What function does a chisel serve?

A chisel is designed primarily to break apart materials when used in conjunction with a hammer. This tool features a sharp edge that allows it to cut into hard surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal when struck with a hammer. The impact drives the chisel into the material, enabling precise control over the amount of material removed or the creation of a clean break.

While chisels can be used for cutting wood, their primary function relates to breaking or carving materials rather than efficient cutting in a traditional sense, which typically involves saws for more effective results. Measuring distances is not a function of a chisel, as tools specifically designed for measurements, like tapes or rulers, fulfill that role. Additionally, while some chisels may have a beveled edge that can be used for sharpening, that is not their main purpose. They focus on imparting force to break down materials, which is why that function is the most accurate description of a chisel's role in firefighting or other material handling situations.