Chisel Bits

About Chisel Bits

Chisel bits are essential power tool accessories designed for breaking, chipping, and demolition work across a wide range of applications. Unlike drill bits that rotate to create holes, chisel bits work with the hammering action of rotary hammers and breakers to chip away concrete, masonry, tiles, and other hard materials. Whether you're removing old render, chasing out walls for electrical conduit, or breaking up a concrete floor, having the right chisel bit for your power tool makes all the difference to efficiency and results.

The effectiveness of a chisel bit depends largely on matching the correct shank type to your power tool. Different manufacturers have developed various fitting systems over the years, with SDS Plus and SDS Max being the most common standards for professional rotary hammers, while hex shank variants suit impact drivers and some lighter-duty applications. Each shank type is engineered for specific tool sizes and demolition tasks, from light chiselling work around the home to heavy-duty site demolition.

Quality chisel bits from manufacturers like Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee are manufactured from hardened steel alloys that can withstand the intense vibration and impact forces generated during use. The cutting edges are precisely ground to different profiles - from pointed tips for precision breaking to wide flat chisels for rapid material removal - ensuring there's a specialist bit for every demolition scenario you'll encounter on site or during renovation work.

Jargon Buster

• SDS (Special Direct System): A quick-change chuck system developed by Bosch that allows tool-free bit changes and provides superior power transfer. SDS Plus is the standard for mid-range rotary hammers (2-5kg), whilst SDS Max is used for heavy demolition hammers (5kg+).
• Hex Shank: A six-sided shaft fitting commonly found on impact drivers and some compact rotary hammers. Typically available in 1/4-inch or larger sizes, hex shank chisel bits are ideal for lighter chipping tasks.
• Point Chisel: A chisel bit with a concentrated pointed tip, perfect for precise breaking work, starting demolition points, and removing specific areas of material without damaging surrounding surfaces.
• Flat Chisel: A wide, flat-edged chisel bit designed for rapid material removal over larger surface areas, ideal for removing floor tiles, scraping render, or breaking up concrete slabs.
• Clay Spade: A wide, spade-shaped chisel bit specifically designed for digging and trenching in hard ground, breaking through clay, or removing compacted soil when laying services.
• Impact Energy: Measured in joules, this specification indicates the force delivered with each hammer blow. Higher impact energy tools require more robust chisel bits, typically SDS Max fitments rated for heavy-duty use.

Who Uses Chisel Bits?

Chisel bits are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Builders and General Contractors: For demolition work, removing old concrete, and preparing surfaces during renovation projects
• Electricians (Sparkies): Chasing out walls and floors to install cables, conduit, and back boxes in masonry
• Plumbers: Creating channels for pipework through brick, block, and concrete structures
• Tilers: Removing old ceramic and porcelain tiles from floors and walls without damaging substrates
• Groundworkers: Breaking up concrete, tarmac, and compacted surfaces during site preparation and landscaping
• Stonemasons: Precision shaping and dressing of stone blocks and masonry elements
• Demolition Specialists: Heavy-duty breaking of concrete structures, foundations, and reinforced elements
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects including kitchen and bathroom refits, garden landscaping, and property maintenance

How to Choose the Right Chisel Bits

Selecting the appropriate chisel bit requires consideration of several key factors:

Match the Shank Type: First and foremost, ensure your chisel bit matches your power tool's chuck system. SDS Plus fits most standard rotary hammers from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch in the 2-5kg class. SDS Max is required for larger demolition hammers typically over 5kg. Hex shank bits suit impact drivers and compact tools. Attempting to use incompatible fittings is dangerous and will damage both tool and bit.

Consider the Application: Point chisels excel at precision work and starting breaks in specific locations. Flat chisels are your go-to for removing tiles, render, and screed across larger areas. Clay spades are purpose-built for ground work and trenching. Angled chisels help with corners and hard-to-reach areas, whilst channelling chisels create neat grooves for cables and pipes.

Material Quality: Professional-grade chisel bits available from Tooled-Up.com are manufactured from high-grade steel alloys with hardened tips that maintain their edge through extended use. Budget bits may seem attractive initially but often fail prematurely, wasting time and money. Brands like Bosch, Makita, and Milwaukee offer excellent durability for demanding site work.

Length and Width: Longer chisel bits (300-400mm) provide better reach for deep demolition work and floor breaking, whilst shorter bits (150-250mm) offer more control for detailed chiselling. Width determines material removal rate - narrow bits (20-30mm) for precision work, wide bits (40-80mm) for rapid demolition.

Impact Rating: Ensure your chisel bit is rated for the impact energy of your rotary hammer. Using light-duty bits in powerful demolition hammers risks dangerous breakage, whilst heavy-duty bits in smaller tools won't perform optimally.

