Bevel Edge Chisels

About Bevel Edge Chisels

Bevel edge chisels are essential woodworking tools characterised by their bevelled sides that taper towards the cutting edge, making them ideal for accessing tight corners and detailed joinery work. This versatile design allows woodworkers to clean out dovetail joints, mortises, and other precision applications where standard chisels cannot reach. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from trusted manufacturers including Bahco, Marples, Stanley, Faithfull, and Draper, catering to professional joiners, cabinet makers, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Available in blade widths typically ranging from 6mm to 38mm, these chisels can be struck with a wooden mallet for heavier work or used with hand pressure alone for fine paring cuts. Many feature impact-resistant handles with strike caps and soft-grip technology for comfort during extended use. The collection at MyToolShed includes both individual chisels for specific tasks and comprehensive sets covering the most common sizes, with options to suit every budget from entry-level to premium professional-grade tools.

Applications

Bevel edge chisels are fundamental tools for numerous trades and woodworking applications:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Cutting and fitting joints, hanging doors, cleaning mortises, and precision site work
• Cabinet Makers: Creating dovetail joints, fitting hinges, and detailed joinery requiring accuracy
• Furniture Makers: Hand-cutting joints, fine-tuning fits, and shaping work on bespoke pieces
• Shopfitters: Installing fixtures, fitting architrave, and general trim carpentry
• Restoration Specialists: Repairing antique furniture and period joinery using traditional techniques
• Wood Turners: Detail work, cutting recesses, and refining shapes on turned pieces
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, furniture modifications, and general woodworking tasks

Choosing The Right Bevel Edge Chisels

Individual Chisels or Sets: Beginners typically benefit from purchasing a chisel set covering common sizes (6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, and 32mm), whilst professional tradesmen often prefer individual chisels in their most-used widths, allowing investment in premium quality where it matters most.

Handle Design: Traditional wooden handles offer excellent balance, whilst modern composite handles provide superior impact resistance. For regular mallet work, look for strike caps like those featured on Marples Splitproof ranges. Soft-grip handles enhance comfort during extended use.

Blade Quality: Higher carbon steel blades hold edges longer. Brands like Bahco, Stanley, and Marples use quality steel with hardness ratings between 58-62 HRC, balancing edge retention with resharpening ease.

Budget Considerations: Entry-level options from Draper and Faithfull suit occasional use, mid-range choices from Stanley and Bahco deliver professional performance, whilst premium Hultafors chisels represent lifetime investments for serious craftsmen.

Maintenance: Remember that virtually all chisels require sharpening before first use and regular honing thereafter. Factor in the cost of sharpening stones or diamond plates for optimal performance.

Safety Information

Always chisel away from your body with both hands behind the cutting edge. Secure workpieces firmly using a vice, clamps, or bench hook—never hold work whilst chiselling. Maintain sharp edges at all times, as blunt chisels require excessive force and are more likely to slip. Wear safety glasses to protect against flying wood chips and consider cut-resistant gloves when handling chisels. Never use chisels as screwdrivers or pry bars. When striking chisels with mallets, maintain a firm grip and strike squarely on the handle end. Follow HSE guidance for hand tool use in professional environments and ensure proper training for less experienced users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do new chisels come pre-sharpened?

Most chisels, even premium brands, arrive with a ground bevel but require honing before use. Manufacturers expect users to sharpen the cutting edge using progressively finer grits on a sharpening stone, finishing with a strop for optimal results.

What's the difference between bevel edge and firmer chisels?

Bevel edge chisels have tapered sides allowing access to tight corners and detailed joinery like dovetails. Firmer chisels have flat rectangular sides providing greater strength for heavy mortising but lacking the versatility for fine joinery work.

What sizes should I include in a basic chisel set?

A good starter set should include 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, and 32mm widths, covering most general woodworking tasks. Professional joiners often add 10mm and 38mm for specialist applications. The 12mm and 25mm sizes typically see heaviest use.