I have 3 chisels which don’t really have a home besides under my drivers seat. They don’t have any sort of blade protection and obviously aren’t staying sharp for as long as I would like. Im looking for any ideas on blade protection and storage. Please help!!
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for cheap, easy, quick, scrounge up some decent quality corrogated cardboard and use a utility knife and a stapler to manufacture some sheaths - -
I use an old sanding sponge- the kind with only four abrasive sides - and it holds three chisels tightly side by side. I just cut a deep pocket into one end with a sharp knife, staying away from the edges. The foam does a great job protecting the blades (and everything else in my toolbox) and the chisels won't cut through it unless you're really trying to do so.
Saul,
that is a great recycling idea, I think you should submit that to FHB mag.
-zen
J,
I use heavy scraps of leather, I sew mine, but you could use a staple gun into a stick of wood, pull the leather off and back fold the staples, or a rivet gun.
I worked one cover right into my regular bag apron because my chisel was working its way through the bottom. I like to have a not so perfect chisel in my bag for regular use. I then dont feel so bad about it if I need it for a scraper, or hit a nail.
As for new ones I keep the little plastic covers they come packed in and they go in my work bag.
-zen
I use those cloth aprons to keep my nails and screws separated. I fold the top down then roll them lengthwise. I wrote on each end with a sharpie (always on hand) so that I dont have to fumble looking for what I want.
-zen
Speaking of sharpies, about three years back I'd velcro'd a sharpie cap cover into one of the small pockets on a workbelt so I'd have easy onehanded access.
Had occasion to grab the belt again the other day and that bloomin' sharpie was still working.
Just a true story, no charge for that.
sobriety is the root cause of dementia.
I always keep one in my paintbrush box.
I was working for a GC and he saw that I labeled all my tools. I also label the type of material that I use certain brushes for so that I dont mix product.
When he finally discovered where I kept my sharpie, he would go and get it every time he came across something of his that didnt have his name on it. Even though you could rub it off with a chemical, I went out to the generator one day and saw his name written on it in 3 places.
-zen
>"that is a great recycling idea, I think you should submit that to FHB mag.-zen"<Thanks, Zen. I agree, but I think if they're really paying attention to this forum, they should print this thread. ;8^)
Edited 5/10/2005 11:14 am ET by saul
get one of those freebie cloth aprons at a lumber yard.
sew some diveders in it to make a chisel roll.
Tie it up wit da strings.
We always get it right!!!
the third time....
"Almost certain death, small chance of success.... What are we waiting for???"
I use rubber or plastic tubing for a few of them - plastic pvc for others.
For two special ones I heated the pvc and formed it a little and it "snaps" on (it was an accident).
If you don't want to make your own, woodworking stores like Woodcraft or Rockler sell plastic protectors for the cutting end of each chisel. Mine have a press-fit, and stay on the chisels pretty well.
Otherwise, a chisel roll works well -- easy to make if you have a sewing machine, cheap to buy if you don't.
"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
-- Bertrand Russell
Jab them into your dash, you will always know where they are, the edges will stay sharp and it impresses the gals.
try this, they work great.
http://www.store.yahoo.com/tfguild/timframsofch.html
Rod
I am addicted to the Bucket boss 5 gallon canvas bucket organizers. Trouble is if one has sharp chisels and slides them into a pocket - the chisel handily cuts its way through the bottom of the pocket resulting in bad words and dings in the chisel edges on the miscellaneous tools bouncing around the bottom of the bucket.
My solution was to squirt about 1/2" dep puddle of hot glue into plastic 35mm film cans. The can with its hardened hot glue bottom was slid into the pocket and the chisels are stored in their own pocket with the edge resting on the glue. A film can will fit up to a 1" chisel.
I insert the sharp end through the lid of a film canister or plastic prescription bottle - depending on the size of the chisel. I keep cotton gauze moistened with camelia oil inside each film canister to prevent rust.
Good luck,
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
I protect my chisels in a rough and tumble tool box with
heat shrink, available at real electronics shops. a bit pricey
but the fit is perfect. I take about 1-1.5 inch just large
enough to fit over the chisel leaving 1/4 inch empty at the end.
Heat up the heat shrink (a heat gun works well) till it
collapses around the chisel and fold over the 1/4 and
hold it down tight till it cools. I like to take a narrow
ring of the heat shrink and shrink it around the 1/4 inch
just to keep it nice and tight. be careful when replacing the
chisel because the corners can easily cut through the
heat shrink if the chisel is canted.
FWW had a reader supplied tip a while ago suggesting the use of milk jugs. You heat up the side of an empty milk jug with a propane torch until the plastic turns clear, but doesn't burn. Then you push the chisel into the hot plastic so it forms itself to the shape of the chisel. Once it cools, you remove the chisel and trim the plastic to length. I haven't tried it, but it sounds easy and is free.
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I might have to try a couple to and see which one will work best for me.