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

These chisels are made for hard work and they are designed to stand plenty of use with with a mallet or even the side of a hammer. I am not talking about a large hammer here, just a normal weight claw hammer always used side on.

Beveled edge chisels have a lot less strength than firmers, and so to compensate for the springiness of their blades, some manufacturers cut the length down. These stumpy chisels do feel solid, but they obviously don't last as long as the standard length ones.

I typically use firmers on renovation work where often there is a chance of chipping them on nails etc. The subsequent grinding and re grinding soon shortens them.

The square sided firmer is getting hard to find these days, but there are some good alternative available that have only a slight bevel to the sides.