A hand tool is any tool that is operated without electricity or any other power, but is held and

used by the hand, such as Tape Measure, Hammer, Utility Knife, Chisel, etc…

1) Tape measure: A tape measure of about 25 feet in length is necessary in just about every
project. A retractable one is best, with a tab on the end that is quite strong and attached
well. If the tab is loose, measurements will not be accurate, which may cause problems
after cutting.
2) Claw Hammer: The claw hammer is a basic item already found in most households. The
most common size is 20 ounces, with a rounded finish head perfectly counterbalanced by
the claw on the opposite side. A steel or fiberglass handle is much stronger when the claw
end is needed to pull out a large amount of nails, but a wooden handle absorbs more of
the vibrations when hammering a lot of nails in.
3) Utility Knife: A wide variety of utility knives are on the market, but the most popular
kind comes with disposable blades that can retract into the grip when not in use. These
knives have many uses in woodworking, and are a must in any toolbox.
4) Chisel: Because of the variety of uses for chisels, it is important to have a variety of sizes,
to be sure that the proper one is used for each job. The best kinds are made from
chromium-vanadium alloyed steel or high-alloy carbon steel. A grip of hardwood with a
metal cap is also an asset, in case it is used along with a hammer, and it must be large
enough to fit the hand.
5) Level :Also needed are levels with lengths of 48 inches and 8 inches. Metal or brass-
edged varieties are the highest quality. There are two types of bubble readings in each
level, one for level readings, meaning horizontal, and one for plumb, or vertical, readings.
Laser or string levels are also available, but not as common.
6) Table Saw: Being the heaviest item on this list, the table saw is not as portable, and not
technically part of the tool box, but it is a large part of woodworking. Its uses are
abundant, including to square, shape, join, and miter. It must have a durable work
surface, with handles to raise, lower, and adjust the angle of the saw blade. A smooth
motor and enough power to handle deeper cuts and hard woods is also necessary on a
table saw. A safety guard on the blade is best, as is a power switch within reach when
working.
7) Screwdrivers: There is a wide variety of screwdrivers for sale, and a good supply of them
is necessary. Any toolbox should include Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, of various
lengths, as well as Torx and star drivers. A ratcheting screwdriver is also good to have.
Be sure they are made of high-quality metals, as softer ones will strip when used with too
much pressure.
8) Block Plane: This tool is perfect for smoothing joints, flattening or adding a curve to
wood, or even squaring it off. There are a few different sizes, with smaller blades for
finer work, and larger blades for a more general project.
9) Crowbar – Nail-Puller: This is a very handy tool when pulling out nails from wood.
Many times, the nail is embedded deep in the wood and it is difficult to reach below its
head to get a grip on it. Light taps with a hammer on the crowbar makes its claws go
under the nail to lift it easily. That is why I prefer a separate crowbar rather than a claw
hammer. When long nails have to be pulled, a claw hammer does not offer sufficient
leverage, whereas head of a hammer placed under the crowbar works wonders.
10) Pliers: One needs nippy handy tools such as pliers for several odd jobs around the house.
I never know when I have to fix a busted water pipe or extend the electrical wiring to add
an extra light fixture. I have in my toolbox Combination pliers, Side-cutting pliers,
Water-pump pliers, Locking pliers and Long-nosed pliers.

I use the Combination pliers for the heavy-duty jobs such as cutting thick wires or bending
thick sheets of metal. Side-cutting pliers help with the electrical work such as peeling off
insulation from wires and for trimming and dressing joints. Long-nosed pliers are very handy
for holding tiny screws or for picking up tiny parts from difficult-to-reach areas. Water-pump
pliers and Locking pliers, being adjustable, are very useful when you are working on pipes or
when changing taps. I always check out the insulation on the handles of my pliers
periodically to safeguard my health from electric shocks.