The 6 Best Mortise Chisel Sets

This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in February of 2019. A mortise is part of a sturdy joint that’s often used when creating wooden furniture, doors, and windows. It’s a narrow opening you’ll cut either by hand or with a machine, and there are chisels designed specifically for each method. These tools will help you achieve a smooth, symmetrical finished product that's built to last. Here we rank them based on durability, ease of use, and price. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Narex 4-Piece Set

The Narex 4-Piece Set (appx. $70) offers robust tools ideal not only for cutting recesses, but also for chopping out joints. They're made with heat-treated steel blades and beechwood handles that are affixed to the shafts with sturdy metal ferrules and hoops.

Tapered for increased leverage
Hold up well under hammer strikes
Sharp out of the box

2. Powermatic Premium

The Powermatic Premium (around $152) are built for the long haul. They are made from solid bars of hardened carbon steel and designed to produce clean, square cuts with smooth side walls. Included are both spur and brad point drill bits, and all the pieces come in a plastic case.

Work with a variety of mortisers
Made in the usa
Backed by a 90-day warranty

3. Hamlet Set

The three components of the Hamlet Set (about $130) are manufactured in the United Kingdom, and their square blades range from 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch in size. They boast handles that are crafted from blond-colored ash wood that is reinforced with metal.

Hold their edges well
Can withstand everyday use
Comfortable contoured grips

UNDER REVIEW

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4. Meihejia Square Hole

You’ll get more done in less time with the Meihejia Square Hole (around $24), which are compatible with all mortising machines and drill press attachments. They have large openings for releasing shavings during use, so you won't need to stop and clean them out too often.

Sizes are clearly labeled
Handle thicker materials well
A budget-friendly choice

5. Morrita Double-Layered Blades

The Morrita Double-Layered Blades (appx. $96) is a 4-piece chisel set that includes a 3/8-inch tool for mortise work, and they all have soft outer bodies to protect the inner steel cores and absorb vibrations from a hammer. They come in a slotted, wooden box with a latch.

Oiled to prevent rust
Designed and handmade in japan
May need sharpening upon arrival

6. Delta 17-924

The Delta 17-924 (about $131) conveniently turns your drill press into a mortising machine using a metal attachment and four chisel-and-bit components that range in size up to half an inch. It comes with a handy carrying case with built-in storage compartments.

Great for the occasional woodworker
A good value for the price
Setup can be tricky

Last updated by Karen Bennett

Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.

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