FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Essential Hand Tools for Every Carpenter

nctacoma | Posted in Tools for Home Building on June 18, 2007 05:36am

Anybody care to share their list of essential hand tools for every carpenter to have? I am curious to see what everyone considers “must have” tools to be. I will also post a power tools post.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. BillBrennen | Jun 18, 2007 10:32am | #1

    Tape measure
    pencils, flat and round (.5mm mechanical)
    Sharpie
    utility knife
    hammer
    5 in 1 painting tool with thick blade
    6" flat prybar
    Empire "speed square" , modified
    chalkline
    nailsets
    awl
    multi-tip screwdriver
    offset dykes, Klein alloy steel high leverage with blue handles
    small slip joint pliers
    4 in hand file
    safety glasses
    folding earmuffs

    All the above stays in my belt much of the time.

    Other handtools to have in a box close by:

    combination square
    framing square plus stair nuts
    chisels (rough and finish)
    wood saw(s)
    hacksaw with various blades in handle tube
    tinsnips
    squeeze stapler and loads
    block plane
    smooth plane
    16" flat bar
    second hammer, different weight head
    a few more files
    medium and large slotted screwdrivers
    10" adjustable wrench
    7" Vise-Grips, curved jaws
    end nippers
    Channellocks, 12"
    2 spring clamps
    2 quick acting light pattern bar clamps
    compact LED headlamp
    torpedo and 2' levels (longer ones won't fit in the box)
    rag and scrub sponge
    dustpan and dustbroom
    4 ounce bottle of Titebond 2
    leather gloves
    disposable latex gloves

    That is the tip of my iceberg, anyhow. I do remodeling, often small projects.

    Bill

    1. bobtim | Jun 18, 2007 06:02pm | #2

      How do you modify your speed-square?

      Also, I don't think I have ever heard of the Empire brand.

      Good list

      1. BillBrennen | Jun 18, 2007 07:23pm | #4

        Empire is sold at the Borg here. I prefer them because they are an extrusion, not a casting like Swanson squares. The cast squares are brittle, so they fracture when dropped. Also, the stamped numbers are more precise and easier to read than the cast numbers.I modify mine by cutting out most of the center triangle of metal, starting with the hanging hole they punch for retailing purposes. I drill out 3/8" holes at the corners of this triangle, connect the holes with the jigsaw, and finish with a file. This eliminates some tables I never use anyhow. The hip/val scale in unaffected by this, only the tables go away. Not only does this modification reduce some weight, but more importantly it makes it much easier to grasp and turn the tool, as even gloved fingers can fit in the hole, allowing me to pivot the square around those fingers.Bill

    2. dovetail97128 | Jun 18, 2007 06:24pm | #3

      Bill,

      Pretty good list. I would add a cats paw to the tool box."Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

      1. BillBrennen | Jun 18, 2007 07:33pm | #5

        Yep, I knew I forgot a few things. I did my list from memory late last night, subtracting the power tool accessories as I went.I carry a 6" Dogyu cat's paw all the time, and have a 12" in the box.I also carry a card scraper in a leather sheath, in the box.The box is mostly moved over to a Veto bag lately.There may be more, but I prefer the challenge of remembering without looking. A tool is only useful if you know it is there to be used. I also carry a few tri-folded half sheets of sandpaper in the box.
        4 rare earth magnets for finding hidden steel. (stored in film can)
        Second chalk line in different color (one red and one bright green)
        Duct and electrical tape rolls in the boxDid I mention that it is a heavy box? LOLBill

        1. dovetail97128 | Jun 18, 2007 08:16pm | #6

          Bill, "Did I mention that it is a heavy box? " Mine has 6 tires, an engine, a rating at 10,000 lbs. and I avoid the local truck scales at all costs.! ;-)
          "Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

      2. reinvent | Jun 19, 2007 01:40am | #11

        I would make that a 'Japanese' cat's paw.

