Recommend plastic handled chisel.

[1275gt]

Hello all,

I'm in the market for a set of plastic handled chisels. I have a set of marples blue chips and they're like cheese im chopping a 10x20x40mm mortice in redwood and the edge is constantly chipping and rolling.

Old Stanley's 5001 et al go for a premium now, this is my set I use all the time so don't want to start building a set from Carboots etc. I'm not using them for site work so I'm after something with a more refined blade/handle.
I'm after plastic because I split a lovely boxwood handle once (must of had a crack) and I don't think I've recovered.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rogxwhit]

My experience is limited but goes back a bit. Yes some of those blue Marples were towards the brittle side of good as regards the cutting edge. I never had a bad Stanley blade-wise, except that they brought out some budget designs that had plastic handles prone to fracturing. This calls up the whole ethos of manufacturing / marketing & goods not fit for purpose - a topic that could easily swallow up the world.

I wouldn't stress about handle material, it's the edge that's important. But there's something about wood, isnt there? It's just more wholesome to be around. But if you want to bash your tool like a cold chisel, maybe stick to those and masonry?

 

[Seascaper]

I have a set of bevel edge Marples chisels with plastic handles, they are the type with clear yellow and red handles. I had them from new 45 years ago as a present from my parents. I have never had a problem with splitting handles so would recommend them, and some have had a pretty hard life. I have added to them, one can still buy them. They are now called M373 splitproof.

 

[Jacob]

Hello all,

I'm in the market for a set of plastic handled chisels. I have a set of marples blue chips and they're like cheese im chopping a 10x20x40mm mortice in redwood and the edge is constantly chipping and rolling.

Old Stanley's 5001 et al go for a premium now, this is my set I use all the time so don't want to start building a set from Carboots etc. I'm not using them for site work so I'm after something with a more refined blade/handle.
I'm after plastic because I split a lovely boxwood handle once (must of had a crack) and I don't think I've recovered.

Thanks in advance.

You need a mortice chisel for chopping mortices. This means either an oval bolster with massive wooden handle, or plastic handle with heavy weight blade. Blue Marples or Stanley 5001 not suitable.
Red &yellow Marples are tough as mentioned above
These are firmers but they used to do a heavier mortice version too:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/marples-mortise-chisel-set-yellow-1827555189

 

[clogs]

or u could buy this....from Axminster....they do post...
there's prob better stuff out there.....think Poland or Germany...

ANSELL FORGED ALL-STEEL WOOD CHISEL - 50MM​

952810

https://cdn.axminstertools.com/medi...70.1811552965.1655965789-862353101.1655965789


€‌39.00

 

[1275gt]

My experience is limited but goes back a bit. Yes some of those blue Marples were towards the brittle side of good as regards the cutting edge. I never had a bad Stanley blade-wise, except that they brought out some budget designs that had plastic handles prone to fracturing. This calls up the whole ethos of manufacturing / marketing & goods not fit for purpose - a topic that could easily swallow up the world.

I wouldn't stress about handle material, it's the edge that's important. But there's something about wood, isnt there? It's just more wholesome to be around. But if you want to bash your tool like a cold chisel, maybe stick to those and masonry?

I have a set of old boxwood chisels, I keep them sharp and use them after my plastic handle ones to tidy up my work with just light paring or gentle taps.

 

[1275gt]

I have a set of bevel edge Marples chisels with plastic handles, they are the type with clear yellow and red handles. I had them from new 45 years ago as a present from my parents. I have never had a problem with splitting handles so would recommend them, and some have had a pretty hard life. I have added to them, one can still buy them. They are now called M373 splitproof.

I'll look in to these thank you. Are the Irwin branded ones still decent?

You need a mortice chisel for chopping mortices. This means either an oval bolster with massive wooden handle, or plastic handle with heavy weight blade. Blue Marples or Stanley 5001 not suitable.
Red &yellow Marples are tough as mentioned above
These are firmers but they used to do a heavier mortice version too:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/marples-mortise-chisel-set-yellow-1827555189

Thanks Jacob ill look into adding a few sizes of mortice chisels.

or u could buy this....from Axminster....they do post...
there's prob better stuff out there.....think Poland or Germany...

ANSELL FORGED ALL-STEEL WOOD CHISEL - 50MM​

952810

https://cdn.axminstertools.com/medi...70.1811552965.1655965789-862353101.1655965789


€‌39.00

The work I do doesn't require chisels this heavy duty. Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[Jacob]

Thanks Jacob ill look into adding a few sizes of mortice chisels.

1/2" is the most used by far, for joinery and furniture, followed by 3/8" and 1/4". Other sizes a bit specialist.
There's loads of the old wood handled oval bolster pattern on ebay, down to 1/8". Good value.

 

[pgrbff]

My Marples splitproof go back to the 80's but I must confess I have never chopped a mortice with them.

 

[Jacob]

My Marples splitproof go back to the 80's but I must confess I have never chopped a mortice with them.

I used a 1/2" a lot (Marples sash mortice chisel) you can really bash them, but prefer the wood handled oval bolster for actual mortices

 

[Doug71]

I've used the yellow and red Marples for years and never had any problems, don't know if the new ones are the same though.

The fact that they are traditionally referred to as Marples Rhubarb and Custard chisels makes me smile every time I use them

 

[Seascaper]

Yes as I have recommended and used them for mortises. You could buy a mortise chisel but 40mm deep should not be too hard work in redwood with a normal chisel......

 

[Sideways]

You could be the person to try out Hultafors chisels for us all. The higher priced range are designed to be struck.

 

[1275gt]

https://www.dictum.com/en/western-t...-profi-6-piece-set-in-cotton-tool-roll-701399
Does anyone have any experience with stubai? They do a version without the cork as well.

 

[Jameshow]

How about Irwin ones?

Look sturdy with a through tang?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/19507364...tixoXeJTeO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
NOS Stanley here ....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16553859...tixoXeJTeO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[morqthana]

Why do my plastic-handled chisels smell of vomit?

 

[Orraloon]

Why do my plastic-handled chisels smell of vomit?

Could be that looking at the ugly plastic handles is bringing on the gag reflex.
A more science based explanation is the plastic has had a chemical reaction to something. Perhaps a solvent or something.
Regards
John

 

[hlvd]

Search for a Registered Mortice Chisel on eBay. They’re wooden handled but have a ferrule at the striking end to keep the handle’s integrity.

 

[niall Y]

Why do my plastic-handled chisels smell of vomit?

Reading about it the other day. The handles are Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, which gives off that smell as it degrades.

 

[thetyreman]

if you're chopping mortises, get an old pig sticker/mortise chisel, they are much better and it's faster as well.