Chisels & Punches

When a chisel or punch head gets mushroomed from repeated striking, chips of hardened steel can break off and fly like shrapnel, often into eyes.

• Construction
• General Industry

Inspect and maintain

• Striking head is not mushroomed, cracked or chipped. Grind (dress) it back to a slight bevel, or replace the tool.
• Cutting edge is sharp and not chipped
• Wood chisel handles are not split

Using chisels and punches

• Wear safety glasses. Add a face shield for heavy chipping.
• Use a hand guard or chisel holder to keep your hand away from the striking zone.
• Strike with a ball-peen or hand drilling hammer of the right weight, not a claw hammer.
• Cut away from yourself with wood chisels, and keep both hands behind the edge.
• Chip away from other people, or use a screen.

• Don’t use a screwdriver as a chisel or a chisel as a pry bar.
• Don’t strike a wood chisel with a steel hammer unless its handle is designed for it. Use a mallet.

Last updated: October 1, 2026