If you’re starting out as a carpenter or if you just simply love tools, you might be interested in one of the most carefully researched tool lists ever created.<!—-><!—-> <!—->
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Why waste your time buying the wrong tool, or spend your time searching for the best tool, when the work has already been done for you. This list can save you time, money, and even round out your knowledge about tools of the trade. <!—-><!—->
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If you have questions regarding why certain brands or models have been selected, or why certain tools have been included or excluded, I’d be happy to answer them. Your suggestions are also welcome. Just make sure they’re good ones, you know how I get when critics forget to think.<!—-> <!—->
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For the most part, I’ve placed the tools used most often by carpenters first. Therefore, the tools listed first can often be purchased first.<!—-> <!—->
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The colors are not simply artistic. The following is an explanation of the color code:<!—-> <!—->
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Maroon = Storage<!—-> <!—->
Red = Tool Belt Essentials<!—-><!—->
Dark Gold = Tool Box Essentials<!—-> <!—->
Orange = Wood Framing<!—-> <!—->
Gray = Formwork<!—-> <!—->
Dark Sky Grey = Metal Framing<!—-> <!—->
Dark Blue = Interior Finish<!—-> <!—->
Blue = Exterior Finish<!—-> <!—->
Sea Green = Drywall<!—-> <!—->
Olive = Mechanical<!—-> <!—->
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The following is my gift to those who might find it useful:<!—-> <!—->
–T
Replies
T’S STARTER TOOL LIST
#1: 1 – Tool Belt (Occidental Leather 5035/5060/5018/5012)
#2: 1 – Tool Box; 26â€-30†Plastic (Craftsman 59326)
#3: 1 – Hammer; 20 oz Bell Faced Rip (Vaughan 999)
#4: 2 – Tape Measures; 1†x 25’ (Stanley 33-625)
#5: 1 – Utility Knife (Stanley10-099)
#6: 1 – Speed Square; Aluminum Alloy (Swanson S0101)
#7: 1 – Chalk Line; 100’ Fast-Retracting (Straight-Line 64310)
#8: 1 – Adjustable Wrench; 8†(Crescent AC18V)
#9: 1 – Interchangeable Screwdriver (Craftsman 41161)
#10: 1 – Level; 48†Magnetic (Stabila 38648)
#11: 1 – Plumb Bob & Reel; 16oz Brass (General 800-16/Mullan Tool Co)
#12: 1 – Long Tape; 100’ (Stanley 34-106)
#13: 1 – String Line; 100’ Orange (Stringliner 11106)
#14: 1 – Cat’s Paw (SharkGrip 21-2028)
#15: 1 – Folding Saw (Sharksaw 10-2337)
#16: 1 – Framing Square (Swanson TA127)
#17: 1 – Square Gauges (Stanley 45-711)
#18: 1 – L-Bar (Stanley 55-818)
#19: 1 – Locking Pliers; 10†(Vise-Grip 05SG)
#20: 1 – Margin Trowel; 5â€x2†(Marshalltown 11202)
#21: 1 – Compound Snips; Straight Cut (Wiss M3R)
#22: 1 – Side Cut Pliers; 8â€-9†High Leverage (Klein J2000-9NE)
#23: 1 – Torpedo Level; Magnetic (Stabila 25200)
#24: 2 – Locking C-Clamps; 6†(Vise-Grip 6R)
#25: 1 – Cold Chisel; 5/8†(Craftsman 42974)
#26: 1 – Compass; Brass (General 843-1)
#27: 1 – Scratch Awl (General 814)
#28: 1 – Coping Saw (Craftsman 990 28)
#29: 1 – Wood Chisel Set (Craftsman 36859)
#30: 1 – File Set (Craftsman 31323)
#31: 1 – Set Nail Sets (Stanley 58-930)
#32: 1 – Block Plane (Stanley 12-920)
#33: 1 – T-Bevel; 10†Stainless Steel (Veritas 05N44.01)
#34: 1 – Siding Snips; 12†Aluminum (Malco M12N)
#35: 1 – Sideswiper (Malco SRT2)
#36: 1 – Scrapper; Stainless Steel Flexible Hammer Head (Craftsman 94817)
#37: 1 – Jab Saw; (Stanley 20-556)
#38: 1 – Surface Plane; (Surform 21-399)
#39: 1 – Circle Cutter; (Goldblatt 05141)
#40: 1 – T-Square; Adjustable (Swanson AD124)
#41: 1 – Ratchet & Socket Set; 3/8†Ratchet/3/8â€-3/4†Sockets (Craftsman 34553)
-T
Edited 11/2/2006 11:43 am ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Out of curiousity...
