Official Luthiers Forum!

How do I properly set the handle onto a chisel?
I have a few hat keep coming out.. which is dangerous!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When I first mate one with a handle, I clamp the chisel end in a wood-jawed clamp and forcefully twist the handle around and around in the socket until it fits really tight. Usually, that’s enough to keep it in the socket. In winter, when shrinkage loosens the handle, sometimes I twist it back in with a drop of Titebond. I don’t have to reseat them often. I love my socket chisels—no ferrule to scrap the knuckles of my hold down hand. And, I can make my own handles. Chisels never come with long enough handles.

I chalk the socket and fit the handle to it. Once you get a good fit you shouldn't have any problems with it staying put.

I have been doing that for years and it seems to work well.

Cheers,
Bob

I've made a bunch and have also used the chalk method. Works well.

Make sure the handles aren't bottoming out. If they are, you could shave off a tiny bit of the end and maybe trim back the shoulder to create a tighter fit too.

One other thing I did when making my own handles out of some Black Locust is to fit them tight in the winter when the air is dry, It kept them stuck tight in the warmer. more humid months.

Finally, I heard that a spritz of hairspray can give an extra bit of grip. A little bit of shellac would do the same thing.

Socket chisel? What's that?

Thanks!

_________________
Peter Havriluk

Here is an article that explains the differences and the advantages of both:
https://woodandshop.com/woodworking-han ... a%20mallet.
I own both types and have no complaints about either.
Marples makes blue chip chisels with blue plastic handles, which appear to be socket chisels, but are actually tang chisels:
https://www.jimbodetools.com/products/s ... -box-70131
I paid $30 for a set of 4 and later added an 1 1/2 wide chisel for $5 when a retail store was dumping stock. Now that they are calling them "Vintage" I guess the price goes up!
If you can turn new handles (or buy them) you can find perfectly fine socket chisels for a couple bucks at the fleas and yard sales. I bought a couple of narrow long bladed T.H.Witherby chisels (needing handles) for a buck apiece when someone was moving and downsizing their stuff.