Ten Essential Tools For A Basic Carpentry Toolbox
Here are ten tools essential to the basic carpentry toolbox:
Screwdrivers are needed for almost every woodworking project. Make sure you have various sizes of both Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers. I'm especially partial to my cordless, electric screwdriver that comes with different size bits for all types of projects. This way, I have one tool with all the versatility of 10!
Nails and Screws - you can buy these as needed for various projects, but you should still keep on hand various sizes of nails and screws.
Wood chisels range in size from 1/4" to 2" wide in 1/8" graduations. They are available with wooden or plastic handles. Use a chisel about one half the width of the cut to be made. Thin cuts can be made by pushing by hand; heavier cuts are made by tapping on the end with a wooden mallet. You'll want a couple of different sizes of chisels - no need to buy all sizes when you're just starting out!
Claw hammers are the most common types of hammers used for woodworking and general repairs around the home. They are available with different types of handles - wood, steel with rubber or plastic grips and fiberglass composition. The style of hammer you select should be a personal decision, hold the hammer in your hand as if to strike a nail - it should feel balanced, the grip should be comfortable. There are different weights - 16 ounces is a good general purpose choice, for heavier work perhaps 20 ounces. Smaller weights are suitable for tacks and light work.
Levels - you'll need a level to insure your project turns out straight. You don't want to build a bookshelf only to see it listing at a 45 degree angle! Levels are available in many sizes and shapes, the most common being 24" long. They can be made of wood, aluminum or plastic. Some have fixed vials, others are adjustable. All levels have one or more vials for vertical and horizontal use, some have 45 degree vials. Inside the vial is a fluid with an air bubble, when the bubble is centered between the two indicator lines the surface is level.
Triangles - these are available in many shapes and sizes in various materials - the double 45° and a 30° - 60° are the two shapes used most in laying out patterns.
Framing Squares are important in woodworking. With this tool it's possible to layout and measure just about everything in the construction of a house from the basement stairs on up to the attic rafters. It may also be referred to as a steel square or a carpenters square. The most common size has a 24" blade and a 16" tongue. There are smaller sizes available, but like some cheaper versions of the larger style, they do not have the framing tables stamped on them.
Try Square - these squares have a steel tongue fixed into a wooden handle, they range in size from 3" to 12", some have inch scales on them, others are blank. They are very handy for furniture and cabinet making as they are small enough to fit in confined spaces.
Sandpaper - you'll use a lot of sandpaper in finishing your projects. Have various grades available for the different projects you'll be completing. Fine grit paper is used for most wood projects. Medium is generally used for first sanding of soft woods and shaping. Coarse grit should be used for paint removal, rough sanding, and shaping.
Tape measures come in a variety of widths and lengths. I would not recommend anything less than 3/4" wide for a tape over 6 feet long as they can not be extended out and remain rigid. For small projects in the shop 1/2" wide ones are adequate. Some have highlighted indicators at each foot; others have them at 16 inch intervals which is handier in construction for stud layout, whereas the foot indicators are more useful in the shop. Special tapes are available for lefties as well as ones with digital read-outs. The hook on the end is meant to be loose so that it will give an accurate measurement whether it is hooked over the edge or butted up to an edge. Check if the hook has been bent if measurements are not accurate.
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