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Hand Tools

It is true that a good carpenter can perform near miracles with poorly made, poorly maintained tools. But things go so much better when chisels and saw blades are sharp, batteries topped off, and the tool has been well designed for the job at hand. And possibly for that reason, people in the building trades spend a fair amount of time and money on their tools.

And there’s so much to choose from. There are pneumatic, electric, and hand-driven varieties. A carpenter, for example, can choose a hammer, an air-driven nail gun, a battery-operated fastener, or even one that shoots nails with tiny bursts of ignited gas. The development of the lithium-ion battery has been a huge step forward for tool manufacturers and tradespeople alike. These ever more powerful, long-running batteries now run even miter saws and reciprocating saws, giving builders more flexibility on the job than they’ve ever had.

As important as these developments have been, nothing symbolizes craftsmanship better than a hand tool. We live in a mechanized, battery-powered age, yet there’s still something magical about a sharp plane taking off a gossamer-thin shaving along the edge of a board, or a honed chisel making a neat corner in a mortise for a hinge. That kind of result never goes out style.

Finding the right tools, using them imaginatively, and knowing how to keep them in top shape all are topics of endless conversations among builders, amateur and professional.  If you’re in the trades, you’re into tools. And if that’s the case, you’ll find Fine Homebuilding’s library of tips, articles and videos an invaluable resource.

  • Better Hammer Tacker

    When that old slap stapler just isn't making the cut, this tacker is worth the additional cost in exchange for durability.

  • fine chalk line

    Clever Dry Line

    Lightweight, compact, and a cinch to position, this stringline may be an essential if precision is your goal.

  • Straight-Hole Jig

    Straight-Hole Jig

    Ideal for cabinetwork, these drill guides have a V-groove that centers the guide on 90-degree corners and curved edges.

  • The Indispensible Rafter Square

    Modern versions of this compact framing-layout tool strive to improve on the iconic original.

  • Free Precision Tools

    Find high-quality tools from an unexpected source—your dentist.

  • Clear Concrete Holes

    A bulb-style syringe battery filler is an inexpensive and effective way to clear dust and debris from holes in concrete and masonry.

  • Cutting Narrow Strips of Drywall

    Use an inexpensive plastic speed square to quickly and accurately score pieces without a chalkline or straightedge.

  • Drywall Taping Tools

    Taping knives and trowels are the tools of choice for taping by hand, but mechanical taping tools are also making inroads.

  • Books Every Builder Should Own

    This essential reading list by carpenter and historic-preservation expert Brent Hull covers history, how-to, design, and more.

  • OLFA Top Sheet Cutter

    This finely adjustable knife is the perfect cutting tool for backing-paper on self-adhesive tape.

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