Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Hand Tools >> Cold Chisel

Cold Chisel

An one piece all steel chisel. A former metal worker's tool used for cutting steel. Now used for chipping and breaking concrete etc.

Bolster

A An one piece all steel chisel with wide blade used for cutting bricks etc.

The photos here thanksto Wikipedia and contributors.

The name is derived from a time when blacksmiths used to cut metal both hot and cold. Mostly metal gets cut with other tools these days, but this chisel can still be used for cutting steel when other tools are not available of they can not get into the correct position.

More than likely though it is used for any one of a number of jobs like chipping concrete, splitting bricks etc.

The sketch at the right shows how the chisel looks when it is new. That is the end that is hit by the hammer is beveled. After repeated use the end gets burred over as in the top photo. When the burr gets too severe there is a likelihood of chips flying off the end into the users face. For this reason the burrs should be ground off from time to time.

Also at the right is a brickies bolster. This is a similar tool that has a wider blade and it is used mainly for cutting bricks and pavers.

The favoured tool to use with these chisels is the lump hammer.

• Go To Top : cold chisel
•  
• << BACK: chalk line
• lump hammer : NEXT >>

If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900