Every shop needs a few things that aren’t big tools but make daily work easier. Here’s what I reach for constantly.
Combination Square
Checking for square, marking 45-degree angles, depth gauging, scribing lines – a good combination square does all of it. Starrett is the gold standard, but Empire and Johnson make decent budget options.
Test any square before trusting it. Mark a line, flip the square, and mark again. If the lines don’t match, the square isn’t square.
Marking Knife
A knife line is more precise than a pencil line. For joinery work, cut a line with a marking knife and your chisel has a place to register. Japanese-style marking knives cut on one side only, which gives you a crisp shoulder.
Tape Measure
Seems obvious, but get a good one. Stanley FatMax is my preference – wide blade, easy to read, locks solidly. The hook should have slight play (intentional, for inside versus outside measurement).
Speed Square
Marks 90 and 45 degrees quickly, works as a saw guide, finds rafters angles. Swanson invented them and still makes the best ones. I keep one at every workstation.
Dead Blow Mallet
For assembly work where you need force without marring. The hollow head filled with shot absorbs bounce. Useful for seating joints, adjusting clamps, and convincing stubborn pieces to cooperate.
Utility Knife
Opens packages, scores laminate, trims edge banding, sharpens pencils. Keep the blade fresh – dull utility knives are dangerous because they require more pressure.
The Philosophy
Big tools get attention, but small tools get used constantly. Invest in quality where it matters and your shop becomes more pleasant to work in.
