Basic Carpentry Tools

Should youn’t have many tools, don’t worry about purchasing everything you’ll possibly ever want on your first visit to the hardware store. Buy what you desire for the project that you are planning to assemble. The remainder will come afterwards. Here are some basic tools:

• All framers desire a great set of tool pouches. Try to get them as a leather belt, with  separate pouches, so that one of them can function as a hammer holder. This belt is the foundation of any set of basic carpentry tools.
• Tape Measure.
• Speed Square : A triangular shaped alloy square, Swanson is the most popular brand.
• Chalk Line : I would advise getting a speed line. Actually, you should have two, one for red chalk and one for blue chalk.
• Consider  a Chalk Line Clamp. It’s not conventional, but it’s cheap and handy.
• Chisel : I carry an one inch broad one that I ‘m not frightened to use on nails or as a small pry bar.
• Carpenter’s Pencil : I normally take two ends so I would not have to drop what exactly is being done to sharpen a pencil.
• Utility Knife : Make sure that it is retractable. Also make sure to have some extra blades available at all times.
• Disposable dust masks or one reusable dust mask. Not many beginners will use them, but they are important to protects your lungs.
• Straight claw 20-24 oz are the finest for framers. Avoid fiberglass, steel shanked hammers or wood are greatest.
• Cat’s Paw : I favor the kind that have a nail digger on one curved, both ends and the other straight.
• Electric Drill : I recommend a corded 1/2 inch variable speed model.
• Reciprocating Saw. You’ll thank me for this, as it will avoid a lot of pain and cramp. It’s super useful for sawing in obscure places, in which you don’t have enough space to use a normal saw.
• Construction calculator.

Your knowledge of tools will grow, as you become a more experienced carpenter. You will make better decisions when purchasing new tools because you’ll know more about the tools that are available and how each is used to perform its specific task.

If you just intend to use a tool one or two times, you might consider purchasing a less expensive tool, or renting it. Harbor Freight is a fantastic place to find tools that are inexpensive. If you know that you will be using a tool for quite a long time and on multiple projects, buying a high quality professional grade tool likely makes the most sense.