Photo: VonHaus
A wood chisel is a handy and readily used tool in woodworking. It has a shaped blade on its end that you can use for carving or cutting hard material.
Many prospective buyers have a common question in mind – which is the best wood chisel set to buy that can help to solve different carving and carpentry purposes?
Well, this is an important purchase because chiselling is frequent activity, and it will require the best chisel. Since there are various sizes available in these tools, the best is to get a set that gives multiple options at one place.
Let’s take a look at some recommendations:
In this post:
- 10 Best Wood Chisels – Review
- 1. VonHaus 15/085 – Best Overall Wood Chisel
- 2. Stanley 16-150 – Best Budget Wood Chisel
- 3. DeWalt DWHT16148 – Best Small Wood Chisel
- 4. Stanley 16-401 – Best Large Wood Chisel
- 5. Narex 853053 – Best Quality Wood Chisel
- 6. Irwin 1768781 – Best Chisel for Carpentry
- 7. Narex 863010 – Best Full Tang Chisel
- 8. Stanley 16-791 – Best Chisel with Maximum Accuracy
- 9. DeWalt DWHT16063 – Most Comfortable Chisel
- 10. Irwin M444SB6N – Standard Wood Chisel
- How to Buy the Best Wood Chisel
- Conclusion
10 Best Wood Chisels – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. VonHaus 15/085 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Stanley 16-150 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. DeWalt DWHT16148 (Best Small) |
| |
 | 4. Stanley 16-401 (Best Large) |
| |
 | 5. Narex 853053 (Best Quality) |
| |
 | 6. Irwin 1768781 (Best for Carpentry) |
| |
 | 7. Narex 863010 (Best Full Tang Chisel) |
| |
 | 8. Stanley 16-791 (Best with Maximum Accuracy) |
| |
 | 9. DeWalt DWHT16063 (Most Comfortable) |
| |
 | 10. Irwin M444SB6N (Standard Chisel) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. VonHaus 15/085 (Best Overall)
|
2. Stanley 16-150 (Best Budget)
|
3. DeWalt DWHT16148 (Best Small)
|
4. Stanley 16-401 (Best Large)
|
5. Narex 853053 (Best Quality)
|
6. Irwin 1768781 (Best for Carpentry)
|
7. Narex 863010 (Best Full Tang Chisel)
|
8. Stanley 16-791 (Best with Maximum Accuracy)
|
9. DeWalt DWHT16063 (Most Comfortable)
|
10. Irwin M444SB6N (Standard Chisel)
|
1. VonHaus 15/085 – Best Overall Wood Chisel
Photo: VonHaus
- Size: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2 inches
- No: of Pieces: 10
- Material: Heat-treated Chrome Vanadium Steel
- Overall Length: 12.3 inches
The VonHaus 15/086 is the best overall product considering that it’s beveled chisels are exceptionally promising in performance due to the construction material. These are made of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel to withstand the harshest usage and not back out.
This model is available in 10 pieces which include 8 chisels in sizes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2-inches, a honing guide and a sharpening stone. This is a perfect set to buy for woodworking, carpentry, as well as DIY projects.
To enhance the features, it has got super comfortable and impact-resistant polypropylene handle for efficient grip. This is a highly suitable product available in a blow molded storage case for easy storage and transportation.
Also, it is affordably priced to suit your budget. The only drawback is that it needs frequent honing which might annoy some people.
Pros:
- Super-efficient material
- Impact resistant handle
- Easy storage
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Might require frequent honing
2. Stanley 16-150 – Best Budget Wood Chisel
Photo: Stanley
- Size: 1/2, 3/4, 1 inches
- No: of Pieces: 3
- Material: Lacquer Coated Steel
- Overall Length: 10 inches
This one stands as the most economical model, making it the best wood chisel for the money as it is exceptionally durable and tough.
The construction is ensured with uniformly hardened steel to give more robustness to the product. It is further lacquer coated so that steel can resist rusting and corrosion for the longest time.
The three sizes available in this model are 1/2, 3/4, 1-inches and can be used for heavy-duty tasks. Also, there is limited lifetime warranty to secure your purchase.
