Cold vs. Wood Chisels: A Guide to Their Differences and Uses

Physical Differences

Cold and wood chisels differ in their physical characteristics. Cold chisels are generally made of harder steel alloys, such as chromium-vanadium steel, to withstand the stress of cutting hard materials. Their cutting edge is usually narrower and more pointed than that of wood chisels, which are designed for cutting softer materials like wood.

Functional Differences

Cold chisels are used for cutting metal, while wood chisels are used for shaping and cutting wood. Cold chisels have a more hardened cutting edge and are designed to withstand the impact of a hammer blow. Wood chisels have a less hardened cutting edge and are designed to be pushed or pulled through the wood.

Types of Cold Chisels

There are various types of cold chisels, each designed for specific tasks:

• Flat cold chisels: Used for general-purpose cutting and chipping
• Cape cold chisels: Used for cutting bolts and rivets
• Diamond point cold chisels: Used for cutting and shaping metal