Essential tools for the job

Here are a few tools I always keep on me, and some on the job must-haves to be able to complete your average carpentry projects. It is said that tools are extensions of our hands, so you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive tool out there, but you have to have the basics:

-Hammer
I say- If it doesn’t fit get a bigger hammer!
-Tape Measurer
Keep it clean and in good condition; it will keep you on your mark.
-Pencil
A short Pencil is better than a long memory.
-Utility Knife
Multifunctional- You can cut and score materials, plus the added bonus of sharpening your carpentry pencil with it.
-Speed Square
Lay this triangular tool on a piece of lumber to give you a strait cutting line
-Skill Saw or Worm Drive
This is faster than a traditional handsaw. Don’t pin the guard back, remember safety first!
-Power Drill
Used for driving screws and drilling pilot holes so the lumber won’t split.
-4 ft. Level
This tool keeps you inline with one of the three rules of carpentry: Plumb, Level, and Square

There are so many others, but for your average fix-it jobs around the house these are the carpentry tools that will make your life a lot easier. Word of caution- when you use the wrong tool for the job you could end up breaking it or hurting your self.

Here are some other tools that you could add in more advanced projects:

12” Level- for those hard to reach areas
24” Level- for door headers
Chalk Line- Make two marks on each end and this handy tool makes a strait line
Plumb Bob- Always check for Plumb
Nail Set- Countersink those nails and fill in with putty
Mallet- It won’t mar your finished surface, if you have to help it in place.
When a metal hammer is too aggressive, this won’t mark, or deform, your projects
Framing Square- This tool gives you a perfect 90-degree corner
1” Chisel-When you just need a little off the top
Cats Paw- For the ‘oops’ nail drives, use this tool to grab your nail head and pull