No drill or bits?
No general purpose hand saws?
Or circ saw?
For that matter... God Save Us... no power tools at all?
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the purpose of the list...
Well, he did say starter tool list.
"It's always better to have regrets for things you've done than for things you wish you had done..........."
Wouldn't you think a carpenter would want something to cut wood with?He has several pairs of metal snips on there. And a sheetrock saw.
maybe he's a union carp. I hear they only work with metal.
Just giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Your point is a valid one.
Edit: Didn't see this until later:78694.9
"It's always better to have regrets for things you've done than for things you wish you had done..........."
Edited 9/14/2006 5:30 pm by intrepidcat
This list is intended for hand tools only.<!----><!----><!---->
The reason for this is when a carpenter is starting out, the contractor he works for usually supplies the power tools. This is especially true in the union. Union contractors are required to supply all power tools, including those used by the journeyman.<!----><!---->
While this is less often the case in the non-union sector, many of the better non-union contractor's I’ve worked for in the past, provided you with either all, or most of the power tools needed. The contractors that prefer you to use your own power tools will usually pay you more if you have them, but won’t necessarily decline you a job because you don't. On the other hand, if you don’t have the basic hand tools, you don’t have a job.<!----><!---->
The folding saw listed as tool #15 (10-2337, bottom of page) may perhaps be the “general purpose hand saw†you are referring to. Because a carpenter will usually be using a power saw provided by the company, the hand saw that will be most useful is one you can carry on your person for when the power saw is out of reach.
-T
I actually surmised much of that after I thought about it... but it's rainy and I'm feeling cranky. Anyway, I'm sure many guys just starting out will appreciate the list, thanks for taking the effort. Best wishes.
PaulB
I am Mr T.
and I do NOT condone this message!!!"The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character."
Thank God.We change the course of history,everyday people like you and me
<one of the most carefully researched tool lists ever created>By whom?20 oz. hammer. I bought two when I started, 20 and 22. Now use that 20 and a 24 for framing. Have always liked the difference for different jobs.Tool belt. Never liked Occidental. Felt it was too rich for my blood. Have a pieced together rig that is as close to what I want as I can find or creat. Not that it is anything special. But a lot less money. Always thought Occidental was too bulky. And I want to get rid of my bulk, not carry more.25' Tape. Hate Stanleys. HATE Stanleys. I like the same Lufkin I've been using since 1991, and now I have to get them online. No store that I know of carries them. HATE Stanleys.And , because I don't want to seem long-winded, I'll end with the block plane. I have yet to see an article comparing them where Stanleys were found to be near the best.You found what works for you. NOW. End of story.
Tashler, what do you hate about Stanley? I've been using them forever (only because that's what is generally available) but would be willing to switch if I had a good reason.
Started out using their tapes, but in the early 90's Lufkin came out with a model that had a rounded top. Immediately prefered it. The way it feels and fits in my in feels more natural.They now make models more like the FatMax, but those wide tapes don't fit in the pouch where I store them.
Obviously just personal preference, but it's just a nicer fit for me.
I've used a few Lufkins, but they don't last as long as Stanleys in my experience. another good addition to this list is having two tapes. they do break and you are totally out of ommission when they do. Living on an island with no hardware store, I keep several extras. one in each truck and at home and in the shop and.....;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I must apologize. I'm having a bad few weeks, not having much to do yet, having little confidence in my abilities, and not being legal yet I can't exactly look for much work. I shouldn't have let my post show my negative atitude.Having said that, you may be right in how long they last. I imagine it's like Brian (Deiselpig) with the DeWalt worm drive. Feel great, don't last for squat. Just what I prefer. I have several of them, but I still have several Stanleys, also.
How's the hand healing?
Thanks for remembering, John.Actually it it coming along nicely, I guess. It has filled out to it's normal size and while it doesn't have it's outer layer of skin on it yet (according to the Dr.) I have been using it, though it is still a little sensitive.Funny thing- it feels like a big callous now. Don't know it that's good or bad.I imagine I'll find out soon enough.Glenn
De nada, Tashler. I've cut two fingers on my left hand in different incidents (~'93 & '02) and just realized that I've gotten most if not all of the feeling back in them. They were numb for a while and the worst one (1st & to the bone) felt really strange for a long time. Hope yours heal as good and quicker than mine.
