Why Every Woodworker Needs a Beater Chisel

A good set of chisels is one of the most important investments you can make for your woodworking shop. They handle the fine, precise tasks—paring joints, trimming parts, and cleaning up details that bring projects together. Quality chisels sharpen easily, hold a strong edge, and reward the care you put into maintaining them. Because they’re not cheap, most woodworkers are careful about how and when they use their premium chisels.

Not every job in the shop calls for delicate work. Sometimes you’re faced with hardened glue, a hidden brad in reclaimed lumber, or an old finish that needs to be scraped away. These jobs are rough on tools, and they can quickly ruin the edge of a premium chisel. That’s why every shop benefits from having a beater chisel—a tool you can reach for without worry.

What Is a Beater Chisel?