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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.

  • Trip-Saving Tool Hauler

    This combination wheelbarrow and dolly from Worx shines as a tool cart.

  • Ergonomic Tape Measure

    This double-sided, high-contrast measuring tape is easy to read in all lighting conditions.

  • Compact Cordless Compressor

    Metabo HPT's 2-gal. cordless compressor is a useful back- and time-saver.

  • Podcast 523: Members-only Aftershow

    The crew talks about inventions that help solve problems and produce better work.

  • Podcast 519: Members-only Aftershow

    The crew spend the whole show talking about tools they like and some they don’t.

  • Cordless Stapler for Hard-to-Reach Spaces

    Offering power and portability, the Milwaukee 12v cordless stapler is light enough to use above your head all day and fits just about anywhere you'd want it to.

  • Choosing The Right Construction Adhesives

    Understanding the different types of adhesive available and when to use each is your best strategy to achieving the strongest, safest, and longest-lasting bonds.

  • Detect Leaks With This Compact Thermal Imager

    The Pocket 2 from Hikmicro is small and priced affordably to make it easier for anyone to diagnose building-performance issues.

  • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws

    Portability and on-board power make them appealing, but utility and real-world performance vary by brand.

  • Templating Techniques for Countertops and Floating Shelves

    Fit finished parts into tricky spaces, with no gaps and no risk.

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Fine Homebuilding

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