Edited 9/16/2006 8:37 pm ET by john7g
I don't recal your injury.But for what it's worth, I've had soemthing major nearly once every five years. Three fingers damaged in four separate incidents.Want a good phrase to remember?This too, shall passit's true
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=77710.1Hope I did this correctly.Just another example of stupidity-in-motion.
ouch! lose any bone?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
No. Basically, where you get inked for a fingerprint is where I lost skin. It's just that I lost between 3/16 and 1/4" deep of flesh.But it's close to being healed and looks very normal, so it's time to move on.
My pop said that about kidney stones"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton
i didn't notice any negatives. I think that was somebody else.We all have our opinions
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Nope. While there may have been someone else, also, that was me...Wallowing in self pity.Thank you.Glenn
"another good addition to this list is having two tapes."
#4 is listed as 2 - Tape Measures.-T
Man, am I ever aging fast.At this rate I'll be able to get away with pinching nurses bottoms any day now
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
You'll never know when until you try.zak
"so it goes"
I heard there's a nurse on that island over there that needs...
Never mind...it's a small island and you probably know her.
Don K.
Edited 9/18/2006 11:21 pm ET by DonK
That's a fairly useful list.
But still, like others, there are things I use every day that aren't on there- I probably do different sort of work than you though.
I've got a toolbox that serves as a stepstool and workbench- modeled after Gary Katz's, in FHB. Wouldn't work a day without it now- I use it more than my toolbelt, for holding tools, and I use it to stand on all the time.
Sharpening equipment- I sharpen my chisels and plane once or twice a week, I'm never very far from a bunch of silicon carbide sandpaper and a granite slab. sharp tools are very important.
A variety of handsaws, mostly japanese style- saves me so much time over walking out to the SCMS for one small cut.
Cheers,zak
"so it goes"
Suspension bridge builder/Backcountry carpenter? That’s quite a combination of professions. My guess would be that you’re a union bridge builder that lives out in the country, and you work for yourself on your time off. Is that correct?<!----><!----><!---->
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From your post it sounds like you also get into a lot of finish work – trim, doors, and cabinets. I would be interested in what brand of block plane and chisels you prefer and why.<!----><!---->-T
I guess I'm just a remodeler now, but my route to get here is important to me- I don't think I'm done working in the backcountry just yet.
I've never been a union ironworker. I worked with a few union ironworkers when we built a bridge near chicago. Not real impressed, but I'll be open minded and chalk that up to the individuals, not the union.
I do a lot of finish work.
The planes I have are antique store and flea market finds, older ones. They're not the greatest, but they are sharp. If money was no object, I would have veritas planes- they look very well thought out to me.
My chisels are standard, marples blue chip. not great, but sharp. they hold up well, and sharpen easily enough (although that means that they don't hold an edge like a harder chisel).zak
"so it goes"
What does "carefully researched" mean in this situation?
This is how I researched the list:
First, I started with the “carpenter tool list†I was given when I joined the union. That was also how I arrived at the number of tools, 41. I also compared this list with my old apprenticeship textbook. I then compared these tools with tools listed in articles from past issues of my union trade magazine “The Carpenter.â€<!----><!----><!---->
Then, I compared tool lists from other books, such as: “The Audel Carpenters and Builders Library Volume I,†“Measure Twice, Cut Once: Lessons from a Master Carpenter,†and “Finish Carpenter’s Manual.â€<!----><!---->
I then compared these lists with tools mentioned in books such as “Homebuilding Basics: Carpentry,†as well as books from the “For Pros by Pros†series on each field mentioned in the list<!----><!---->
After the bookwork, I looked back to my own actual experience. I asked myself: Which tools did I use the most on each job, and which tools could I not have done the job without? I also asked myself: Which tools did I see other carpenters using the most, and which tools would they not be able to get the job done without? I wanted to cover every aspect of the trade: Formwork, Framing, Interior Finish, Exterior Finish, and Interior Systems (drywall, metal stud, and suspended ceilings).<!----><!---->
Finally, I had to decide on brands. This involved research, as well as my own trial and error. The reasons for each of my brand decisions are different, and to many to mention all on one post. However, I usually started with the original brands, until I found something wrong with them, or something better. I also leaned toward tools that are rust proof, such as aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. One other thing I did was choose tools that are universal. For example, a chop saw can burn nylon tool bags when cutting metal studs. I therefore opted for a leather tool belt as opposed to a nylon one.<!----><!---->-T
either my eyes are too old and I missed it, or your research has a big hole in itYou don't have a framing square listed. It can do ten times as muh as a speed square, especially when ombined with a pair of stair gauges
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Your eyes....among other things....are getting old.
#16 was the framing square....#17 was the square gauges (stops)
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Thanks. I read that list twice, - was probably too distracted with thinking, "A third of these aren't really carpenter's tools, they must be for a union carp"
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!