Popular Accessories

• Rotary Hammers and Breakers: Essential power tools from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch that drive chisel bits
• Chisel Bit Sets: Multi-piece sets offering various profiles for different applications in convenient storage cases
• Drill Bits: SDS Plus and SDS Max drill bits to complement your chiselling work when creating fixing holes
• Grease and Lubricant: Specialist grease for maintaining SDS shanks and chuck mechanisms, ensuring smooth bit changes and optimal power transfer
• Tool Cases and Storage: DeWalt TSTAK, Milwaukee PACKOUT, and Makita MakPac systems for organised chisel bit storage and transport
• Safety Goggles and Face Shields: Essential eye protection when chiselling produces flying debris and dust
• Dust Extraction Systems: Compatible vacuum attachments and extractors from Festool, DeWalt, and Makita for controlling hazardous dust
• Work Gloves: Anti-vibration gloves from brands like DeWalt and Portwest to reduce fatigue during extended use

Safety Information

Chisel bits and rotary hammers present several hazards that require proper precautions:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate PPE including safety goggles or face shields to protect against flying debris, heavy-duty work gloves to maintain grip and reduce vibration exposure, and steel toe-capped boots as per HSE guidelines. Respiratory protection is essential when chiselling produces dust, particularly when working with concrete, masonry, or materials potentially containing crystalline silica - a substance controlled under COSHH regulations.

Tool Inspection: Before each use, inspect chisel bits for cracks, excessive wear, or mushrooming of the striking end. Damaged bits can shatter during operation, creating dangerous projectiles. Ensure bits are properly seated in the chuck and locked into place. Never use a chisel bit with a damaged or worn shank.

Secure Workpieces: Ensure the material you're chiselling is stable and properly supported. Unstable materials can shift unexpectedly, causing loss of control. Check for hidden services - cables, pipes, and reinforcement - before beginning demolition work. Use a cable and pipe detector to locate buried services.

Vibration Awareness: Extended use of rotary hammers exposes operators to hand-arm vibration (HAV), which can cause permanent circulation and nerve damage. Follow HSE guidance on exposure limits, take regular breaks, and use anti-vibration gloves. Keep proper tool maintenance to minimise excessive vibration from worn components.

Dust Control: Chiselling concrete and masonry generates harmful dust. Where possible, use tools with integrated dust extraction or fit compatible vacuum systems. Work in well-ventilated areas and consider wet cutting methods to suppress airborne particles where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max chisel bits?

SDS Plus bits have a 10mm diameter shank and are designed for rotary hammers in the 2-5kg range, suitable for most general building and renovation work. SDS Max bits feature an 18mm shank and are built for heavy-duty demolition hammers over 5kg, used in demanding applications like breaking thick concrete and large-scale demolition. The two systems are not interchangeable, so you must match the bit type to your specific tool.

How long should a chisel bit last?

Lifespan varies considerably based on application intensity, material hardness, and bit quality. Professional-grade bits from Bosch, Makita, or Milwaukee can last months or even years with proper care in typical building work. However, intensive demolition of reinforced concrete or continuous heavy-duty use will wear bits more rapidly. Signs it's time to replace include rounded cutting edges, visible cracks, excessive wear, or reduced breaking efficiency.

Can I sharpen my chisel bits when they become blunt?

Yes, chisel bits can be resharpened using a bench grinder, though care must be taken to maintain the original cutting angle and avoid overheating the steel, which would reduce hardness. However, for most tradespeople, the time investment often isn't worthwhile compared to simply replacing worn bits. Focus sharpening efforts on premium, expensive bits whilst treating standard bits as consumables. Never attempt to sharpen bits showing cracks or structural damage.

Why does my chisel bit keep slipping out of the chuck?

This usually indicates either a worn chuck mechanism or insufficient lubrication on the SDS shank. Clean the bit shank thoroughly and apply a small amount of specialist SDS grease before inserting. Ensure you're pushing the bit fully home until it locks - you should hear and feel a positive click. If problems persist despite proper insertion and lubrication, the chuck mechanism may need professional servicing or the tool's rubber O-rings may require replacement.

Do I need different chisel bits for brick versus concrete?

Whilst the same chisel bit can work on both materials, concrete is significantly harder and more abrasive than brick, wearing cutting edges faster. For extensive concrete work, consider dedicated concrete-rated bits with reinforced tips. Point chisels work well for precise brick removal, whilst flat chisels excel at removing render from brick. For breaking thick concrete slabs or reinforced elements, heavy-duty SDS Max bits with wide profiles remove material most efficiently.