Bevel Edge Socket Chisels
Lie-Nielsen Chisels are based on the Stanley 750 Bevel Edge Socket Chisels. Socket chisels are not common these days, perhaps because they are expensive to make, but Stanley and others once produced these chisels in a vast array. Socket chisel handles are less likely to break than tang chisels, and can be replaced easily. Our chisels are particularly comfortable in the hand and have excellent balance.
- A-2 Tool Steel, hardened to Rockwell 60-62, cryogenically treated and double tempered
- Beveled at 30º
- Approximately 9" in overall length
- Hornbeam Handles
Our A2 Steel chisels will hold an edge extremely well, especially when sharpened at an angle of 30º or higher.
Click here to view our YouTube video on Bevel Edge Socket Chisels.
Please note that our Hornbeam chisel handles have natural color variations in the wood grain.
Edges are square, parallel along the length, and very narrow so you can get into tight places. The backs are ground flat and finished by hand at 400 grit. The bevel is flat ground at 30°, but a higher secondary bevel (about 35°) is advisable, depending on the wood and how the chisel is being used. Additional honing is recommended.
Handles
Lie-Nielsen Chisels have Maine-harvested Hornbeam handles. Hornbeam, also
known as Ironwood, was once prized for its toughness, but usually winds up as
firewood these days. This under-utilized species makes superb chisel handles. We
don’t recommend using a 16-ounce framing hammer with these chisels, though that
is how we test them.
Re-Seating Handles:
When your Chisels arrive, the
handles may be loose because of wood shrinkage. They
may also loosen during dry weather. The handles are
held in place by the wedging of the wood into the tapered
socket. Just rap the chisel handle upside down to re-seat
the handle. Although I’ve had chisel sets in my shop for years without the handles coming loose, some people have
the opposite experience. One solution to a loose handle
is to apply hair spray to the tapered section and re-seat as
described. Strange as it may sound, it’s effective - and
unlike glue, it’s reversible.
Removing Handles:
One of the advantages of the socket
design is that if you want to change handles, you can
simply tap the side of the handle on a board and pop the
handle off.
Materials:
Our chisels are made of A-2 Tool Steel,
hardened to Rockwell 60-62. A-2 chisels are cryogenically
treated and double tempered.
Maintenance:
Tool Steel can rust. To protect your chisels,
you should oil, wax and/or wrap the tools after use. At
the least, wipe your fingerprints off with an oily rag. We
recommend Camellia or Jojoba Oil - vegetable oil based
products. They are non-toxic, odor-free and easy to use.
Also, in our shop we use a fine abrasive handblock to
remove any light surface oxide from tools. The oils and the
abrasive handblock are available from us
Guarantee:
Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for the life of your tool. Call for repairs or replacement parts. We are available for advice if you ever have a problem using your tool.
Warning: Sharp chisels are dangerous and should be
handled with care. Dull chisels are even more dangerous and
should be sharpened.
