All carpentry projects rely on precise measurements. For this reason, all carpenters need a tape measure in their toolbox. Choose one that comes with a belt clip for easier access and has calibrations in both traditional inches and metric systems.
Marking tools such as pencils and chalk lines are also essential for marking distances and outlining cuts. For long markings, a mechanical carpenter’s pencil is recommended as it will never need to be sharpened.
Circular Saw
Circular saws are a versatile tool for cutting wood quickly and accurately. They are one of the most popular power tools in the woodworking industry, but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them properly.
To avoid kickback, always cut with the blade away from your body. Ensure the retractable guard is closed and the saw is turned off before you begin your cut. Measure and mark the desired cut line on the material using a framing square or a pencil, then double-check for accuracy. Place the plate of the circular saw on the material and align the 0 notch with your marked line, keeping in mind that the plate is not perfectly straight due to the kerf of the blade.
Clamp the side of the plate against a known straight edge such as a level, speed square, or the factory edge of the board. This will ensure a straight cut and help you avoid the dangerous blade binding that causes kickback.
Clamps
Clamps are one of the most important tools for any carpenter. They are used to hold materials in place so that they can be worked on, positioned, and secured to other pieces of the project. There are several different types of clamps available, each with its own particular function and application.
For example, a C-clamp is often used to hold pieces together when gluing them. It is operated by turning a screw that closes the “C” shape around your workpiece. Be careful not to overtighten it, as this can mar the wood and damage the piece you’re securing. For larger projects, you can also use a F-clamp to secure workpieces to tables or benches. These clamps have wide opening capacities to accommodate substantial projects, but they do not apply as much pressure as a C-clamp. Another option is a mitre clamp, which holds two pieces of wood that have been cut to the same angle at their respective ends. This is useful when making a frame.
Tape Measures
A tape measure is one of the most basic and essential carpentry tools. It features a strong recoil spring, easy-to-read numbers and clear inch labels (or fractions-of-an-inch marks) on the full length of its blade. It also shows foot markings, and many have a handy locking button to prevent the hook from pulling out when you retract it.
Most tape measures feature a metal piece on their end called a hook. This is the part that moves back and forth when you take inside measurements, for example a bookshelf. It is important that you know how to read this accurately so you do not end up with an incorrect measurement.
When you hook the end of your tape on a wall for inside measurements, you need to know that the first inch is short by 1/16” because of this metal piece on the end of the hook. It is added to account for the thickness of the hook, which makes the measurement more accurate.
Squares
A square is a tool for carpenters and Do It Yourselfers alike to use when measuring and marking right angles. There are many types of squares, but two common ones are the framing square and the combination square.
The standard modern framing square has a longer, wider arm that’s called the blade and a shorter narrower arm that’s called the tongue. It also has a number of scales on it such as a diagonal and board foot scale. It may also have octagonal and pitch conversions on it for laying out hip or rafter angles.
For more accuracy, a combination square or try square has a head that slides along the blade and locks in place at specific angles. This can help with more complex measurement and mark making like laying out miter cut angles. These are available for around $10 each. Another option is the speed square which is shaped like a right triangle and has a wide range of angle and cut line markings for more advanced uses.
Claw Hammer
Claw hammers are one of the most commonly used tools in carpentry. They have a flat head that can be used for pounding nails, and another side with a claw to help pull nails out of wood. They can be made from different materials, but they are often created out of forged metal. The handle can also be created out of a variety of materials, such as wood or fiberglass.
The curved claw on this type of hammer allows for more leverage when pulling nails out of the wood. This makes it much easier to do than using a regular hammer. Rip claw hammers also don’t have a rounded head, which can cause indentations on surfaces you nail into.
Make sure to choose a rip claw hammer that is well-balanced and not too heavy to avoid straining your muscles when pounding. It’s also important to use it properly by standing in a proper position and not twisting your wrist when swinging.
Sledge Hammer
Hammers are among the most versatile tools in the toolbox, and it’s hard to imagine any carpentry task that doesn’t call for one at some point. The most important factor in choosing a hammer is to find one that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand, not just for its weight but also for how it is designed to be used.
For example, a single-faced sledge hammer is ideal for demolition and can also be used to drive large stakes into the ground. This hammer has a flat, metal head and a long handle designed to be swung two-handed.
On the other hand, a splitting maul has a sharp edge on one side and can split logs into firewood or use to break up concrete. A piton hammer is technically a type of sledge hammer but is primarily used by rock mountain climbers to nail life-saving stakes into rocks. Other types of sledge hammers include club hammers, which are designed for demolition and have a rounded head.
Nail Gun
Whether you’re adding shiplap or installing trim, a nail gun (or “nailer”) can speed up projects and improve quality. It can also be a bit dangerous, so it’s important to know how to use one properly.
Nail guns are powered by compressed air or combustible gas, and they can range in size and power. They’re used extensively in woodworking shops and also get plenty of use on site for timber frame erection and other building work.
The most popular type of nailer uses an air compressor to drive the hammering force behind a piston cylinder, which drives a blade into timber or other material to fasten it. These models connect to an air hose or a battery-powered tool, and they can also be loaded with nails in a magazine that attaches to the gun’s body. Some have features like depth adjustment to control how deep the tool drives a fastener. Others have large triggers to make it easier to handle.
Screws & Screwdrivers
When it comes to carpentry, fastening is a crucial element. There are several methods for connecting one or more items together and preventing them from moving or separating, including screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and rivets. Each of these methods requires a different tool for installation or removal.
Screwdrivers, for example, come in a number of shapes and sizes to accommodate various types of screws. Standard screwdrivers feature a handle with a shaft that accepts a variety of bit heads (also known as tips). The bit head fits into the head of the screw so it can be turned.
Special screws like the Phillips head require a special screwdriver with a specific blade tip. Other common screw heads include flat, hex, and Torx.
Saw Horse
A saw horse (also known as a sawbuck, buck, or trestle) is an essential carpentry tool that gives you space and support to work on projects. Sawhorses can be used to cut logs, lumber, or any material that needs to be sawed. They are also great for transforming a portable table saw into a stationary one by resting the saw’s edges on two overhanging 2x4s.
When making your own saw horses, it’s important to nail them together correctly. To do this, measure the breadth of each leg and mark a line at about 65 degrees from square using a speed square or rafter angle square. This will give you the correct spread for your saw horse legs, which should be parallel to each other.
If you’re looking for a set of quality saw horses that are affordable, look no further than these AmazonBasics ones. This pair can support up to 1200 lbs, making them a versatile choice for almost any project. They’re also lightweight and compact, making them easy to move around and store.