Basic Carpentry Tools List

First and foremost, when choosing basic carpentry tools, never choose the cheapest available! It has
been my experience when purchasing carpentry tools, that you get what you pay for. When you buy
cheap tools they hurt you every time you use them.

When you buy good quality tools they only hurt you one time, at the checkout line. This does not mean
that you need a $100 Stiletto Titanium Framing Hammer when a $30-40 framing hammer will do just
fine.

When considering tool purchases can you really afford the lost time, productivity, and money that an
inferior tool will most likely bring you. I have had the same 7 1/4 worm gear Skilsaw for fifteen years
now. I mostly use it for cheek cuts on hip/valley and jack rafters now, but it was used for all types of
cutting when first purchased. This is just one example of how long a good quality tool can last.

It is actually amazing how few tools it takes to frame a new house, they can easily fit inside and on top of
a 3/4 ton cargo van. The past few years, framing carpenters have started to carry their tools in a cargo
trailer which they pull from job site to job site and leave until the job is done. This seems to work well
for many framers, however I prefer my tools go home with me at night, especially in a high crime area.
Following is a list of basic carpentry tools, hand and power .

Basic Carpentry Tools - Hand

Tool Pouch : All framers need a good set of tool pouches.I recommend leather with two separate
pouches, three inch wide belt, and separate hammer holder. This is the foundation of any set of basic
carpentry tools.

Tape Measure : You pick the brand however, it should be 25, 30, or 33 feet long and have a blade width
of at least 1 inch.

Speed Square : A triangular shaped metal square, Swanson is the most popular brand.
Chalk Line : I would recommend a speed line, you should really have two, one for red chalk and one for
blue.

Chalk Line Clamp : A fairly new tool that eliminates the need for two people to chalk a line.

Chisel : I carry a one inch wide one that I am not afraid to use on nails or as a small pry bar.

Carpenter's Pencil : I usually carry two, sharpened at both ends so I do not have to drop what is being
done to sharpen a pencil.

Framing Square :

Get a good one (not the $8 special at walmart) made of stainless steel or aluminum so it will last.

Utility Knife : Make sure that it is retractable.

Framing Hammer :

Straight claw 20-24 ounce are the best for framers. Stay away from steel shanked hammers, fiberglass or
wood are best.

Cat's Paw : I prefer the type that have a nail digger on both ends, one curved and the other straight.