Stanley FatMax 1 inch Folding Pocket Chisel | Locksmith Tools: The Stanley FatMax 1-inch Folding Pocket Chisel a gimmick or a game-changer? As a professional locksmith, your tool kit is your office—and space is at a premium. In this video, Mr. Locksmith puts the Stanley FatMax 1-Inch Folding Pocket Chisel through its paces to see if it’s a genuine game-changer or just another gimmick. Whether you are widening a latch hole on a sagging door or precision-mortising a strike plate, a sharp 1-inch chisel is your best friend in the field. However, carrying a full-length chisel often means ripped pockets and dull edges. Stanley’s folding design promises to solve the “spatial economy” puzzle by offering a heavy-duty, hammer-ready blade that folds down to fit in the palm of your hand. (Source: Terry Whin-Yates)

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Source: Mr. Locksmith Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith

Stanley FatMax 1 inch Folding Pocket Chisel | Locksmith Tools

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If you’re anything like me, keeping your tool case manageable is a constant juggling act. It seems like there’s always one more “essential” tool that you need to squeeze into a finite space. Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for ways to lighten my load without compromising on utility.

Enter the Stanley FatMax Pocket Chisel—an intriguing solution I recently evaluated for my mobile service kit.

Stanley FatMax 1 inch Folding Pocket Chisel Locksmith Tools

A First Look at the Stanley FatMax Pocket Chisel

Right off the bat, the Stanley FatMax (FMHT16145) catches your eye with its sleek, foldable design. The promise is simple: a full-strength chisel that won’t rip holes in your pockets or dull its edge against other tools in your bag.

Upon pulling it apart, I found that it matches the weight of a regular chisel fairly closely. While this means I’m not saving much in terms of raw weight, the spatial economy is where it shines.

The “Click” Factor: The blade clicks neatly into place with a secure locking mechanism.
Hammer-Ready: It features a solid metal strike cap on the back. This means you don’t have to baby it; it’s fully compatible with hammer taps for those stubborn door frames.

Why Size Matters in Locksmithing

In my line of work, space in the service bag is as valuable as the tools themselves. The FatMax Pocket Chisel stands at one inch, which is the “Goldilocks” size for locksmithing.

I use a 1-inch chisel for the most common field adjustments:

Widening Latch Holes: When a door sags and the latch won’t engage.
Mortising Strike Plates: Cleaning up wood after a fresh install.
Pivoting Obstructive Objects: Shaving down a frame to clear a custom piece of hardware.

I already carry a full-length chisel in my heavy installation kit, but for my everyday carry (EDC) case, the FatMax is a perfect replacement. It provides the same 1-inch utility while occupying half the vertical space.

Performance and Practicality

So, how does it perform on the job? Initial tests show real promise. The hardened carbon-steel blade arrives sharp and holds its edge well against standard hardwoods and composite frames.

The biggest benefit I’ve found? Safety and Edge Protection. Because the blade folds into the handle (like a butterfly knife), I can throw it into my Veto Pro Pac SC-45 or even my back pocket without worrying about cutting myself or dulling the blade on a screwdriver.

Final Verdict

For any professional locksmith or serious DIY enthusiast, the Stanley FatMax Pocket Chisel is an innovative approach to tool organization. Condensing a full-sized chisel into a pocket-sized format is a game-changer for service calls where speed and mobility are key.

I’m optimistic about its potential and have already integrated it into my regular workflow. It’s no longer a “test tool”—it’s a staple.

Level Up Your Tool Kit

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I hope this deep dive into the Stanley FatMax Pocket Chisel has been insightful and maybe even inspired you to reconsider the way you manage your own tool collection. Stay tuned for further updates about my experience with this handy little chisel and more insights into the world of locksmithing. Source: Terry Whin-Yates Mr. Locksmith Linkedin

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