Mayhew Chisel

America's Oldest Chisel Maker, Still Setting the Standard

When it comes to chisels, few names carry the weight of history and performance that Mayhew does. Founded in 1856, Mayhew Steel Products is the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the United States, and chisels have been at the core of their identity from the very beginning. That legacy isn't just a marketing talking point — it reflects more than 165 years of continuous refinement in metallurgy, heat treatment, and working-tool design.

What Makes Mayhew Chisels Different

Mayhew chisels are built around one guiding principle: rugged dependability across a multitude of applications, from masonry and metalworking to automotive disassembly. The difference starts with the steel. Mayhew's cold chisels are constructed from 100% heat-treated tempered alloy steel, with full-shank heat treating that ensures consistent toughness from cutting edge to struck end. The cutting-edge angle is specifically engineered to deliver greater strength under strike, while struck ends are tempered to reduce chipping — a critical detail that separates a quality chisel from a frustrating one.

Finish matters too. Mayhew applies a black oxide finish to most of their chisel offerings, providing an additional layer of rust protection that keeps tools in working condition through the grime and coolant of a real shop environment. Select models are available with a shot-blast finish, another durable surface treatment well-suited to heavy-use environments.

Product Lines: MayhewPro, Dominator, and Handguard

Mayhew's chisel catalog spans several distinct product tiers, each targeting a specific user. The MayhewPro Series is engineered for constant professional use, featuring premium finishes for additional protection and extra machining for tighter tolerances — built to stand up to the daily punishment of a busy shop. The Dominator Line takes durability even further; these chisels and specialty tools are designed to take punishment just as easily as they dish it out, with a hardened, tempered-steel shaft that runs from the cutting edge through the handle to deliver maximum power transfer. For those who need ergonomic comfort alongside cutting power, the Handguard cold chisels feature an ergonomic handle designed specifically for shock absorption during extended use.

Mayhew also covers pneumatic applications. Their cold chisels for use with pneumatic air hammers feature fully hardened and tempered shock-resistant steel, and are available in assorted blade widths and lengths — making it easy to match the right chisel to the right air tool for any job.

Chisel Types Available

• Cold Chisels — For cutting and shaping metals softer than the chisel's cutting edge; available from 1/4" to 3/4" widths and in multiple lengths
• Cape Chisels — Narrow blade profile ideal for cutting grooves and keyways
• Diamond Point Chisels — Pointed tip for working in corners and breaking out square holes
• Half Round Nose Chisels — Curved cutting edge for round grooves and oil channels
• Pneumatic Cold Chisels — Sized to 0.401" shank for standard air hammer use

Sets, Kits, and Lifetime Warranty

Mayhew offers both individual chisels and comprehensive punch-and-chisel kits that bundle the most common styles and sizes in a single, organized tool pouch or roll. Whether you need a compact 3-piece cold chisel set for occasional use or a full 24-piece punch and chisel kit for a professional toolbox, Mayhew has an option. All US-made Mayhew tools carry a lifetime warranty — a testament to the confidence the company places in its own manufacturing quality. Mayhew is also ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting a formal commitment to quality systems and continuous improvement.

For the professional mechanic, the serious hobbyist, or anyone who has learned the hard way that cheap chisels shatter at the worst moment, Mayhew's track record speaks for itself. Browse the full selection of Mayhew chisels to find the right tool for your application.