Power tools get all the attention. But my most-used tools are the hand tools I reach for constantly – marking, measuring, small adjustments. Build your collection thoughtfully.
Measuring and Marking
Tape measure – get a decent one. Cheap tapes lie to you.
Combination square – probably my single most-used tool. Checking square, marking lines, setting depths. Don’t cheap out here.
Marking gauge – for consistent lines parallel to edges. Once you use one, you wonder how you lived without it.
Sharp pencil. Sounds dumb but mechanical pencils with thin lead mark more precisely than thick carpenter pencils.
Cutting
Japanese pull saws cut on the pull stroke. Thin kerf, precise cuts, good for joinery. My go-to for hand sawing.
Western saws push through material. Different feel, some people prefer them. Try both.
Chisels
Start with a basic set – 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″. That covers most needs. Quality steel matters more than quantity. Learn to sharpen before buying expensive sets.
Planes
Block plane for small stuff – chamfers, end grain, fitting joints. Essential.
A bench plane (#4 or #5) for flattening and smoothing. Setup and sharpening matter way more than what brand you buy.
The Secret
Sharp tools make all the difference. Dull hand tools are frustrating and dangerous. Learn to sharpen early.
