Make cheap chisels AMAZING with this traditional handle.

Remake your budget chisels with some quick metal-work and a fancy new handle.
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4:38 Starting your handles

[@k.levirusco3834]

“Everything is a hammer unless it’s a screwdriver, then it’s a chisel.” -some shade tree mechanic

[@kiandevin4855]

you all prolly dont care at all but does any of you know a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the account password. I love any tips you can give me!

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

@@kiandevin4855why on this video?

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

😂😂

[@techheck3358]

@@LittleGreyWolfForge its a scam, 1 account posts that question, a second account answers it by giving someones username, a third account sings its praises of how good that person was. a victim reaches out to said person, gives them money, they run off with it. youtube's spam filter caught the last 2 messages, but not the first one, probably

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

@@techheck3358 oh i get it

[@nxtniklas]

For the polishing with strips of sandpaper: back it with duct tape and it will be less likely to rip!

[@ian-duh]

🤯 holy crap, great tip

[@johnbesharian9965]

@@ian-duh, "Well 'Duh'!"

[@wernerviehhauser94]

A tip so obvious that nobody thought of it ;-)

[@Blasthoff]

Better than "duct tape" is "strapping tape" which is pliable but almost indestructible. It won't tear and will stay stuck without the "sticky" bleeding. It has just enough body to give a great feel while conforming to almost any shape! After applying to sandpaper you can also cut very narrow strips that will hold up if you need them!!

[@andrewpeacock5751]

Tried this and couldn't get the duct tape back to stay glued to my glass.

[@loganplatvoet2394]

Honestly, I thought the hand carved one looked a bit better!

[@pedrosolis7497]

I appreciate you doing double the the work to show us how to make these without a lathe and as usual all the information/explanations/jokes/resources you provide in you videos.

[@martinmeasures6631]

You can always tell what dogwood is by the bark

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

Your 'ring on the bit' to keep things level is an old trick that I was taught many years ago, it still works well but is not appreciated when I use it at work. I'm always told that those kind of tricks are outdated. I don't think - or rather - I know they are not outdated! Good to see you're keeping it alive.

[@japavao97]

This is wild I just bought these chisels 2 weeks ago as my first chisels. So glad to know they're not hot trash

[@christopherbarnes6976]

Thank you so much for the no lathe version!

[@TOAD7464]

Tip to new watchers: keep the volume down until after the intro. Other than that, take notes and buy the merch

[@Lebowski69]

I turn it up for the intro lick! In the guitar build video it is revealed that Rex plays the lick himself.

[@criswilson1140]

Really love the london pattern. I keep 5" long blanks laying around and carve them into handles when I'm bored or just hiding in the shop.

[@nightcatarts]

That came out lovely. A quick tip for when you need a (potentially harder) wood for handles is to look for rolling pins. Many are made from birch & even the really low cost ones hold up very well to abuse. It's harder to work a round to an even octagon though, so best for the lathe.

[@dmike1379]

I'm ready for the 1 year follow up on these chisels.

[@rayzedbywolves60]

Brilliant as always. Half way through I was thinking there's no way you can make that handle without a lathe... loved the wedding ring trick too.

[@RexKrueger]

I cribbed that trick from James Wright. It works.

[@thomashverring9484]

@@RexKrueger Oh, we know ;^)

[@footplate0]

I use over sized washers as I don't have a wedding ring

[@2kadrenojunkiegaming655]

@@footplate0 make one

[@nohotliquids]

So, I got something for Rex to test with the cheap handles. I think the weird ring on the end is to stop the wood from splitting further than the ring. I remember my granddad's chisels had the same design, the end of the wood was smashed to heck, but no further than the ring. He wasn't a craftsman, and would use anything to beat on the end of a chisel, first hammer he grabbed, other tools, rocks. Also, once the end was all frayed, the ring is wedged in place. I'm sure it has a failure point, and energy loss once it is all frayed. But maybe it allows for cheaper handles for abusive work, out of any wood.

