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Wood chisels are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Use the correct chisel for the job.

Wear safety glasses, or goggles, or a faceshield.
Use the right size of chisel for the job.
Choose smooth, rectangular handles that have no sharp edges and are attached firmly to the chisel.

Ensure that the cutting edge is sharp. Dull chisels can be difficult to control and require more effort to do the job.
Check stock thoroughly for knots, staples, nails, screws or other foreign objects before chiseling.
Clamp stock so it cannot move.
Adjust your stance so that you do not lose your balance if the tool slips.
Chip or cut away from yourself.
Keep your hands and body behind the cutting edge.
Use a wooden or plastic mallet with a large striking face on all chisels. Only heavy-duty or framing chisels are made of a solid or molded handle that can be struck with a steel hammer.
Make finishing or paring cuts with hand pressure alone.
Place chisels safely within the plastic protective caps to cover cutting edges when not in use.
Replace any chisel that is bent or shows dents, cracks, chips, or excessive wear.
Store chisels in a "storage roll," a cloth or plastic bag with slots for each chisel, and keep them in a drawer or tray.
Replace broken or splintered handles.
Sharpen cutting edges as often as necessary.

Do not use a wood chisel as a pry or a wedge.
Do not use a wood chisel on metal.
Do not use an all-steel chisel with a mushroomed face or a chipped edge. Redress with a file or whetstone.
Do not use a grinder to redress heat-treated tools. Use a whetstone.
Do not use a dull chisel.

Refer to OSH Answers General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.

Document confirmed current on August 17, 2010

Document last updated on October 6, 1999