How do you sharpen a chisel?

28th February 2020



How to sharpen a chisel


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			Keeping it sharp is an important part of looking after your chisel. A cold chisel without a sharp edge is pretty much useless. Fortunately, it is possible to sharpen them.

			It is perfectly possible to sharpen a steel cold chisel using an offhand grinder/bench grinder, using a wheel with at least a “fine grit”. Tools made from other materials may require use of a different grinder. You may wish to ask your manufacturer for advice.

			How to sharpen a cold chisel using a grinder
			Step 1 – Hold chisel Hold the chisel in both hands against the wheel.

			Step 2 – Move chisel Move the chisel across the wheel horizontally.



			Step 3 – Cool off chisel Remove the chisel from the wheel occasionally and cool it off in water to prevent it from getting too hot.

			Step 4 – Apply oil Once you have finished sharpening your chisel, apply a light coating of lubricating oil. This will prevent the tool going rusty.

			Remember that, for cold chisels at least, both sides of the cutting edge will require sharpening, with each side being sharpened to an angle half that of the final cutting angle.

			It is advised to use a tool rest to help you when sharpening your cold chisels.

			A tool rest allows you to keep the cold chisel at the correct angle whilst using the wheel.

			Use of a sharpening stone may also be possible, especially if you simply want to touch up the cutting edge on a regular basis.

			Different angles and techniques may be required when sharpening cross cut, half round and diamond point chisels, due to the fact that they have differently shaped cutting edges.

			Other types of chisel such as the brick bolster may not require sharpening as often unless they become severely damaged. You may wish to consult your manufacturer for advice on whether you need to sharpen your other chisels.