[@jhernandez7144]

Screw drivers are where I first saw that London pattern. Thanks for the video

[@howardgreen9718]

Rex mate your unbridled enthusiasm for woodworking is what keeps me coming back

[@Anthony-H]

FYI: In the US, you can only get the chisels at Aldi's the week of Father's Day. That's the only time they sell them now.

[@leehaelters6182]

Hah! Great tip, thanks!

[@charleskyler1928]

As Rex stated, they haven’t been sold for the last two yrs, I know because I contacted them in 2019, and this yr almost all the tools Aldi sold on an annual basis were not available.

[@Anthony-H]

They have been available around Father's Day in my area for the last 2 years. I always buy several sets and send them out to guys who can't find them.

[@hartleymartin]

@@Anthony-H In Australia, I've been waiting nearly 3 years and still no sign of them coming back.

[@chrisrose323]

SKIP AHEAD AND MISS OUT ON 4 MINUTES OF YOU?! NO THANK YOU GOOD SIR!

[@oliverdelica2289]

The fact that screwdriver handles were London patterned blew my mind 🤯

[@mrz80]

Check that Craftsman screwdriver again. It's not an eight-sided handle. It's a six-sided handle. That lets you slip a good-sized box-end wrench over the handle to use as a lever to get some real torque into the situation for dealing with stubborn screws. Heh... I learned that just the other day 'cause someone posted a picture on Facebook. Kind of embarrassing: nearly 50 years of playing with tools and I NEVER noticed that. :D

[@tomnekuda3818]

You are one of the most inventive individuals I've ever seen.

[@jamesmcbriarty2079]

Boiled Linseed Oil can also be used as a finish for the handles.

[@emm_arr]

I got an ebay bargain chisel with that general handle. An old, long Sorby that was in good shape. A total joy to use. Thanks, Rex. More good stuff.

[@rcr76]

I just got several old long handled sorbys from my dads neighbor they were his dads .am a joiner in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿and my marplesthat I have had since a apprentice in 92 are now a bit too short for some jobs but the sorbys are excellent much better steel and real nice to use an look after old tools

[@JimmyStJames]

I bought these exact chisels about 6 months ago. I have been impressed with how durable the steel is. If I could find the same brand in a more sizes, I would buy them withou hesitation. My only complaint is the small handles. Great idea putting a London pattern handle on them Rex! When the new belt for my lathe comes in, I know what I'm doing during Christmas.

[@allenwc]

Since you posted this for Patron, I’ve made 7 handles, 5 more to go, but I have to get some more big leaf maple, ran out :O

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

If you have the option, they're generally not very big or thick, and Mountain Laurel makes EXCELLENT handle material once you've seasoned it... which you can do with an ordinary oven or dehydrator-box, depending on the over-all size of stock you wish to work with... ;o)

[@souprmage]

I got some handle-less chisels for X-mas, decided to go with this handle. I mean I love my Stanley screwdrivers, have had them for decades. They turned out great. I had some spalted Maple from a limb off a tree in my yard, and they look great. They may not hold up for ever, but I know how to make more now. :)

[@davidbacon4963]

Truly love you going through the basics. Much appreciated

[@lipoff]

Those are really beautiful handles.

[@chrisnorton2837]

Agreed.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

You're a good human, Rex. Enjoyed this one.

[@RaijinHokusai]

I picked these up a couple months ago after watching Paul Sellers reviewing the Aldi chisels. They were the closest ones I could find on amazon. I'm glad I now have a project to make them better! Great vid!

[@grarglejobber7941]

Dude the band at the end of the handle is to prevent splitting. There's this dude who has a channel called advoko makes, and you should totally watch his video on the forgotten art of wire clamping. I mean, it's not really "forgotten" so much as "cheap labor caused the decline of", but for anybody who enjoys making things on their own, it's a great bit of kit to carry around. A cheap roll of steel wire along with 2 super light solid tubes of metal and you've got a wire clamper. Oh and Advokomakes' vid on ways to use plastic bottles turned into wire is great as well. I wouldn't ever sell something that has supports made of plastic bottles, or at least I wouldn't sell anything that a *customer* can tell is made from plastic bottles, but I've used it again and again and honestly dollar for dollar there is no better alternative.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

I love Advoko! Really cool guy.

