Chisel sizes, what do you actually use??

[Mark18PLL]

Evening everyone, just curious.

I have been looking a buying some new chisels but i started thinking about what sizes i actually use rather than just buying a set of 6 or 8. Sometimes i think companies just make these sets so they sell more, what sizes do you normally buy? I know it depends on what you use them for, i tend to use for carpentry work (doors etc) or some finer work.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Alpha-Dave]

I have a 4x sets from ‘rough and tough’ modern Irwins, 2x sets of good & cheap Stanleys (black and blue handles), and a ‘nice’ set of cocobolo handled Robert Sorbies.

To be honest, of these I use whichever is currently sharpest. These are all just 4 or 5 in a set from 1/4” to 1”.

 

[Jacob]

Evening everyone, just curious.

I have been looking a buying some new chisels but i started thinking about what sizes i actually use rather than just buying a set of 6 or 8. Sometimes i think companies just make these sets so they sell more, what sizes do you normally buy? I know it depends on what you use them for, i tend to use for carpentry work (doors etc) or some finer work.
Thanks
Mark

Depends what you are doing but a basic starter kit could be just three: 1/2, 3/4, 1" firmers. Firmers are the basic work horses. After that add as and when you really need them. One or two bevel edges, a parer etc.
Personally I don't like "sets".There's no reason they shouldn't each be an entirely different brand - in fact it can be useful so you can spot which is which at a glance.

 

[Mark18PLL]

Depends what you are doing but a basic starter kit could be just three: 1/2, 3/4, 1" firmers. Firmers are the basic work horses. After that add as and when you really need them. One or two bevel edges, a parer etc.
Personally I don't like "sets".There's no reason they shouldn't each be an entirely different brand - in fact it can be useful so you can spot which is which at a glance.

Yes i agree, i am going off the idea of a set and thinking of just buying good quality chisels of the size i need when required.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I see no value in buying sets, it's easier to me to have instantly recognisable tools. As Jacob said, except I'd add a 10mm/3/8".

 

[Mark18PLL]

I see no value in buying sets, it's easier to me to have instantly recognisable tools. As Jacob said, except I'd add a 10mm/3/8".

Thanks Phil, yes i agree. This is partly why i was asking, i cant see the value in a set anymore. I have chisels that i just dont use and could have purchased two or three nice one rather than the set and had more value from it, live and learn lol.

 

[thetyreman]

my main set is a narex richter set, they are great chisels, perfect for fine work and dovetail joinery, and pretty much anything else, having some mortise chisels can be useful too if you cut them by hand.

 

[Mark18PLL]

my main set is a narex richter set, they are great chisels, perfect for fine work and dovetail joinery, and pretty much anything else, having some mortise chisels can be useful too if you cut them by hand.

Thanks for the reply but my point was about actual sets, what sizes do you have in yours and do you use them all? I am just thinking that it might not actually be worth buying a set anymore and just buy sizes i use. With regards to the Narex they look like nice chisels and seem to get decent reviews, i have considered getting some a few times. I generally do carpentry work, doors etc so its not cabinetry but i do like a nice chisel that cuts clean and holds a good edge.

 

[Doug B]

If you are hanging doors @Mark18PLL then I’ve found a set to be invaluable, I’ve got a very old set of Marples splitproof Irwin Marples MAR373S6 6pc Splitproof Bevel Edge Chisel Set I seem to remember paying £30 for them so that will give you some idea of how long I’ve had them.
The 3/4”, 1“ & 1 1/4“ generally get most use but depending on latch types, key holes etc the smaller ones get a fair bit of use, as with most things the tools you use depend on the work you’re doing.

 

[pe2dave]

DIY use? 1/2" for most jobs. 1" occasionally for 'planing' jobs. 1/8" essential when needed (3rd blue moon).
Go for quality and individual chisels. Makes sense to me. I'd choose Japanese.

 

[Rich C]

Thanks for the reply but my point was about actual sets, what sizes do you have in yours and do you use them all? I am just thinking that it might not actually be worth buying a set anymore and just buy sizes i use. With regards to the Narex they look like nice chisels and seem to get decent reviews, i have considered getting some a few times. I generally do carpentry work, doors etc so its not cabinetry but i do like a nice chisel that cuts clean and holds a good edge.

I have that Narex set, I use all of them. Most used is the 20mm followed by 10/12mm I think, but there are times when having smaller are larger are handy.

It probably depends on what you do with your chisels though.

 

[Droogs]

I have 3 groups of chisel. The first are my bench chisels which are a 6 piece set of Narex 8115x from when they first started selling in the west and I am only waiting to add a 32mm to that set to cover all I need. The second set are 5 mixed old pig stickers 1/8, 3/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and these should cover any mortice I will ever need to make by hand. The 3rd set are the Lidl set of 4 and these are my "bashers" for all those jobs you wouldn't touch with the others. Also one 1/4" pairing chisel.

The chisels that you can never have enough of, only applies if you carve work and that is the various gouges etc.

 

[Rich C]

I have an old b&q 18mm basher chisel, it has a steel end cap so is good for a bit of abuse.

 

[johnnyb]

doug is right sets are pretty much sized for site type work. if your missing one it can be a nuisance.

 

[Jameshow]

I have the blue Stanley 5001 as my best set, but then I have a silverline every day set and some Wickes ones as demolition / paint opening ones.

Cheers James

 

[johnnyb]

also if 1/2 inch is your smallest you can't do 1/4 inch faceplate.( or 3/8s)

 

[johnnyb]

sorry I should have elaborated on how chisels are used( by joiners) first you score around the face plate. then chop the ends nice and deep. then feather the waste away. the secret being having a correctly sized chisel(across the grain)don't try and drive a chisel along the grain otherwise you will split the door.

 

[Doug71]

I have also had a set of the Marples that Doug B linked to for years, great chisels.

It's always handy to have all the sizes, also having a few means that there is normally at least one of them still sharp......

Can't believe people talking about a "mix and match" set, just the thought of all the handles not being the same size and colour is something my brain couldn't handle

 

[Terry - Somerset]

Sets have the benefit that they tend to be cheaper per chisel (or drills, or screwdrivers etc) and as a starter are a worthwhile buy when their use is varied or unclear.. You never know when you may need the 3mm, but its nice to have when nothing else will do.

After a while it will become evident which get used most frequently depending on the work undertaken.

For a more professional or experienced user the need is likely to be more obvious and more specialist - in which case buying the best size and quality for the job in hand makes sense.

 

[Thingybob]

I have a set of 6 Irwin 6mm to 25mm also bought a 40mm and 50mm had them for years also a set of marples yellow and red handled 6mm to 25 kept sharp will cover most jobs any old chisels have been recycled into paint scrapers etc so i am not tempted to use by best to remove paint also i only use a wooden mallet or rubber hammer annoys me to see metal claw hammers used