Best Carpentry Tools

You will replace tapes often as they get used so much.  Get a good one to last a bit longer.

Adding veneer or laminate to a curved surface?  This tape will follow the contour.

I'm amazed at just how often I reach for my plain 'ole steel ruler.  Keep it simple.

I struggled with posting this because it is an expensive hand tool.  But I've gone through so many combination squares that I wish I just invested in Starrett in the first place.

If you're going to be building from shop drawings and architectural plans, this will help you figure out where the detailers forget to show a measurement. Trevor O.

No carpenter's tool chest is complete without a rafter and framing square.  Get both for a good price with this set.

Perfect for marking a perpendicular line or scribing a parallel line to your edge.

This little tool is one of my most used angle finders.  In fact, I threw out 4 others (some high priced digital ones) after this one made it into the cabinet.  It easily and accurately gives miter and straight angle readings.   

This is a decent, affordable digital caliper. If  you're a well funded builder and require the absolute best, check out the Mitutoyo,  I simply do not use the caliper often enough to justify the expense so I feel this one will suffice for most professional builders/carpenters.

Set your stop collars, set your routers, set your saw blades.

Beats holding the drill in line with a bolt and closing one eye.  If you know you know.

Suizan makes a 7" Ryoba which is great for everyday work and travel  but this  9.5"one is my home-studio choice.  So much control and I think I look cool using it.

 Trevor O.

Keep this saw next to your pull saw.  You will use it every day.

 Trevor O.

I could not be happier with these blades. The flip action makes me feel really neat.

I like this set for several reasons.  It's affordable, they're a good length, the steel runs full hilt, tip protectors, and lastly I'm a huge fan of wallet style cases.

 Trevor O.

I'm posting a second set of chisels because I'm in the camp that believes you should have two sets.  One that you keep razor sharp for fine carpentry and the other for more rough chipping work.

If you're doing fine wood working this is essential to keep your chisels sharp.  I prefer to use a diamond stone and honing solution with it.

 Trevor O.

This design is great for sharpening your chisels, scissors and blades.  Don't forget the honing solution. 

 Trevor O.

A good precision file set is great for cleaning up those parts that just don't quick fit. This set comes in another handy wallet case.

These files are so useful I own two sets.  Can't go wrong for $10.

These are great because they use the same belts as powered belt sanders...so the paper and tool are super durable.  

I'll admit, I don't own this set....yet.  It's on my list. Gettin' real tired of wrapping paper on ripped up foam.

Having a set of very fine polishing pads comes in handy when you need to buff out a scratch or bring smaller pieces to a fine high-gloss finish.  

This is a good, ratcheting combo wrench set that is great for the bench and can easily packed to be taken to site with the handy pouches.

A good impact socket set for the tool chest is a must.  This one has a 1/2" drive.   Just look at how easy it is to see those sizes!!

I'm a big fan of the ball end on these impact drivers

Marked and color coded, you'll never put a wrench back into the the wrong hole.  

This is my favorite right angle attachment yet.  The adjustable bracing handle allows for great control and you won't need to bring a whole 'nother power tool to get into those tight spaces.

I posted this selection mostly for the flexible shaft as it's used fairly regularly in my shop. But  since this set comes with a right angle attachment you could save some money with the bundle.

I don't understand the need for large sets of crescent wrenches.  You need two. - a large and a small one.  This  set will do just fine.

I was going to post these wrenches separately, but this or similar sets may help you reduced some cost.  

Locking plier set with padded handles.  There are larger sets out there but these are the only two I use on a regular basis

Imagine a quick-grip clamp, add to it the strength of a C-clamp, then add a quick release button.  Best. Clamps. Ever.  Trevor O.

These are basically the better quality version of quick-grips. I like the larger shoe and stronger hold.

Bora says 'You can't have too many clamps'.  Agree 100%.  I really like the levelers and even pressure.  Essential clamps for cabinet making.

Sometimes you really need a deep throat clamp. Be it  for glue ups or hold downs when working with drill presses.  Get yourself a couple.

It's crazy to think about just how many different types of clamps you need to run a good shop.  And sometimes you just need to go back to the oldest design in the book.  This is the ONLY clamp design that can adjust the pressure by location along the clamping line.  I don't know any better way to explain it...But damn...you need these.  

These handy clamps help to provide even pressure over long runs. Great for glue-ups or quick hold downs.  Add a set to your clamp wall.

C-Clamps provide extreme clamping power and these have a 1000lbs load limit.  Your piece is not going anywhere.  

Making a table? Door? When  you need the strength and length to clamp a very long piece pick up some of theses. Then, go to your local hardware store and buy some 1/2" pipe lengths.

Place a glue line on a verticlal or upside down....it's what the astronauts use when woodworking in space.

Premium wood glue. Don't run out.

Super fast set gluing system. Great for assembling large quantities of parts or just a quick joint without the need for clamps.

I just starting using these digital levels and so far they've been working out great.

Don't go on site without a good, self leveling laser level...ever.

A great set for installers.  This compact design keeps all your star, slotted, hex, Phillips and ratchet bits in one place.  A metric version is available too.  

This is a great set for all those installers who have to check a 50lbs tools box every time you fly (like me).  8 Sizes in 2 wrenches = 48lbs tool box 

Comes in handy when installing anything in the middle of a very large room.  Also, I can see those digits without my glasses.

I hate it when I need a contour gauge and I don't have a contour gauge.  Get a contour gauge.  This set can lock together for a full 15".

Not just for Spelunking.  When you're inside or under anything...you need light and the little light on your drill is not enough.

This foldable 1" chisel is perfect for the install kit.

Another great foldable tool for installs.

Occasionally, you need to remove a tiny screw with a non-standard head.  Think electronics, toys, and tech equipment.  

Essential for leveling cabinets and other heavy pieces onsite.