[@jefftapp8991]

Found a set of these today, suspiciously similar, chrome vanadium blades, hardwood handles, useless ring, on sale for $7.50 at that Harbor place!

[@sprucewayne4618]

Yeap, same steel and everything. Had those for years!

[@negotiableaffections]

Cheers for the plans, Rex. I have a rag-tag collection of old chisels so when I get round to giving them TLC they'll get a set of matching handles thanks to you.

[@devjock]

Your commitment to budget AND ergonomics for handtools is absolutely legendary.

[@bradhaste3568]

Thank you for the plans and thanks for the metric measurements I’m hopefully going to pick up a few old chisels over the holidays and make new handles if needed Brad from New Zealand

[@MrAtalon]

Great video. I love the exploration of how to get a thing cheap enough for someone on a tight budget and doesn't mind doing their own work to get a pretty good tool out of it.

[@maxximumb]

What a brilliant video. Thank you Rex.

[@weisnowhere]

Love the handle design!! I will probably make a few practice handles for files! And I can also experiment with sizes!

[@jeadie8131]

This is one of your best and most practical videos yet.

[@giorgiochiappini1931]

Truly love your content and by no mean I'm blaming you for anything, thanks for the unvaluable work you do! Just a thought for us all: 4 chisels for 18 bucks can only mean a deep exploit of labour. Let's just think about it whenever we choose to buy somenthing.

[@r1n8k]

I agree. A very important thing to keep in mind when it comes to any product we buy. There is no truly ethical consumption under capitalism, but we can all choose the lesser of those evils. Obviously not all inexpensive items are made by modern-day slaves, but if you can't find out who owns the products and where they're manufactured, then maybe it's not worth the risk.

[@giorgiochiappini1931]

A great addition to my point, for sure needed.@@r1n8k

[@douglasperry1226]

After I seen this months ago made London pattern handles for my Chisels that are antique 🤘🏼

[@raheslop]

I got a set of the Narex unhandled chisels that @StumpyNubs reviewed in April 2023 and fitted them with homemade London pattern handles, couldn’t be more pleased with them

[@theriphraff]

Are we going to acknowledge how funny Rex actually is. I honestly spend a good amount of pause time laughing at his jokes so I don't miss anything. Just saying.

[@RexKrueger]

I apprecaite that very much. I always try to be funny.

[@scottmartin7717]

Yeah, Rex is funny. Funny looking. Jkjk I crack up at his dad jokes on the regular

[@daveturnbull7221]

The first video I watched from Rex had me laughing so much I just had to subscribe. Get excellent entertainment as well as quality info and instruction.

[@alexisaacs1428]

As always, your timing is perfect! When I started out in the spring I picked up a set of the Narex chisels with the absurdly large handles. They’ve worked pretty well for me, but in the last few weeks I’ve been thinking about adjusting the handles to be more functional for me, and this is exactly the guide I needed.

[@Lumberox]

This was one of my first sets of chisels I bought. I’ve since given them to another beginner. I actually sent this set to you Rex a few months ago! Glad you got to review them !!

[@packetlevel]

Yes, I got a set of these a couple years ago and like them for general use.

[@victorquesada7530]

Having just bought some cheap chisels for my flooring project...this was great timing!

[@bluz4ala]

I bought this same set in the Spring off Amazon too. Nice set and followed up with a very nice email from the sell to make sure I liked them and how grateful they were that I purchased them from them.

[@tmac2744]

I don't even DO woodworking and I keep watching these videos!

[@bruceschneider4928]

Thanks for this, Rex! My dad gave me a set of Marples chisels about 35 years ago. Now I am interested in using them!

