A chisel is primarily used to:

A CHISEL is used to CUT or CARVE into a material (wood, stone, or metal) — driven by a mallet/hammer or pushed by hand. ASVAB Shop Information tests cutting/shaping tools. WOOD chisels carve and shape wood (often struck with a wooden mallet); COLD chisels cut metal (struck with a hammer); MASONRY chisels shape stone/concrete. The sharp beveled edge does the cutting. Always cut away from yourself and keep chisels sharp for safety and effectiveness. Knowing the chisel cuts/carves material is commonly tested.