Chisel Sets

About Chisel Sets

A comprehensive chisel set is an essential investment for woodworkers, carpenters, and joiners who need reliable cutting tools for a wide range of tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks chisel sets from leading brands including Marples, Bahco, DeWalt, Stanley, and Draper, offering everything from budget-friendly 3-piece starter sets to professional-grade 8-piece collections. These sets typically include bevel edge chisels in the most commonly used widths—ranging from 6mm for fine detail work through to 38mm for wider housings—complete with protective storage solutions such as canvas tool rolls, plastic cases, or wooden boxes.

Most chisel sets feature hardened and tempered steel blades with precision-ground bevels, designed to hold a sharp edge through extended use. Handle options include traditional wooden designs for excellent feel and shock absorption, or modern soft-grip composite handles that reduce hand fatigue and feature pound-through striking caps for use with hammers. Whether you're cutting mortises, paring joints, fitting hinges, or cleaning up dovetails, a quality chisel set provides the versatility and convenience that individual chisel purchases cannot match.

Applications

Chisel sets are indispensable tools for numerous trades and applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: Fitting doors, hanging gates, cutting hinge recesses, and cleaning up timber joints
• Cabinetmakers and Furniture Makers: Precision dovetail work, tenon joints, and fine detail finishing
• Shop Fitters: Installing fixtures, chiselling lock mortises, and fitting commercial joinery
• Heritage Restoration Specialists: Traditional joinery methods for period properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvements including door hanging, window fitting, and garden furniture construction
• Apprentices and Students: Building a foundational toolkit whilst learning traditional woodworking skills

Choosing The Right Chisel Sets

When selecting a chisel set from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

Set Size: Three-piece sets (typically 12mm, 19mm, 25mm) cover basic carpentry needs, whilst 6 to 8-piece sets provide greater versatility with sizes from 6mm to 38mm for both fine detail work and wider cuts.

Blade Quality: Look for high-carbon steel or chrome vanadium construction from reputable brands like Bahco, Marples, or DeWalt. Premium blades offer superior edge retention and require less frequent sharpening.

Handle Design: Traditional wooden handles provide excellent shock absorption, whilst modern soft-grip composite handles reduce fatigue during extended use. Pound-through designs with striking caps allow hammer use without handle damage.

Storage: Sets with included protective storage—canvas rolls, plastic cases, or wooden boxes—keep chisels organised and protected, particularly important for site work and transportation between jobs.

Usage Level: Professional tradespeople benefit from investing in higher-quality sets that withstand daily use, whilst occasional DIY users may find mid-range options from brands like Draper or Faithfull perfectly adequate.

Safety Information

Always work with sharp chisels—blunt tools require excessive force and are more likely to slip, causing injury. Cut away from your body with both hands positioned behind the cutting edge. Wear safety glasses to protect against flying wood chips, and ensure workpieces are securely clamped rather than hand-held. Only strike traditional wooden-handled chisels with wooden or rubber mallets; use metal hammers exclusively on pound-through designs with reinforced striking caps. Store chisels with blade guards to prevent accidental cuts when accessing toolboxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do new chisels come ready to use?

Most new chisels require sharpening before use, even from premium brands. Manufacturers typically supply chisels with a ground bevel but not a fully honed edge, so expect to flatten the back and establish a proper cutting edge on a sharpening stone before first use.

What chisel sizes are most useful for general carpentry?

The most frequently used sizes are 12mm, 19mm, and 25mm, which handle common tasks including hinge recesses and lock mortises. A 6-piece set adding 6mm, 32mm, and 38mm widths provides excellent versatility for professional tradespeople.

Can I use a claw hammer on my chisels?

Traditional wooden-handled chisels should only be struck with wooden or rubber mallets. However, modern chisels with pound-through or strike-through designs feature reinforced striking caps that can withstand metal hammer blows—always check the manufacturer's guidance before use.