[@sean-salvatorecerchiara9952]

Bought these chisele maybe about a month ago and i was looking everywhere for reviews, i've been having lots of fun with them and even used them for me plaster art project. So glad to see a fairly positive review from you :)

[@CanonWoof]

Just purchased these chisels after watching. I have been casually keeping an eye out for a decent set of vintage chisels to make use of, but for this price and minimal tuning (and from what I can see, fairly good praise!) I really had no excuse. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@Youzack1]

Rex, you could not have come out with this at a better time!! I finished my first joiners mallet this weekend, and was considering cutting the plastic handles off my chisels to replace with wood! Can’t wait to see😁

[@ionescupaul6305]

Thank you for the mallet video, I made one, witch is incredible. I just installed some threads on the staircase and the way the mallet worked it was like you've described it. You put it down and pick it up, and it's registering in the hand. Thank you again, have a nice Christmas.

[@garfunkeulations]

Oh man, I really love this project. I gotta make me some of those

[@AaronTWas]

I had been debating how to improve the handles of my Aldi chisels ($6, BTW, and yes the last time I saw them in store was 2 years ago - I heeded Mr. Sellers and snagged a set). Now I know they just need new handles altogether!

[@JamesVanderVeen]

This came out very nicely. Great Work. I definitely appreciate the tips on boring the hole in the handle. I can relate to a few degrees off having big consequences.

[@FinnGriffin]

Love your videos. Very knowledgeable, instructive and entertaining. Perfect!

[@mad-manzippy2814]

Fantastic job there REX very educational and well explained. I never get people who give a thumb down in such educational videos

[@torolf4593]

I bought a set of these chisels seven months ago. They've held up great thus far with near daily use. I didn't mind the handles too much, though mine do seem to have a better finish. I'll probably try making some new handles over the holiday break though. Thanks for all the videos!

[@lanceroark6386]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="350">5:50</a> I bought that set of craftsman screw drivers for my dad back in the 90’s.

[@parvisheidari6535]

Rex...very good job , I love those handles! Thanks for the plan for free!

[@stuartwoodcock9780]

Yep the discourse page is the best. Ive learnt so much.

[@wibblywobblyidiotvision]

The ring trick for drilling is golden. Thanks.

[@sap5656]

Loved the video, like all your other ones. Very informative for newbies on a budget

[@tonyennis1787]

I love this guy.

[@stevebulach5198]

I've had some Aldi chisels for many years & they have held up very well, but I didn't realise the complexity of the traditional handle. I think I have a new project coming up. Thank you :)

[@FloridaSalon]

You are hysterical and I agree with everything you said.

[@garyhorton6652]

I very much enjoyed the video. Thanks for the free plan for the handle. I was able to print it right off the order form. Have a Great Day!

[@jerbear7952]

That wedding ring trick alone was worth the ticket.

[@jonathanthacker3791]

Moments before you pulled out that Craftsmen screwdriver I also thought, "man that looks like a Craftsmen screwdriver handle". Love learning the history of the craft from you.

[@Bachanus]

Thanks I really appreciate you showing how to make things without lathes or other things. I dont have those yet but i like to learn and create things. You teach really well, thanks

[@nocbwsninja]

Purchased the very same chisels myself a month or so ago and I like them, also my very first chisels.

[@littlegray4537]

Same here ... waiting to see how Rex thinks they hold up.

[@christopherharrison6724]

Love the London handle, your hand finished 1 was tops in my eyes.

[@coxlade]

Great video, thanks for adding

[@petergregory5286]

Hi Rex, Those chisels are as good as you hope. I bought a set 3 year’s ago at a local Aldi here in the UK and they are now my go to bevelled chisels, taking over from a set of Stanley’s I’d had since 1976. They were originally bought for my youngest son but after trying them out for a short period he got the Stanley’s. Which he is well pleased with! Regards, keep safe.

[@jurget]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="524">8:44</a> I love this approach ❤

[@haroldneely9253]

I have watched many wood working series over the years. I’ve bought dvd’s, magazines and books but have never seen the wedding ring trick 👍

[@mcd1313]

Rex, thank you for this video! I have a set of old Craftsman beater chisels that belonged to my dad. One of the plastic handles broke in two. I’m going to make a new handle with this design 👍👍

[@mmarrotte101]

You're the man Rex.

