I have been storing my chisels on magnetic strips for at least 20 years and
haven't noticed a problem with it yet. The ones down low get stored edge-down,
and the larger ones up high get stored edge-up. That way I naturally reach for
the handle, not the cutting edge. Magnetism of the chisel hasn't been an issue
in practice.

I would agree with Erik that a wooden rack would be superior, but I haven't yet
found sufficient motivation to spend the time making one.

As far as tools falling off the rack, that hasn't been a problem for me except
for some heavier turning tools, depending on their alloy and shape.

One thing lacking in my new shop is adequate drawer space, so my backup chisels
are in boxes on a shelf.

Chuck Taylor
north of Seattle

On Friday, October 4, 2019, 11:04:10 AM PDT, Erik Levin via OldTools
 wrote:

Dan wrote:
> I've hesitated hanging chisels on them. Something about the metal on
> metal contact that makes me nervous that my chisels might get nicked
> or damaged. Am I being too overly cautious?

I wouldn't tend to worry about it, as the contact should be well back from the
cutting edge, but a strip of electrical tape will provide some softness and a
bit of friction without enough separation to prevent hold, for a reasonably
strong magnet. My worry with edge tools would lean more toward knocking the tool
off by accident or hitting the business end while reaching for another tool.

Knowing myself well, I pretty much keep chisels racked so that the edge is not
exposed to damage or to do damage. The ones that stay out are in a rack with
slots, handle up, with the working end resting on poplar. I drop them in and in
maybe another five years will need to replace the bottom, as it is getting
pretty chewed up. The others are in a drawer in a slotted board like what I use
for files.
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