Choosing Hand Tools

Chisels & Brick Sets

Chisels come in different sizes (both the grip and the blade), weights, and materials depending on their use (photos 1 and 2). Chisels are used with either a power or modified precision grip depending on the chisel's size and an individual's work preference. Some workers use a power grip (with their hand completely around the chisel stock) since that lessens fatigue, while others use a precision or pinch grip with some fingers resting on the materials being worked with to position the chisel more precisely.

Photo 1 – Point Chisel Photo 2 – Brick Chisel

Tips for what to look for

Grip size. A chisel’s diameter or "stock" measurement will help you determine a chisel’s grip size. While the best handle diameter is the one closest to your hand’s actual grip size for a power grip, the diameter for a modified precision grip would be smaller, between 1" and 2" around (a diameter of 0.3" to 0.6"), or somewhat larger depending on how you typically grip the tool. Using a chisel with a grip size that closely matches your own will reduce the amount of force needed to hold the chisel.  Less force will reduce fatigue and risk of injury.

Striking area. Caps or hand guards on the top of chisels can protect your hand and fingers from overstrike injuries. Note: make sure when using a tool with a cap or guard that it does not reduce the visibility of the material being worked on or the positioning of the tool.

Shock and vibration. Striking a chisel creates vibration and increases your risk for injuries to the nerves in your fingers and wrists. Cushioning can help to reduce both vibration and cold.

Weight. Lighter weight tools are generally recommended, but in the case of chisels it is important to select one made out of a material that will be strong enough for the task to avoid chips, mushrooming, and related hazards.

Applying the tips

Using a chisel with a cushioned grip can reduce the grip strength needed to hold the tool area. Some chisels, such as Stanley FatMax® Chisels*, come with a cushioned grip that can reduce vibration. Another option to reduce shock, vibration and overstrike injuries is to use a device that moves your hand away from the risk. The Trow & Holden Chisel Whizard*, for example, uses rubber loops to "firmly grip the tool handle but still allows you to adjust the blade angle..." The Whizard* has an 8" long handle with roughly a 4" grip and is available to fit chisel stock sizes ranging from 1/2" to 1-1/8".

Some chisels also come with hand guards, such as Stanley FatMax® Chisels*, or allow you to add a guard, such as the Trow and Holden Hand Shield,* which fits chisels with stocks (diameters) of 1" to 1-1/8".

Wearing gloves may also help create a cushion, increase the size of the handle area, and reduce shock and vibration. Depending on the materials and products you are working with a specific type of glove may be recommended or required to protect your hands from skin disorders, such as burns and dermatitis, or other injuries. Note: some workers have reported a reduced sense of touch and needing a stronger grip when wearing gloves. Using a tool with a non-slip grip area or adding an anti-slip material may help.

If you already have a hand/arm injury or condition such as tendonitis, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, it is particularly important to consider using the lightest, smallest chisel for the job and one with features that reduce vibration risks.

Example

Worker Hand Measurements = hand size (length from wrist crease to tip of middle finger) of about 7-1/4" (or 7.25"), with a grip diameter of about 1-2/5" (or 1.4"), a grip size of about 4-3/5" (or 4.6"), and a palm size of 3".

Choices:

A 3" brick chisel with a diameter or stock of 1.1", with a grip area of roughly 3-1/2", and weighing 1.1lb (or 17 oz).

Or

A 3" brick chisel with a striking cap and cushioned grip, a 1-3/8" diameter or stock a grip area of about 4-2/5" and weighing 1.6 lb (or 22 oz).

What the worker in this example should consider:

  • The first option provides maximum visibility of the worker’s task and weighs less.
  • The second option includes features that reduce the risk for injury including: a striking cap to reduce overstrike injuries and a cushioned grip, which increases the grip size to more closely match the worker’s and reduces the amount of strength needed to hold and control the chisel, the risk of vibration-related injuries, and exposure to cold.

*CPWR does not endorse any specific products, brands or tools.

Photos: Tools supplied for photos courtesy of the Masonry r2p Partnership (BAC, ICE and IMI).