[@2dividedby3equals666]

I have a 1/4" chisel probably made in the same factory. I don't use it as much as you do but it has served me well for the last couple of years. I'm not in the US and was able to find it very easily, so it's good news for international folks. I've also made plenty of handles in this manner, if you take your time you can get vey nice results. Thanks for sharing and take care!!

[@CarlosAgarie]

Rex you're the best ^_^ I'm waiting for some of my work projects to finish before having a few free weeks to spend in my workshop. I might try re--handling some of my chisels after this video. Thanks!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Just excellent!

[@kamikazaa5]

Your work is amazing and inspiring! tnx for sharing all knowledge and tips :D

[@AB-C1]

Brilliant work. Thanks from London England 👍💪😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🙏

[@jjeffles]

I can hardly wait to get out into the shop and make some handles! As usual, an easy to understand explanation and tutorial.

[@RexKrueger]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mike41062]

So basically seems like a screw driver handle made of wood, on a chisel. My craftsman screwdrivers have an INCREDIBLYYY similar handle design.

[@kelvinsparks4651]

The London pattern got its name (obviously lol) from the busy London cabinet maker's who didn't have time to replace fancy handles, they just knocked out a quick parallel octagon and back to work. Yours turned out very nice though, well done. Another video ideal for you is replacing some awful plastic handles with wooden ones. My son gave me a set of marples, the blades are excellent but the horrible plastic and metal end caps are awful to use and I don't want to ruin them until I know they can be replaced successfully. Thanks for the video.

[@davidt1621]

Harbor Freight has a six piece set for ten bucks from a quarter inch to one-and-a-half inch, and they have hardwood handles with chrome and vanadium blades that are beveled at 25 degrees. Over 800 positive reviews, and they are already very sharp straight from the package.

[@jerrystark3587]

Great video. Excellent work. Thanks!

[@dillbob330]

I bet you Rex would love the Narex chisels. You can purchase them without handles. You have inspired me to make my own handles. I love my lathe projects.

[@michaelnorris4629]

Hello Rex I bought some Norex chisels with out handles. Using ash and your handle drawing I made a nice set of chisels,,, thanks to you. Mike

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

I have screwdrivers with this shape, and have always been impressed with how good they feel and work. They can both slide in the fingers and provide grip.

[@ragnkja]

Unless they’re too big for the hand trying to grip them. I have that problem with most tools.

[@danwittmayer6539]

Rex, you have great "teaching chops". I bet your lesson plans can help aspiring pedagogs

[@pnwRC.]

Great tips & tricks in this video, Rex!

[@stufarnham]

I have that very set of chisels and cleaned up the blades similarly to the way you did. The chisels sharpened up nicely and hold an edge pretty well. But I can certify that the handles suck. Two are already broken after only moderate mallet work, and the others are pretty battered on the ends. So I was encouraged to find this video, until I saw the lathe. Don’t have one, don’t intend to get one. “But Rex ...” I said to myself, when you channeled my thought and solved my problem. Now my quandary is whether I wait while I finish my new workbench or add yet another project to the 3 or 4 I already have going. Thanks for making my day, Rex! With the sole caveat about the handles I won’t hesitate to recommend these to the budget minded woodworker. Rob Cosman is probably having heart palpitations... Stu

[@chaplainand1]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@ssskids123]

Great video! It’s always funny what you pick up. Loved the whole build, but the aha moment for me was seeing you put a tape depth stop on a hand saw. Cannot believe that I never thought of that. Thank you!

[@daveb8598]

Great video! Just ordered the chisels. Looks like I have a good project to put my planes to.

[@NJEsperantist]

Thank you for this, Rex! Somewhere I have a photo of an antique chisel with this style of handle. I was going to make a few... eventually. This might spur me on.

[@richardthompson3791]

Hey Rex great video on chisel handles.I got off my lazy butt and made about 1/2 a dozen London pattern handles by hand. Resurrecting a few old chisels.Not hard for me as I have been professionally doing wood Work all my life.Even though I did not learn much a beginner would.Your not just a fine woodworker but an even better teacher.Unlike a professional who has dead lines your layed back aproach Is great for folk to enjoy the fun to be had wood working Keep up the great work.Thank you Richie from Australia