# What is a chisel in construction?
**A chisel is a hand tool with a sharpened cutting edge at the end of a metal blade, used for cutting, shaping, or removing material such as wood, stone, or metal. The blade is typically driven by striking the handle with a mallet or hammer, or by applying hand pressure alone. Chisels are among the oldest and most fundamental tools in construction and craftsmanship, dating back thousands of years.**
## Application
Chisels come in many forms, each designed for a specific material or task. In woodworking, the most common types include the bench chisel, firmer chisel, and mortise chisel. A bench chisel has a thin blade suited for light paring and trimming work, while a mortise chisel features a thicker, stronger blade designed to withstand the repeated heavy blows needed to cut deep mortise joints.
In masonry and stonework, cold chisels and bolster chisels are used to cut or shape brick, concrete, and natural stone. A cold chisel is made entirely of hardened steel and is struck with a club hammer. Bolster chisels have a wider cutting edge, making them ideal for cutting bricks along a scored line.
When using a chisel, proper technique is essential. The bevel side of the blade should generally face away from the workpiece for paring cuts and toward the workpiece when chopping. Keeping the cutting edge sharp is critical — a dull chisel requires more force and is more likely to slip, increasing the risk of injury or damage to the material.
Safety precautions include wearing eye protection, securing the workpiece firmly, and always cutting away from the body. For wooden-handled chisels, only use a wooden mallet — a steel hammer can split the handle over time.
## Related terms
– Mallet
– Mortise and tenon joint
– Cold chisel
– Bolster chisel
– Gouge
– Hand plane
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