A flooring chisel with a guard (often called a floorboard chisel) is a specialized demolition tool designed for prying up floorboards, cutting through tongue-and-groove joints, and removing skirting boards. Unlike a standard wood chisel, it is forged from a single piece of heavy-duty steel to withstand being struck with a club hammer. Key Features Feature Benefit Integrated Hand Guard A large rubber or plastic flange that protects your knuckles from "overstrikes" (missing the chisel head with the hammer). Wide, Thin Blade Designed to slip into the tight gaps between floorboards without splintering the wood excessively. Offset Head Many models feature a slightly offset blade to provide better leverage when prying boards upward. Alloy Steel Construction Usually made of Chrome Vanadium or Carbon Steel, hardened to cut through nails and "tongues" without dulling instantly. Why the "Guard" is Important If you are doing a full room of demolition, fatigue sets in. The hand guard serves three purposes: Safety: It acts as a shield between the heavy hammer and your hand. Shock Absorption: High-quality guards (like those on Stanley FatMax or Vanquish models) are made of bi-material rubber that reduces the vibration felt in your arm. Grip: It provides a wider surface area to hold, preventing the tool from rotating or slipping in your hand while you work. When to Use It Lifting Floorboards: The thin edge is perfect for cutting the "tongue" of tongue-and-groove boards so they can be lifted cleanly. Removing Trim/Skirting: Use it to pry skirting boards away from the wall with minimal damage to the plaster. Chasing Plaster: Electricians often use these to cut "channels" into walls for wiring. Top Recommended Brands Footprint: The traditional "Made in Sheffield" choice. They are famous for their long-handle flooring chisels (often 18 inches) which provide massive leverage. Stanley FatMax: Known for the best ergonomic hand guards and high-visibility powder coating. Vanquish: Offers heavy-duty 11.5-inch models with excellent shock-absorbing grips. Spear & Jackson: A reliable, trade-standard choice found in most UK hardware stores like Selco or Wickes. Safety Tip: While these are built for "rough" work, they are not intended for use on concrete or stone. For that, you would need a Cold Chisel or a Brick Bolster.