Butt Chisels

Butt chisels have shorter blades and handles, making them ideal for confined spaces such as cabinet work or hinge recesses.

What are butt chisels used for?
Butt chisels are short-handled chisels used for precision woodworking tasks in tight or confined spaces. They’re especially useful for fitting hinges, locksets, and trimming joinery such as mortises and tenons. Their compact design offers better control and maneuverability, particularly for fine adjustments and finish work.

How do butt chisels differ from standard chisels?
Butt chisels have a shorter blade and handle than standard bench chisels, making them ideal for close-up, one-handed work. Despite their smaller size, they maintain a robust edge for controlled paring and light chopping. They are preferred in applications like cabinetmaking, carpentry, and hardware fitting.

How do I maintain and use butt chisels effectively?

• Keep the edge sharp using a honing guide or sharpening stone at the correct bevel angle (typically 25°–30°)

• Use light mallet taps or hand pressure for controlled paring

• Ideal for detailed trimming, especially where longer chisels would be awkward or obstructed

• Store with edge guards or in a protective roll to prevent nicks and damage
  With regular sharpening and proper handling, butt chisels offer exceptional control and precision in finish carpentry and fine woodworking.