Best Wood Chisels for DIYers
A sharp chisel cuts mortises, pares joints, cleans corners, and trims hinges, the hand tool that makes joinery crisp. Good steel that holds an edge and a comfortable, strike-able handle separate the keepers.
What to look for
- ·Look for quality steel that takes and holds a sharp edge; cheap chisels dull fast and chip.
- ·Bevel-edge bench chisels are the most versatile; a basic set (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch) covers most work.
- ·Chisels need sharpening to perform. Budget for a sharpening stone or guide, since even good chisels arrive dull.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narex Wood Chisel Set | Editor's pick | $50 to $100 per set | Best quality-per-dollar |
| Two Cherries Chisels | Editor's pick | $30 to $60 each | Premium fine joinery |
| Pfeil Swiss Made Chisels | Editor's pick | $30 to $70 each | Fine paring and carving |
| Irwin Marples Chisel Set | Best value | $25 to $50 per set | Value general joinery |
| Stanley Sweetheart 750 | Best value | $20 to $40 each | Quality value chisels |
| WoodRiver Chisel Set | Best value | $40 to $80 per set | Mid-value chisel set |
| Buck Bros Chisel Set | Budget pick | $15 to $30 per set | Budget rough work |
| Stanley Bailey Chisels | Budget pick | $15 to $30 per set | Budget casual use |
| Store-Brand Chisel Set | Budget pick | $10 to $20 per set | Lowest-cost occasional use |
Editor's pick
Narex Wood Chisel Set
$50 to $100 per set
Czech-made chisels with excellent steel that takes a keen edge, comfortable handles, and great value for the quality. A favorite of woodworkers. The pick for performance per dollar.
Best for: Best quality-per-dollar
Typically available at Amazon, Woodworking suppliers.
Two Cherries Chisels
$30 to $60 each
Premium German chisels with hard, fine steel that holds a superb edge for fine joinery. The pick for serious woodworkers who want top-tier hand tools.
Best for: Premium fine joinery
Typically available at Woodworking suppliers, Amazon.
Pfeil Swiss Made Chisels
$30 to $70 each
Top-quality Swiss chisels and carving tools known for keen, durable edges and refined fit and finish. The pick for the finest paring and carving work.
Best for: Fine paring and carving
Typically available at Woodworking suppliers.
Best value
Irwin Marples Chisel Set
$25 to $50 per set
A widely available set with decent steel and comfortable strike-cap handles at a value price. A solid mid-range pick for general joinery and DIY.
Best for: Value general joinery
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Stanley Sweetheart 750
$20 to $40 each
Quality bench chisels with good steel and classic handles at a reasonable price, a strong step up from budget sets. A dependable value for woodworkers.
Best for: Quality value chisels
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
WoodRiver Chisel Set
$40 to $80 per set
A solid mid-value bench chisel set with good steel and comfortable handles. A dependable choice for the home woodworker building a kit.
Best for: Mid-value chisel set
Typically available at Woodworking suppliers.
Budget pick
Buck Bros Chisel Set
$15 to $30 per set
An affordable chisel set for rough work, hinges, and occasional joinery. Needs sharpening to perform, but a cheap way to get the common sizes.
Best for: Budget rough work
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Stanley Bailey Chisels
$15 to $30 per set
Inexpensive everyday chisels for trimming, scraping, and light joinery around the house. Basic steel, but serviceable for casual use at a low price.
Best for: Budget casual use
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon.
Store-Brand Chisel Set
$10 to $20 per set
The cheapest chisel set for occasional, light tasks like scraping and prying (carefully). Dulls fast and chips, but the lowest cost to have the sizes on hand.
Best for: Lowest-cost occasional use
Typically available at Home Depot, Walmart.
Frequently asked
What chisels do I need to start?+
A set of bevel-edge bench chisels in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch covers most joinery, paring, and cleanup. Add wider or narrower sizes and a mortise chisel as your projects demand. Quality over quantity, four good chisels beat a big cheap set.
Do new chisels need sharpening?+
Almost always, yes. Even quality chisels arrive with a rough factory edge that needs honing to cut cleanly, and budget chisels especially. Plan to flatten the back and sharpen the bevel on a stone or with a guide before first use, then maintain the edge.
Which chisel brand is best?+
Premium picks like Narex, Two Cherries, and Pfeil hold a keen edge and feel great. Irwin Marples and Stanley Sweetheart offer strong mid-range value. Cheap sets work for rough work but need frequent sharpening. Match the spend to how much fine joinery you do.
How do I keep chisels sharp?+
Hone the bevel regularly on sharpening stones (or with a guide) and strop to refine the edge, and flatten the back when new. A sharp chisel cuts cleanly with light force; a dull one tears and is dangerous because it slips. Touch up often rather than waiting until dull.
Can I hit a chisel with a hammer?+
Use a wooden or rubber mallet on chisels with strike-rated (often hooped or tough plastic) handles for mortising and chopping. Avoid striking fine paring chisels or those with delicate handles. For paring, push by hand; for chopping, mallet a sturdy bench chisel.