Chisel/Spud Bar

[Noon]

I am looking into getting a chisel. From what I found so far, a lot of times a chisel and spud bar are used synonymously. However, the main difference between the two is a spud bar is typically a rounded pointed end and a chisel is shaped like a wood chisel (thinner, flat, and gets wider at the bottom). Being that I will likely use it not only to check ice but also cut holes, I am curious as to all the different types I have seen. There is the standard looking ones, totally flat with a sharpened edge. Then there are all of these offset, tapered, sawtooth, or whatever else types with different ridges and inclines and funky teeth. I intend to just get the standard chisel head, but figured I would do some research first and get input from the trusted IS community before making a purchase.

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions, personal experience, or input on the different types of chisel heads? What one to buy for checking ice as well as cutting holes?

[bowmandan]

Get a step chisle

[hardwater diehard]

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Ice-Chisel/2581713.uts?productVariantId=5318094&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=BingPLA&WT.z_mc_id1=04879197&rid=20&msclkid=023ef6c932891508b5d7aad911dfc726&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CInn-_nTmN8CFSeVswodPBoBiw&gclsrc=ds

[Noon]

Get a step chisle

What is a step chisel? Why do you recommend it over others?

[jlbrownie_1]

My old spud bar is a 1.5 inch pipe with a chisel point welded on and I'm 55. Everyone has their own swing so check out a few videos like this one..
Youtube: Early ice: How to use a "spud bar" to check thickness

[bowmandan]

With a step chisel.  Each step cuts ar a different time and the strike is spread out causing a deeper impact.   If that makes sense

[32footsteps]

When you go to buy a chisel your trip to the store isn’t complete. Go and get some rope to tie to the chisel. If you don’t you’ll soon learn why.

[P Meyette]

nice to jnow never had one in all my years

[kpd145]

I have used the jiffy Mille lacs spud bar. The deluxe that is heavy as all hell.

I prefer heavy, I want some weight to be behind the spud.

Its got the stepped chisel.

Used it for a few years now. Works great.

Make sure to wrap the handle strap around wrist. If it goes through. It may leave your hand .

[Noon]

I have used the jiffy Mille lacs spud bar. The deluxe that is heavy as all hell.

I prefer heavy, I want some weight to be behind the spud.

Its got the stepped chisel.

Used it for a few years now. Works great.

Make sure to wrap the handle strap around wrist. If it goes through. It may leave your hand .

Did you use this for checking ice only or also for making fishing holes?

[alaska mike]

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Ice-Chisel/2581713.uts?productVariantId=5318094&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=BingPLA&WT.z_mc_id1=04879197&rid=20&msclkid=023ef6c932891508b5d7aad911dfc726&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CInn-_nTmN8CFSeVswodPBoBiw&gclsrc=ds

I just ordered one of the above cabelas chisel.  It looks to me to be a frabil chisel marketed by cabelas.  I went with this one for the weight, 6lbs, and the step points. I wanted something lighter since I am an old boy with a bad back. I haven't tried it out yet, but I think it should work fine.

[kpd145]

Did you use this for checking ice only or also for making fishing holes?

I used to check ice but early ice I'll use to open old holes.

I like the weight because I barely "throw" it and it digs about 3 inches into the ice. Less than 3 and it will break through easily. Little effort is needed by me it all the weight.

[hardwater diehard]

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Ice-Chisel/2581713.uts?productVariantId=5318094&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=BingPLA&WT.z_mc_id1=04879197&rid=20&msclkid=023ef6c932891508b5d7aad911dfc726&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CInn-_nTmN8CFSeVswodPBoBiw&gclsrc=ds

Looks like free shipping today no minimum  ..for those who need a chisel hard to beat

[ahav]

Thanks for the heads up on the Cabelas shipping and ice chisel.  I've been wanting to get one and $15 with free 2 day shipping is cheaper than me fabricating my own.  I just purchased one.

[alaska mike]

I got my cabelas spud bar in the mail. Looks real decent for the money.  I have never used the step chisel design but to use it for spudding on the way out the step chisel should work great. My theory is the amount of force is concentrated on the lead point and will penetrate farther than a conventional chisel.  That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.
The chisel came dull as a get out, but what do you expect for $15.  The handle is nice with a ring for a safety loop which had a loop already attached.  I took a dremel tool with a drum sander bit on it and gave each of the steps a hollow grind to them.  Then I took a flat file and put a cutting edge on it.  I made a homemade scabbard for it and now I need to get out and use it.

[Chris338378]

For that price and free shipping you can't go wrong with that spud bar especially since it has the stepped blade which normally costs more money.  If I needed a spud bar I'd definitely buy it.

[kpd145]

I prefer the step chisel.

Seems to cut a but deeper and smoother than my old spud.


Looks like a decent spud.