Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 9, 2026

Fishtail (tool)

In woodworking, a fishtail is a type of chisel with a flared blade that resembles the tail of a fish.

Last revised
Jun 9, 2026
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≈ 1 min
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Wikipedia ↗
Three types of fishtail gouge on the left, compared with other gouge types source ↗

In woodworking, a fishtail (also fishtail gouge or fishtail spade gouge) is a type of chisel with a flared blade that resembles the tail of a fish.1

They are used for light wood finishing, lettering, skimming, and modeling.2 They can be used to reach in tight places where a full-width gouge would not fit.3

In gardening, a fishtail spade has a flared triangular blade combining the versatility of the Dutch hoe and power of the common round point shovel into a multipurpose tool.4

Three fishtail spades made from used pointed shovel heads. Blossom is on the left. source ↗
References

References

  1. Editors of Woodworker's Journal (2007). The Collins Complete Woodworker: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert Harper Collins, ISBN 9780060825751
  2. Bridgewater, Alan Bridgewater, Gill (1998). How to Use & Care for Woodwork Tools. Stackpole Books, ISBN 9780811727945
  3. Bütz, Richard, Bütz, Ellen (1997). How to Sharpen Carving Tools: Woodcarving Step by Step With Rick Bütz. Stackpole Books, ISBN 9780811729963
  4. Readers, Mother Earth News. "Sowing and Protecting Plants and Chicken Cleanliness – Mother Earth News". www.motherearthnews.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.