special canvas roll between uses to protect the cutting edge.

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