Definition & Meaning of "mortising chisel"

What is a "mortising chisel"?

A mortising chisel is a hand tool used for cutting and shaping mortises, which are rectangular holes or slots in wood, typically for joining two pieces together. It has a thick, strong blade with a sharp edge, designed to withstand the force applied when cutting through wood. Mortising chisels are commonly used in woodworking for tasks like creating joints in furniture making, cabinetry, or timber framing. They come in different sizes to suit various mortise widths and are often used with a mallet to help drive the chisel into the wood, ensuring clean and precise cuts.