Tools for DIY carpentry

Beginning a carpentry project can be an exiting experience, or a daunting one, depending on whether you have the right tools for the job. Common carpentry tools include hammers, screwdrivers, cutting implements and other tools which create the finish you want. It is worth cobbling together a basic tool kit for any carpentry that you feel able to tackle around the home. As well as this, consider any special tools that may be needed for particular jobs before you begin - planning is everything!

Carpentry tool kit

There are a few essential tools that everyone should keep around the home for easy carpentry work or repairs.

• Begin with a claw hammer - go for a decent quality one, which is not too small - you should be able to wield it without too much effort, but it needs to be heavy enough to hammer in nails in a few blows
• Tape measure - a retractable one, which displays measurements in both metric and imperial
• Pliers or strap wrench
• Set of screwdrivers - get good quality here, and a set which includes a few sizes of flat and Philips head screwdrivers. Never use them as levers or for any other rough purpose
• Razor blade scraper, and a Stanley or box knife
• Set of pliers and set of wrenches. These will handle other jobs as well as basic carpentry
• Cutting tools - this may be a good quality hand saw, or cordless or electric power saw
• Power drill - inexpensive and invaluable

This list should provide you with a great starting point to enable you to tackle basic jobs.

Other useful carpentry tools

There are a vast range of tools that you may require, but resist the temptation to rush out and spend a lot of money. Simple basics such as the tool kit outlined above should cover most situations. Getting tools that are bigger rather than smaller (wrenches and pliers are a good example) can make them more generally useful.

It is important, also, to plan what tools you will require for each carpentry job before you begin. You may require marking and layout tools such as a soft pencil, chalk, or a scratching implement, hand planes or chisels for neatening or fitting wood pieces together, or even power tools such as a planer or circular saw. These can be hired if required for a specific project.

Carpentry tools: More information

Setting yourself up with an all purpose carpentry tool kit can be a wise investment. There’s quite a lot of simple carpentry jobs around the home that anybody with a few basic skills, some planning and a little commonsense can attempt - although tricky work is probably best left to the professionals. Ensure that you buy good quality tools to begin with, as poor quality tools will invariably let you down; even a very low purchase price won't justify the hassle that cheap tools often bring.