        1. dovetail97128 | Jun 19, 2007 02:08am | #12

          reinvent, I own several of those style but prefer the Vaughn design myself. I would include a good fine tooth Japanese design saw though."Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

          1. User avater
            tatekata | Jun 19, 2007 03:07am | #13

            Here's my hand tools, I'm in Japan working so there is a slight preference towards hand tools from here, but I get whatever I need shipped over from Vancouver, so I think the balance is fair:

             

            1.  Window pry bar (US)

            2.  Japanese pry bar (4", thin, flat with nail pull on one end)

            3.  Japanese nail set (4 edges to set nails)

            4.  Douglas finish hammer

            5.  Japanese stainless-steel haxgonal finish hammer (small, light head for tight areas)

            6.  Fuller 1" chisel.  I do have full sets of North American and Japanese chisels, but in the end, the one I use everyday is the Fuller.  It sharpens quickly and keeps an edge longer than most of my other chisels.  My Japanese set was a gift from my teacher, and was expensive, but they aren't made for everyday use, and are harder to sharpen.

            7.  Metric 10m tape measure with teflon coating, large numbers, wide tape.

            8.  7.5 metre inkline with pin not hook.

            9.  Olfa knife

            10.  Large blade olfa knife

            11.  Speed square

            12.  Japanese framing square.  This one is developed for 2x4 builders in Japan.  The square is very thin stainless steel.  Its 3/4" wide, and has measurements in mm, but on it has all of the proper stud spacing, etc.  It bends into a circle if needed, so its great for measuring/marking uneven surfaces like logs, etc.  Its my most important and most-used tool.

            13.  Japanese hand-saws:  I have 3 that I use all the time.  First, the all-purpose 265 regular hand-saw, then the 330, larger toothed saw for beams, then the double-edged thin kerf saw for cross-cutting and cutting with the grain.  I keep them in a leather sheath and it leaves the van with me every morning.

            14.  Plumb-bob.  Still used all the time, Japan still sells some really nice sets, essential in framing.

            15.  Stainless steel angle finder.  All it consists of is 2 pieces of steel attached together by a nut.  I measure it up to the angle in question, then adjust my saws according to the new angle.

             

            SS

    3. Kolledog | Jun 18, 2007 10:09pm | #8

      Excellent list, Bill. I'd add four things: a plumb bob, a spool of yellow, nylon masons' twine, and a Stanley push drill (the expensive chrome-steel one with the bits in the handle)and the stub of a parafin candle.

    4. rick12 | Jun 18, 2007 11:38pm | #9

      Bill, what are offset dykes?

      Rick

      1. BillBrennen | Jun 19, 2007 04:43am | #17

        Offset dykes are diagonal cutting pliers whose head is cranked over to one side. This makes it possible to cut off a wire close to a surface, and also makes it easier to use the tool to lever out stubborn nails from the side. They are sold at HD alongside the regular dykes in the Klein case.Bill

    5. Schelling | Jun 19, 2007 04:02am | #15

      Good list.

      Also always in my tool belt. Compass for scribing and small plumb bob. And when not framing, a block plane.

      1. BillBrennen | Jun 19, 2007 04:50am | #18

        That's another I forgot. I carry a scribe compass, the friction set cheapo that works so well, plus also a 7" Millers Falls compass that I modified so it can hold a wide assortment of drawing tools, not just a pencil. I often fit it with a Sharpie for marking smooth surfaces.Unlike you, my scribe only goes in my belt at certain times, despite having very little mass. Anytime I'm doing trimwork the scribe is there.Another thing in the box is a drywall jab saw. (Compass made me remember.)BillEdit: Plumb bob is on the truck. I use the PLS-2 a lot more, and the chalkline works as an okay bob in a pinch.

        Edited 6/18/2007 9:53 pm by BillBrennen

    6. cliffy | Jun 19, 2007 05:23am | #19

      What is an offset dyke?

      Have a good day CLiffy

      1. BillBrennen | Jun 19, 2007 07:19am | #21

        See post 18.

        1. Stilletto | Jun 19, 2007 12:37pm | #22

          Throw the plumb bob's out.   Try a Tajima Plumb Rite.  Great tool.  And it reels itself back in.  No line mess.  It has a magnet to stick to steel,  or a pin to stick to wood. 

