In the early 1980s I worked for a year building stage sets and for another making furniture. I learnt the value of good tools with a sharp edge and, unlike many chippies, survived with all my digits intact - probably because my spell wielding woodworking tools was comparatively brief.

Stanley, the renowned hand-tool manufacturer, has maintained a cast-iron reputation for innovation and high quality since its establishment in the mid 19th century and this three-piece chisel set upholds its reputation for setting the industry benchmark.

The half-inch, three-quarter-inch and one-inch chisels are the standard long-bladed (5in) bevel-edged design and have comfortable and easily gripped solvent-resistant polypropylene handles. The hardened blades are precision-ground and honed ready for use in the factory. They proved ideal for quickly and accurately working a pair of hinge recesses into an oak doorframe, both paring by hand and using a hammer. Had I dropped one it would have undoubtedly penetrated my boot and rendered my survival record invalid.

Minus points for the bubble-form plastic packaging, which was so difficult to open that its contents would have proved most useful to access themselves, but plus points for tips on how to sharpen them again.

Hero's verdict: Four stars

Stanley three-piece chisel set: £16.49 from Homebase. www.homebase.co.uk

Explore Property

• Buying & Selling

• New Homes

• Overseas

• Interiors

• Investment

• Gardens

• Cool In Your Code

• Specials

• First-time buyer

Times recommends

• Second homes: credit crunch casualty or money-spinner?
• How I built my own sliding house
• Top 10 incentives for house buyers