Chisels may seem simple compared to power tools, but don’t let their minimalism fool you - they’re one of the most dangerous tools in the woodworking shop. Despite their straightforward design, chisels are involved in more woodworking-related ER visits than any other tool, including the formidable table saw. That makes learning proper safety techniques and maintenance practices absolutely essential, especially for beginners.
Treat It Like a Weapon
One of the golden rules of chisel safety is this: never put your body behind the cutting edge. Think of a chisel like a loaded firearm - anything in its path is at risk. It’s tempting to brace a piece of wood with your hand while paring or making minor adjustments, but even a moment of inattention can lead to a serious laceration. Always secure your work with a clamp, bench dog, or vise, keeping your hands far away from the line of cut.
Even experienced woodworkers have close calls. One well-known incident involves a woodworker’s brother-in-law who instinctively reached to catch a falling chisel and ended up severely cutting his thumb. (Even in-laws don’t deserve that). Lesson learned: let it fall. Chisels are replaceable, your fingers are not.
Stability Equals Safety
Beyond hand placement, your workpiece must be stable. Never chisel into a loose board. A clamped-down workpiece ensures better control, better accuracy, and significantly less risk of injury. Whether you’re paring dovetails or chopping mortises, stability allows you to work with precision and confidence.
Use the right chisel for the task. Paring chisels are designed for hand pressure only, not mallet strikes. Mortise chisels, on the other hand, are built to withstand pounding and prying. Using the wrong type not only increases the chance of tool failure but may lead to a dangerous situation where the chisel deflects unexpectedly.
Keep It Sharp
A sharp chisel is a safe chisel. Dull edges require more force to cut, increasing the chance of slipping. Fortunately, sharpening doesn't need to be complicated. Water stones, oil stones, diamond plates, or even sandpaper on glass can get your edge razor-sharp with a bit of practice. If you're new to sharpening, consider using a honing guide to maintain the correct angle consistently.
Sharpen regularly. Don’t wait until your chisel is struggling through the wood. If you notice a change in how it feels, like it’s tearing instead of slicing, it’s time for a touch-up.
Store Them Safely
Storage matters too. Keep chisels in a tool roll, wall rack, or dedicated drawer with blade guards. Never leave them loose on the bench, where they can roll off or be accidentally grabbed by the blade. A small leather or plastic cover on each chisel’s tip can prevent both tool damage and injury.
Respect Builds Mastery
Chisels are essential tools that offer an unmatched level of control and finesse. But that control only comes with discipline and respect. By sharpening consistently, working with purpose, and treating each chisel with caution, you’ll not only stay safe but you’ll become a far more skilled woodworker.