Replies

1. 
   Frozen | Feb 29, 2012 11:57am | #1

   Lee Valley sells very similar handles. I would have provided a link, but the spam filter wouldn't let it through.

   I would pry / grind off the ferrules. If the blades don't pull out easily,  you could probably break the handle at the tang.

   This sounds pretty heartless. As I describe the process, I don't know if I could go through with it.

1. 
   Tony Z | Feb 29, 2012 04:47pm | #2

   Those look like Berg chisels and the handles don't look that bad.  There may be collector/user interest that may diminish if you remove the handles.

2. 
   Squern | Feb 29, 2012 06:29pm | #3

   Chisel handles

   Put the chisels in a vice about 5 degrees short of horzontal ( top of the jaws), use a piece of hardwood against the ferrule, and give the wood a sharp tap with a hammer, the handles will come off easily.

   Make sure the cutting edge of the chisel is below the level of the top of the vice jaw, so you don't bend down and skewer yourself.

   If the handles are really tight, you can substitute a flat steel bar for the hardwood, and give it a real crack.

   Turn the chisel round, so you are not hitting the same side.

   Bear in mind what the next contributor said - well-used handles are not necessarily a bad thing - a collector might value their appearance.

2. 
   roc | Feb 29, 2012 10:29pm | #4

   Nah Dude Nah

   They look good even with the chip off the corner 0'one.  I would clean off the shin'o finish, that gives blisters and hard to hang onto,   with some lacquer thinner then rub on some wax and use them.