Carpentry Hand Tools

Basic carpenter tools

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Below is a list of some essential basic carpentery hand tools that I’d struggle without in every day use. Click on any for more information about their use and care:

Setting out and marking hand tools

You can't call yourself a Carpenter until you have a pencil behind your ear and a cup of tea in your hand! Some carpenters I know sharpen both ends in case they snap the lead right in the middle of marking something, they can just turn it around and use the other end. Click above to find out which pencils are best and where I buy them.

Essential tool for setting out and marking timber on site. Available in imperial, metric or both types, and a number of different lengths. I own three different tapes that I..

Carpentry squares are used for just that, checking things are square and marking/setting out square lines. They are also useful hand tools for roofing and staircase carpentry work, and when you need a parallel marked. There's loads of uses for squares.

Bevels are made up of an adjustable blade stored in the hardwood or plastic handle when not in use. The blade can be swivelled round and set to a desired angle then tightened in place. Handy for doing any jobs that involve angles such as roofing and staircases.

Lots of carpentry jobs would be almost impossible without using spirit levels. Back in the olden days they used to use water levels and plumb bobs which aren't always practicle and take way too long to use. Thi is probably why old houses are often 'quirky'.

Whilst I have four different sizes altogether, I don’t carry them all around all the time, the one I use the most is 1200mm (4ft). Levelling studwork, putting up shelves and fitting door linings are just a few of the jobs they're handy for. If you don't have a level long enough for the job in hand, use a straight edge (can be any piece of timber that is perfectly straight) and a spirit level together.

Carpentry Hand tools for cutting and chopping

There are several different types of chisel available each designed for different types of woodworking task. Chisels are used for paring, carving and chopping wood. Whilst I keep a set razor sharp mainly for finish carpentry tasks, I also have an old one that I use for bashing and when I might risk hitting brickwork/metal.

Chisels and plane irons need to be kept razor sharp in order to achieve the best finish and with the least effort. You will need some kit to sharpen them with, there are a few different methods you can use.

Hand saws are available in several different shapes and sizes each specifically designed for certain tasks, cutting directions, materials and rough/finish carpentry work.
Click here to see the different types of hand saws

Rebate planes, smoothing planes, block planes jack planes the list goes on. Each designed for a different flattening, smoothing and thickness reducing task. The plane I use most during finish carpentry is the block plane,
Click here for more information about carpentry hand planes.

Carpentry hand tools for nailing and removing nails

Hammers are an essential carpentry hand tool. There are several different types available and sizes/weights. Useful for nailing/denailing, levering, demolishing hitting chisels (if you don't have a mallet)
Click here for more information about hammers.

Good for prying out large nails and levering timbers like joists into position before fixing. Also handy for a bit of demolition!

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