What makes it more dependable is the black polypropylene handle which minimizes deformation. The only concern is that the handles are not ergonomically shaped so might tire your hand soon.
Pros:
- Most inexpensive
- Extremely robust
- Suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Comes with warranty
Cons:
- Handle is not ergonomically shaped
3. DeWalt DWHT16148 – Best Small Wood Chisel
Photo: DeWalt
- Size: 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 inches
- No: of Pieces: 3
- Material: Tampered High-Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 11.5 inches
This model is an appropriately sized small wood chisel that gives you the room to hold and control the tool effectively. It is 11.5-inches in length and can be used for scrapping and demolition purposes due to the wide side-strike.
Also, it has a serrated edge that makes it versatile for different applications. The best thing is the strength of the chisels that are complemented with a curved bi-material handle to resist impact and give you comfortable hold of the product.
The steel is very promising and does not rust. While this model is quite suitable, you may not like the lack of warranty of this model.
Pros:
- Small and extremely manageable
- Versatile product
- Comfortable hold
- Does not rust
Cons:
- No warranty
4. Stanley 16-401 – Best Large Wood Chisel
Photo: Stanley
- Size: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 inches
- No: of Pieces: 5
- Material: Carbon-Chrome Steel
- Overall Length: 15.25 inches
For the ones who need large chisels, this set is quite suitable with 15.25-inches overall length. This model is available in a set of 5 with sizes like 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4-inches.
The durability and corrosion-resistance are brought on the table through carbon-chrome material which is further lacquered-coated. Also, the blade is quite efficient in retaining the edge for the longest time, minimizing the need of frequent sharpening and honing.
The wooden handle is also quite durable and impact-resistant. The drawback is that it is very difficult to flatten the blade while sharpening.
Pros:
- Available in large size
- Set of 5 chisels
- Impact resistant handle
- Durable blade
Cons:
- Difficult to flatten the blade
5. Narex 853053 – Best Quality Wood Chisel
Photo: Narex
- Size: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 5/8, 13/16, 1-1/16 inches
- No: of Pieces: 6
- Material: Tampered Chrome Manganese Steel
- Overall Length: 15.25 inches
The premium construction of this model with fine-grained tampered chrome manganese steel makes it the best quality product on the list.
The steel is superbly durable and has exceptional edge-retention. You won’t have to sharpen it frequently.
This 6-piece set will help in solving a lot of purpose. What makes it more dependable is the European beech wood handle which is not only comfortable but also impact-resistant and durable.
Furthermore, it can bevel ground at 25-degrees for versatile applications. While it is a great product, the high cost could be a road block for some buyers.
Pros:
- Exceptional quality construction
- Available in 6-pieces
- Versatile
- Impact-resistant handle
Cons:
- Pricey
6. Irwin 1768781 – Best Chisel for Carpentry
Photo: Irwin
- Size: 1/2, 3/4, 1 inches
- No: of Pieces: 3
- Material: Hardened Steel
- Overall Length: 15 inches
The Irwin 1768781 is exceptionally suitable for carpentry as it demands more stringent hammering. The chisels have high-impact construction and has a large strike cap for repetitive hammer strikes.
The 15-inches length of the chisel will give sufficient room to use it in a controlled manner. Also, it is available in versatile sizes of 1/2, 3/4, 1-inches. The hardened steel blade has superior performance. However, since it does not have a topcoat, it might be prone to corrosion.
The handle is pretty comfortable as it comes in ergonomic shape. This is an affordable product but does not come packed in a storage box.
Pros:
- Perfect for carpentry
- High-impact construction
- Versatile sizes
- Affordable
Cons:
- Does not come with a storage box
- Might be prone to corrosion
7. Narex 863010 – Best Full Tang Chisel
Photo: Narex
- Size: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inches
- No: of Pieces: 4
- Material: Tampered Chrome Manganese Steel
- Overall Length: 13.5 inches
Well, there are many buyers who seek for full-tang chisels as they offer enhanced durability and more stringent usage. Well, this product has full-tang construction and is quite dependable.
