Bolsters & Cold Chisels

About Bolsters & Cold Chisels

Bolsters and cold chisels are indispensable striking tools for cutting, shaping, and removing hard materials in masonry, metalwork, and demolition applications. Manufactured from hardened and tempered steel, these robust hand tools are designed to withstand repeated hammer blows whilst maintaining their cutting edge. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including traditional bolster chisels for cutting bricks and blocks, cold chisels for metalwork, plus specialist types like floor chisels, plugging chisels, and scutch chisels.

Quality bolsters and cold chisels from leading manufacturers feature hand-guard protection and ergonomic grips to reduce injury risk from missed strikes. Whether you're a bricklayer cutting blocks to size, a metalworker removing rivets, or a builder breaking out old fixings, selecting the right chisel significantly improves both efficiency and safety on site.

Applications

Bolsters and cold chisels are essential across numerous trades and applications:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Cutting bricks, blocks, and stone to size; removing excess mortar
• General Builders: Demolition work, removing old fixings, surface preparation
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Cutting paving slabs and kerb stones; breaking out concrete
• Metalworkers and Fabricators: Cutting sheet metal, removing rivets and bolts, metal shaping
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Creating floor joist access points; removing old pipe clips
• Roofers: Cutting roof tiles and removing old flashing
• Demolition Contractors: Breaking out materials and removing stubborn fixings
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, garden landscaping, general maintenance

Choosing The Right Bolsters & Cold Chisels

Material and Application: Match the chisel type to your task. Bolsters excel at cutting masonry, cold chisels handle metalwork and general demolition, whilst specialist patterns suit specific applications. Using the wrong type reduces efficiency and increases wear.

Blade Width: Bolster chisels typically range from 75mm to 150mm wide, with 100mm being most versatile for general bricklaying. Cold chisels are narrower (6mm to 25mm), with width determining cutting precision versus strength.

Build Quality: Professional-grade chisels from brands like Stanley, Bahco, and Irwin use superior steel that maintains its edge longer and resists mushrooming. Quality tools prove more economical long-term despite higher initial cost.

Safety Features: Look for integral hand guards protecting against missed strikes, plus non-slip grips and vibration-dampening handles for extended use comfort.

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety goggles or face shields when striking chisels, as flying debris poses serious eye injury risk. Impact-resistant gloves protect hands from missed strikes, whilst hearing protection is essential during extended work.

Tool Inspection: Before each use, inspect the striking head for mushrooming—dangerous deformation creating sharp edges that can fragment under impact. Grind off any mushrooming promptly or retire heavily damaged tools. Check cutting edges for chips or cracks indicating potential breakage.

Proper Technique: Position the chisel securely with one hand well below the striking area. Strike squarely with an appropriate hammer (typically 2lb to 3lb lump hammer). Never use excessive force or strike at angles, which causes slipping or kickback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bolster chisel and a cold chisel?

A bolster chisel has a wide blade (typically 75-100mm) designed for cutting bricks, blocks, and masonry. A cold chisel features a narrower blade for cutting metal and general demolition work. Using the correct type significantly improves cutting efficiency and tool longevity.

Can I use a wood chisel instead of a cold chisel?

Never use wood chisels for metalwork or masonry. Wood chisels are manufactured from softer steel designed only for timber cutting with hand pressure or light mallet strikes. Hitting them with a hammer will immediately deform the edge and may shatter the handle, creating serious safety hazards.

How do I prevent my chisel from mushrooming?

Whilst mushrooming is inevitable with repeated use, quality chisels available at MyToolShed.co.uk resist it longer. Strike squarely with an appropriate-sized hammer to minimise deformation. Once mushrooming occurs, grind the striking head back to its original diameter using a bench grinder, avoiding overheating the steel.