Thread: Removing firmer chisel handles

Ash, Tang or Socket?

If the handles are sound, do you really need to take them off ?

I have cleaned up handles and re-oiled them while they are still on the chisel.

I'll back up what Ironwood has said about the necessity of removing the handles.
Assuming that you will still want to do so, and that they are tanged chisels, I'll outline what I do.
I mount the blade in an engineers vice with a strip of leather wrapped around the blade to prevent it from scoring the steel.
I then find an open ended spanner that snugs up sideways against the front edge of the steel ferrule, and just misses the bolster of the blade.
A couple of good solid whacks on the spanner - down close to the open end and adjacent the chisel handle - and it usually loosens the handle or sends it flying off the end of the tang. I usually have a cloth catcher to prevent it clattering around the floor.

Hope this helps
SG

same question different chisel; what about tang Bergs?

Originally Posted by Pac man

same question different chisel; what about tang Bergs?

Same procedure, but wrap the handle in leather just above the ferrule as the bolster and ferrule on Bergs are about the same size. Also, the ferrules are thin brass and dent easily.
Use the spanner here up against the leather padding.
The leather I use is just re-cycled key ring cases and stubby holders.
Cheers
SG

Thanks for the replies guys, yes i was referring to tang chisels not sockets. The reason i need to remove some of the handles is that i have quite a few chisels, some with better handles and some with better steel so i'm going to swap a few handles over to make the best set i can. I won't be removing all the handles.

Cheers

Only difference is that I prefer to use a piece of hardwood rather than a spanner.
Cheers,
Jim