The model has got 4 pieces of chisels in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4-inches. The high-quality construction with tampered chrome manganese steel is very promising. Furthermore, the beech wood handle will make holding for a long time very easy.
This model is suitably priced. However, it does not bring any warranty with the purchase.
Pros:
- Comes with full-tang construction
- Promising material
- Comfortable handle
- Suitably priced
Cons:
- No warranty
8. Stanley 16-791 – Best Chisel with Maximum Accuracy
Photo: Stanley
- Size: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inches
- No: of Pieces: 4
- Material: High Carbon Chrome Steel
- Overall Length: 13.8 inches
With a wide butt or a large sweet spot, you get maximum accuracy with this model. It has high carbon chrome steel blades in thin profile that you can use for paring or striking.
The sharpening of blades is also relatively simpler. To increase durability, there is well-seated heavy-steel tangs on the chisels.
To increase the versatility, the chisels are ground at 25-degrees bevel. As far as handle is concerned, this model comes with a hornbeam handle for amazing comfort and robustness. What you may not like in this model is that the blades get scratched soon.
Pros:
- Comes with maximum accuracy
- Used for paring and striking
- Easy to sharpen
- Versatile
Cons:
- Steel gets scratched
9. DeWalt DWHT16063 – Most Comfortable Chisel
Photo: DeWalt
- Size: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inches
- No: of Pieces: 4
- Material: Tampered Chrome Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 12 inches
If you are a DIYer seeking for the most comfortable chisel set then this model is the answer of your concerns. It comes with an ergonomically designed bi-material handle for enhanced and the most comfortable grip.
Available in a set of 4 chisels, it is quite versatile. The construction is done with tampered chrome steel and lacquered coated for corrosion-resistance.
Also, it has high-edge resistance for prolonged usage. The hardened strike cap will help in increase the stringent usage. This is a great product although, it does not come with a storage box.
Pros:
- Most comfortable handle
- Robust construction
- Comfortable handles
- Hardened strike cap
Cons:
- Does not come with a storage box
10. Irwin M444SB6N – Standard Wood Chisel
Photo: Irwin
- Size: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1 inches
- No: of Pieces: 6
- Material: High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 12.5 inches
Well, this model is suitable for traditional woodworking tasks and comes with high-carbon steel blade. The set brings 6 chisels which will be helpful in versatile applications.
The blade holds its edge for the longest time. However, there is no topcoat to prevent rusting and corrosion.
There is a thin contoured handle for firm and comfortable grip. It also gives you more precision and control. Overall, this is a suitable chisel set for beginners.
Pros:
- Suitable for traditional woodworking
- Available in a set of 6
- Holds the edge
- Firm and controllable handle
Cons:
- No topcoat to prevent rusting
How to Buy the Best Wood Chisel
Photo: Stanley
1. Type of Wood Chisels
The wood chisels vary in their shape and this is the only element establishing their distinctiveness. Here is all about the different types of wood chisels you can find on the market.
Mortising Chisels
Mortise chisel is among the commonly used chisels in cabinetry. These have thick blades and are designed in agreement with prying. Their design includes a capped or steel hoop on the handle and can withstand continual mallet blows.
The chisel is basically malleted in the wood and with a levering action, you remove the waste. Traditionally, only a mortising chisel has the features and characteristics to achieve the task because others either don’t have the thickness to compete with the levering action or to withstand the abuse.
The ones you can get on the market these days have forged bolsters and oval beech to endure pounding. Most of these are available in 6-mm to 9-mm. The cutting edge of a mortise chisel is between 30 – 40 degrees angle.
Paring Chisels
The blade of paring chisels is not very similar to the mortising chisel. These are rather thin, long, and lightweight and flexible, so you shouldn’t use them for brutal cutting.
They are basically used to shave-off thin wood layers while fitting the joints. The length gives the advantage of exceptional control.
The motion of the chisel is pretty straightforward. With one hand on the handle to push the chisel forward, the other hand can stay up front on the blade while guiding the cutting action.
A paring chisel will be the best helpful to dress the sides of a mortise craft after roughly chopping it square with a mortise chisel. If you are into a lot of joinery then this type can be a secondary purchase.
