FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Storing chisels

jbarnes | Posted in General Discussion on May 10, 2005 07:39am

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!!

Reply

Replies

  1. DavidxDoud | May 10, 2005 07:55am | #1

    for cheap,  easy,  quick,  scrounge up some decent quality corrogated cardboard and use a utility knife and a stapler to manufacture some sheaths - -

     

    "there's enough for everyone"
  2. saulgood | May 10, 2005 12:58pm | #2

    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.

    1. zendo | May 10, 2005 02:26pm | #4

      Saul,

      that is a great recycling idea, I think you should submit that to FHB mag.

      -zen

      1. zendo | May 10, 2005 02:34pm | #5

        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

        1. zendo | May 10, 2005 02:39pm | #6

          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

          1. rez | May 10, 2005 06:43pm | #10

            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.

          2. zendo | May 10, 2005 07:52pm | #11

            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

             

      2. saulgood | May 10, 2005 06:04pm | #9

        >"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

  3. MisterT | May 10, 2005 01:06pm | #3

    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???"

     

  4. User avater
    Fonzie | May 10, 2005 02:55pm | #7

    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).

  5. nikkiwood | May 10, 2005 03:50pm | #8

    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

  6. DThompson | May 10, 2005 10:27pm | #12

    Jab them into your dash, you will always know where they are, the edges will stay sharp and it impresses the gals.

  7. rbishop108 | May 10, 2005 11:50pm | #13

    try this, they work great.

    http://www.store.yahoo.com/tfguild/timframsofch.html

    Rod

  8. JTC1 | May 11, 2005 12:19am | #14

    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.

  9. User avater
    jazzdogg | May 11, 2005 12:52am | #15

    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.

  10. Steve91110 | May 11, 2005 11:58pm | #16

    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.

    1. glatt | May 12, 2005 12:26am | #17

      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.

      1. jbarnes | May 12, 2005 03:13am | #18

        Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I might have to try a couple to and see which one will work best for me. 

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Scaled to Suit the Site

This thoughtfully designed home preserves the character of its neighborhood while maximizing space for a growing family through careful attention to scale, rooflines, and material choices.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in