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?

A beater chisel is simply a chisel you dedicate to heavier, less precise tasks. It doesn’t need to be perfectly flat, it doesn’t need to hold a razor edge for long, and it certainly doesn’t need to come from a high-end maker. Its role is to take on the work that would damage your fine chisels, letting you protect your investment.

These chisels are easy to find. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive models that are perfect for the job. In Canada, for example, Canadian Tire offers a range of chisels that work well as beaters. They may not stay sharp for long, and the machining isn’t always refined, but that’s not the point. For scraping glue or digging out nails, they’re more than enough. A set of four can often be found for about $20.

Why You Need One

A beater chisel brings peace of mind. You’ll always have the right tool when faced with a tough, dirty task—without risking the tools you’ve invested in. By separating out those rough jobs, you also extend the life of your premium chisels and reduce how often you need to sharpen them.

In short, the beater chisel saves you time, money, and frustration.

Caring for a Beater Chisel

Even though it’s a budget tool, it should still be kept sharp enough to work effectively and safely. A dull edge is never a good idea. That said, there’s no need for perfection—just sharpen it enough to get the job done. No mirror polish required.

Every woodworker should keep at least one beater chisel in the shop. It’s an inexpensive tool that takes on the dirty work, protects your premium chisels, and makes your shop run smoother. If you don’t have one yet, pick one up on your next trip to the hardware store. It’s a small investment that will save your best tools from unnecessary wear.

Workshop Tip: Chisel and honing guide make a great glue scraper

Make a chisel plane using a sharp chisel or plane iron in a honing guide.

How to Make a Skew Chisel

Garrett Hack demonstrates how to make a bevel-edge skew chisel.

Wanna get sharp? Get a system.

A consistent sharpening regimen will give you consistent results

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley