Review on Stanley 16 789 Sweetheart Socket Chisel: An Exceptional Woodworking Essential by Richard Sallah

I have read many reviews on this chisel complaining about the wrong size and loose grip. I ordered a 1/8" bit. When I received mine I held it up to a clear ruler and it is indeed 1/8" wide. I didn't use a precision caliper or anything, so it might be a bit big, but let's be serious. I clean up dovetail corners, don't make nuclear weapons. Close enough close enough. As for the loose handles, people complaining about it don't understand the purpose of the end piece. Part of the charm of end chisels is that there are different types of handles. Each pen type is suitable for different tasks. You install the handle by hitting the end of the handle against the bench while holding the chisel on the socket. To remove the handle, firmly tap the side of the handle on the table several times while holding the socket. I like the pear-shaped handles for heavy felling and the longer, thinner handle for detail work. The chisel arrived surprisingly sharp with a nice plastic edge protector. I've only used it a little, but it shaves cherry wood instantly, with no noticeable loss of sharpness. The hornbeam handle rose firmly from the seat with a good touch of the bench. Very happy with it so far.