Bolsters

About Bolsters

Bolsters, also known as bolster chisels, are essential hand tools designed for cutting, shaping, and breaking through masonry, brickwork, and concrete. Featuring wide, flat blades typically ranging from 50mm to 125mm in width, these robust tools excel at splitting bricks cleanly, removing mortar, cutting paving slabs, and chasing out walls for electrical or plumbing installations. Unlike standard wood chisels, bolsters are constructed to withstand repeated hammer strikes necessary for demanding construction and demolition work.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of bolsters from trusted brands including Draper, Roughneck, Sealey, Stanley, and Faithfull. The collection includes brick bolsters for general masonry work, electricians' bolsters with narrower 50-75mm blades for chasing channels, masons' bolsters for heavy-duty stonework, and specialist carpet laying bolsters. Many models feature integrated hand guards or can be purchased with separate guards to protect against misplaced hammer strikes, whilst bolster and chisel sets offer excellent value for tradespeople requiring multiple tools.

Applications

Bolsters are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Cutting bricks, blocks, and stone to size, removing excess mortar, and general masonry shaping work
• Electricians: Chasing out walls and floors to create channels for cable runs, back boxes, and conduit installations
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Cutting channels for copper and plastic pipework through masonry walls
• General Builders: Demolition work, removing tiles, breaking up concrete, and site preparation tasks
• Plasterers: Preparing walls by removing loose material and cutting back damaged areas
• Landscape Gardeners: Cutting paving slabs, kerb stones, and edging materials
• Carpet Fitters: Using specialist carpet bolsters for tucking edges into gripper strips
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects including tile removal and building garden walls

Choosing The Right Bolsters

Blade Width: Select based on your primary application. Standard brick bolsters at 100mm suit general masonry work, electricians' bolsters at 50-75mm are ideal for precise chasing, whilst wider 125mm masons' bolsters handle heavy-duty stone cutting.

Construction Quality: Look for drop-forged, hardened steel construction from reputable brands. The blade should be heat-treated for durability whilst maintaining enough flexibility to prevent shattering under impact. Premium bolsters available at MyToolShed.co.uk offer superior longevity compared to cheaper cast alternatives.

Hand Guard Protection: For safety-conscious users, models with integrated hand guards or the option to add guards separately are highly recommended. The guard should be securely attached without interfering with visibility of the cutting edge.

Handle Design: Traditional bolsters feature integrated striking caps, whilst modern designs may incorporate comfortable grips. Ensure the striking cap is broad enough for accurate hammer strikes and manufactured from hardened steel that won't mushroom excessively.

Safety Information

Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when using bolsters, as flying fragments of brick, concrete, and mortar pose serious eye injury risks. Impact-resistant work gloves and steel toe-capped boots provide essential protection. When cutting materials generating silica dust, wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment compliant with HSE guidelines.

Before each use, inspect your bolster for mushrooming of the striking cap, chips in the blade, or cracks in the handle. Keep your non-striking hand well clear of the bolster's path and use hand guards wherever possible. Use controlled hammer strikes with a 1-2kg club hammer rather than full-force swings to maintain accuracy and reduce fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bolsters feature wide, flat blades (50-125mm) specifically designed for cutting masonry and brickwork, providing the width necessary to split bricks cleanly. Cold chisels have narrower blades designed for cutting metal and removing rivets. Each tool is engineered for different materials and applications.

What weight hammer should I use with a bolster?

A club hammer or lump hammer weighing between 1kg and 2kg is ideal for most bolster work. The 1kg weight suits precision work with less fatigue, whilst 2kg hammers provide more cutting force for heavy-duty applications. Controlled, accurate strikes are more effective than full-force swings.

How do I maintain my bolster?

Keep the cutting edge sharp using a bench grinder or sharpening stone, maintaining the original grinding angle (typically 20-30 degrees). Regularly grind back any mushrooming on the striking cap to prevent dangerous metal fragments. Store bolsters in dry conditions and apply light oil if storing for extended periods.