Chisel Safety Tips

Using chisels 
Although power saws and routers have taken a lot of the hard work out of woodwork, there's still a place for a basic set of chisels in any DIY toolbox.

Chisels concentrate hand pressure or a mallet blow into a small, sharpened area which can slice through timber with great accuracy. Even if you have to economise on other tools, buy the best set of chisels you can afford. Although they can be bought individually, a set of four (6, 12, 18, 25mm blade widths) is often the best value.

Buying checklist
Check the steel blade is tough and tempered, giving a long-lasting edge.
The handle shape and material is a personal choice as long as the grip and size 'feels' right.
The joint between handle and blade is vital for strength. It should be either a flared section of blade or secured with a brass ferrule.

Storage
Store chisels safely away from other tools that may blunt the edge. Lubricate the blades with a light oil to stop rust forming.

Which type of chisel to use?
Bevel edge blades have tapered sides which mean the chisel can be pushed right into the corners of joints. Modern hardened steel bevel edge blades can be struck with a mallet, making them a good general purpose tool.

Firmer chisels have a rectangular profile blade which makes the blade strong enough to be used with a mallet for forming larger joints.

Mortice chisels, which are almost square shaped in profile, can be used to chop out large mortices such as door locks.

Cold chisels chop through masonry and plasters and should have a protective plastic shroud to protect your hand from stray hammer blows. You should only need a 25mm and a 100mm width for most work. Soft grip insets make the handle more comfortable.

Safty tips.

Keep both hands back of the cutting edge at all times when using chisels.

Always shield the cutting edge when not using.

Always wear safety goggles when using a wood chisel.

Never place a wood chisel in your pocket.

Use the appropriate tool for prying and screwing, not a chisel.