A drove chisel is a

tool A tool is an object that can extend an individual's ability to modify features of the surrounding environment or help them accomplish a particular task. Although many animals use simple tools, only human beings, whose use of stone tools dates ba ...

used by

stonemason Stonemasonry or stonecraft is the creation of buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone as the primary material. It is one of the oldest activities and professions in human history. Many of the long-lasting, ancient shelters, temples, mo ...

s for smoothing off roughly finished stones. When first cut from the

quarry A quarry is a type of open-pit mine in which dimension stone, rock, construction aggregate, riprap, sand, gravel, or slate is excavated from the ground. The operation of quarries is regulated in some jurisdictions to reduce their envi ...

, stones are frequently have large grooves, droves, left from the splitting process. The droving chisel is used for the next stage, making the surface of the stone flat enough to use. The drove chisel is used for softer rocks such as limestone and marble, while harder rock such as granite requires a point-toothed chisel.

Notes

Masonry Chisels {{Tool-stub