           

           

           

           

          1. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Jun 19, 2007 01:54pm | #24

            I have a brass plumb bob with a leather case and a reel.  Both the case and the reel fit on my belt, ready to be used quickly.  They were made for suveyors but have been adopted by carpenters, particularly for quick checks of footing form placement off suspended dry lines which are themselves fixed to batter boards.

          2. Stilletto | Jun 20, 2007 02:32am | #25

            I don't know if you have used the Tajima line or not but it's very nice. 

            Attach it to the top of what you want to plumb,  pull the bob down,  when you are done just pull on it again and it reels itself in.   It fits in one of the smaller bags on my pouchs,  it's not a big tool. 

            I haven't used what you posted about,  it might be the same thing. 

             

            Edited 6/19/2007 7:33 pm ET by Stilletto

    7. collarandhames | Jun 19, 2007 05:28am | #20

      Last count,, I had close to 100 items in my hand tool box!  I also have a drill/screw box, and a power tool box.

      Depends on level of carpenter I suppose!  Nice if an apprentice is supplying his own stuff.  Lower than apprentice should at least have his own tool belt- Hammer, combination square, nails sets, tape measure.

       Its a horse thing!

  2. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Jun 18, 2007 09:44pm | #7

    Anybody care to share their list of essential hand tools..

     

    For layout, framing and trim...basically; pencils, hammer, 100' tape, 24' tape, hand saw, framing square, speed square, plumb bob, 2' level, 4' level, utility knife, pry bar, cat's paw, chalk line, 100' mason line.  1"chisel, block plane, coping saw, nail sets, compass. 

    Along with a few power tools, that's enough to build a house; starting from an unexcavated site to handing over the keys.

  3. bobbys | Jun 18, 2007 11:44pm | #10

    I dont have my union book anymore but they have a list of hand tools your supposed to have, i never had anyone check but i did see a guy asked to leave when he showed up with just a apron and hammer, Everyone agree even if they kept him no body would work with him as all he would do was borrow your tools.

  4. Hackinatit | Jun 19, 2007 03:13am | #14

    Tweezers... aka Splinter removal tool. 

    Troy Sprout

    "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should also have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government."
    -- George Washington

  5. kodi | Jun 19, 2007 04:27am | #16

    Bag- Tape Measure, glaziers tool, hammer, nail set, magnet, large chisel, side cutters, end nippers, sharpie ( blue and black), chalk line (red), multi tip screw driver, level, razor knife,  small spring clamps

    box-  sanding block, fine and rough chisels, extra bits, balck and blue chalk box, tin snips,  drill bits, awl, rasps and fine files,  cordless dremel tool, coping saw,  rough cut saw, glue,shims, clamps, small laminate router, hilti laser and hilti shot gun  

           

  6. CarpentrySpecialist | Jun 19, 2007 01:44pm | #23

    Add...

    A flat blade draw knife and a mini pcket plane.

    Best to you and yours, Chris.

    Building as thou art paranoid never harmed anyone.

  7. ES_Builders | Jul 05, 2020 07:50pm | #26

    My daily carry:

    Tape
    Hammer
    Olfa knife
    Nail set
    Chisel
    Speed square
    Awl
    Pencils
    Markzall marker
    Flat bar
    Assortment of bits

    On the rotation depending on tasks:

    Combo square
    Dykes
    Small adjustable wrench
    Chalk line
    Small block plane
    Stair gauges

  8. worldestimating | Jul 06, 2020 08:07am | #27

    Claw Hammer
    Tape Measure
    Utility Knife
    Moisture Meter
    Chisel
    Level
    Screwdriver
    Nail Set
    Sliding Bevel
    Layout Square

  9. User avater
    Plumb13 | Jul 06, 2020 10:28pm | #28

    I can't even think without a Lufkin folding rule in my hand.

  10. WilliamCoffey | Jul 11, 2020 05:47am | #29

    thank you...

  11. SandeepPatel | Jul 29, 2020 10:01am | #30

    Here Are The List Of Most Required Hand Tools For Every carpenter

    Claw Hammer.
    Tape Measure.
    Utility Knife.
    Moisture Meter.
    Chisel.
    Level.
    Screwdriver.
    Nail Set.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity

Learn about different approaches to making updates and repairs to older homes with historic charm.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data