Bench Chisel
The bench chisels are extremely popular as these are all-rounders. You can use them as a general-purpose chisel.
The blade is of medium length and available in two shapes – beveled or straight edge with impact resistant handle.
If you are into making furniture or cabinets then the there is no better option than beveled bench chisel. These models are extremely straightforward and what you really need from them is to feel comfortable in your hand and maintain their edge.
There is no denying the fact that these tools will have to go through abuse. However, if you invest in the right one, you will be able to use it for the longest duration.
The bench chisels are available in different sizes. They have a compulsory beveled edge on the side and the blade thickness is moderate for vigorous use.
If you have started woodworking and don’t want to make multiple purchases then Bench chisel is an all-purpose and standard chisel to help you through a variety of tasks.
Japanese Chisel
Japanese chisel is not a separate model. It is basically a bench chisel. The only difference is the thickness of the blade and it has exceptionally sharp edges.
Due to the enhanced sharpness, you get excellent finish of the cuts of softer woods. Some people will wonder, how much does the blade sharpness matters? Well, a lot. The dull blades will create crumbly mess.
However, with Japanese chisel, there is no such problem. There is another noticeable difference between standard chisel and Japanese chisel that it is less beveled than the counterpart. However, in general applications, it will not make a lot of difference.
Crank-Neck Chisel
There are some chisels whose neck is offset from the blade’s line. These are known as crank-neck chisels and not so commonly found in a toolkit. However, these are pretty useful and gives you the hold of complete blade area to use, without fingers getting in the way.
2. Blade
Blade is the most important part of a chisel. It is the part that will do all the functioning, so your search should largely move around the blade. Many faults in a chisel can be forgiven but a bad blade will put everything in jeopardy.
The strength and durability of a blade are among the major qualifications. It should be able to resist scratching and chipping. However, most important, the blade must hold its edge for the maximum time.
People have different preferences in blades. Some believe that pre-sharpened blades are better than the ones that you sharpen yourself. These are different prepositions and one should proceed with a suitable purchase.
As far as the material is concerned, the foundation of blade is steel material. You can get different types of coatings on the top to harden the steel and make it as corrosion-resistant as possible.
The tampered chrome manganese steel blades are practically the best ones given that they maintain the edge for the longest period and does not chip or scratch. The Narex 853053 are among the best woodworking chisel set on the market made of exceptionally durable material.
3. Handle
The second important thing to put into consideration is the chisel handle. Well, many people underestimate the significance of a good handle while desperately searching for a high-quality blade.
Usage of a chisel will require a lot of force from the user. You cannot afford to buy a handle that cannot undertake the vigorous usage.
At the same time, comfort is equally essential. You won’t be able to use a chisel if the handle is not comfortable. It is important to invest in a model that has a handle suiting the hand size of the user. Too small or too large will only cause more trouble.
Wood is definitely one of the most-liked materials in handle. However, there are other products with bi-material handles. One of the most comfortable products you can find for purchase are the DeWalt DWHT16063 as it is exceptionally comfortable, durable, and impact-resistant.
The next thing that will largely impact the handle is the kind of tang it has. The handle is either attached by socket or tang with the blade.
The socket handles are more popular than the tang handles. They are extremely durable. Basically, the socket chisel sits on top of the handle cone and that is why they can take extreme beating.
The tang handles on the other hand dwells inside the handle’s mortise and might split the wood handle if struck repeatedly. It’s not that either of the handle type has lesser strength. If you apply an unreasonable amount of force on either of these, there is a fair chance of chisel breaking into pieces.
Therefore, whichever you plan to pick, make sure to use them a bit carefully for prolonged usage.
Conclusion
On concluding the wood chisel set review, we have some amazing recommendations to sum it all up. If you want to go with an uncompromised product then the VonHaus 15/085 is the best overall product with 8 differently sized chisels, made of extremely high-quality steel.
If you are just starting with woodworking and wants a basic model to start on a serious budget then there is no better alternative than the Stanley 16-150 as it is a budget product with amazing quality and performance.