The First 5 Hand Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy
The First 5 Hand Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy
These are the first 5 hand tools, in order, that a beginner woodworker should buy. This will help you get started woodworking and pick the right tools for your projects. Knowing the must-have hand tools for woodworking can be confusing when you first start out. This video is a beginners guide to woodworking tools. This video is not sponsored. Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.
*Videos To Watch Next*
First 5 Power Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy – https://youtu.be/rSZeu8guVIY&list=UULFSLClJLzdUMRMe0E4SPfc-w
PLANS and Mallet Template: https://www.731woodworks.com/store
Greatest Free Gift I’ve Ever Received: http://story4.us/731Woodworks
Tape Measures:
Fastcap Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/45hpsHa
Fastcap Left/Righty Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/3oldEmC
Lufkin Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/3MmLoYO
Squares:
Swanson Speed Square – https://amzn.to/3ItKclo
Framing Square – https://amzn.to/3WiRT3v
Budget Framing Square https://amzn.to/3OsTYYt
Framing Square Fence (TayTools) – https://lddy.no/1gasd
Framing Square Fence (Amazon) – https://amzn.to/3OMBZwD
Framing Square Fence (Lee Valley) https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/marking-accessories/44624-veritas-square-fence?item=05N5401&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&gclid=CjwKCAjwgqejBhBAEiwAuWHioHAqptuEd6hJkCd59-PGw_8JpvItkBxbliFdopoS5zuvHQZh5JccaRoC9D0QAvD_BwE
Swanson Combination Square – https://amzn.to/435kn2O
Woodpeckers In-Dexable Square –
DFM Small Square – https://amzn.to/3pOYoi8
Woodpeckers Small Delve Square – https://amzn.to/3OtktgK
Small Square Woodpeckers 642 – https://amzn.to/3Mp3o4z
Machinist Square – https://lddy.no/1gase
Clamps:
Irwin F Clamps – https://amzn.to/3OsW6zp
Jorgensen F Clamps – https://amzn.to/42VwUWX
Harbor Freight F-Clamps – https://sovrn.co/36ktrv1
Pipe Clamps – https://amzn.to/41TYQsM
Pipe – https://amzn.to/3Wla2xk
Bessey Parallel Clamps – https://amzn.to/3MJ7VjJ
Harbor Freight Parallel Clamps (Great budget option) – https://sovrn.co/elvyde0
Parallel Clamp Comparision Video – https://youtu.be/jA4nhgY30kU
Chisels:
Budget Chisels – https://amzn.to/45jZt1J
Narex Richter Chisels – https://amzn.to/3WmjOiO
3/4″ Chisel – https://amzn.to/42LtANX
1/2″ Chisel – https://amzn.to/3ocpwr7
1/4″ Chisel – https://amzn.to/41Pqw24
Wood by Wright Chisel Video – https://youtu.be/13CLeUz9upc
Mallets:
Rubber Mallet – https://amzn.to/42UHCNo
Two Head Mallet – https://amzn.to/3MJBguB
Template to Build Your Own Mallet – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/mdf-mallet-template
Flush Trim Saws:
Small Trim Saw – https://amzn.to/3IvFnb8
Dovetail Saw – https://amzn.to/3MqBC83
The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools
Other Tools/Equipment I Use and Recommend:
T-Shirt I was Wearing – https://new.thechosen.tv/products/2-5-5000-feeding-the-5000-t-shirt
Ariat boots I wear (super comfortable) – https://ariat.dkkdet.net/vNDPDv
Table Saw – https://amzn.to/3IoKqsZ
Table Saw Blade I’m Using – https://shrsl.com/3xv5i
Miter Saw – https://amzn.to/41hbJy4
Dust Extractor – https://amzn.to/41l6RYA
Tripod for Phone – https://amzn.to/3E3kWA9
Phone Holder for Tripod – https://amzn.to/3E1E6GG
Ariat boots I wear (super comfortable) – https://ariat.dkkdet.net/vNDPDv
Toolbox in Background – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy
Tool Wall over Miter Station – https://amzn.to/3ZgWq7B
Digital YouTube Sign – https://amzn.to/3GL2a2e
Camera Gear I Use – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/camera-gear-i-use
Computer Equipment I Use for Editing – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/731-woodworks-computer-equipment
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#woodworking #woodworkingtools #handtools
Woodcraft’s green chisels are the best for cheap. They go on sale and you can get 4 for $20. Narex and Marples are great for a bit more coin.
Matt, As always, I liked your video but I would have recommended sticking with 5 hand tool specific items (chisels, planes, marking gauges, etc.) instead of those that are for all around woodworking use (tape measure, square, clamps, etc.)
Hey can you make a Halloween coffin? I really want to see how it’s made.
Narex Rickert chisel you showed is great!!!
Or build your tools instead of buying them… Jus sayin
I use the lefty/righty fastcap tape measure. Love em.
Thank you for the tips. Love the shirt.
Thank-you for the advice.
What did he say?
Swanson sells a speed square combo which includes the original 7" speed square and a 4-1/2" mini trim speed square for under $18. A very budget friendly way to get both.
I love the t-shirt!
My dad is a welder/fabricator. When he taught me to weld and build things he said to always use the same tape measure for the entire project, that way you avoid the differences they all have.
What if I don’t know how to play the tuba four? Or the tuba six ??🤷🏾♂️
Tool peddling channel
The reason they are off is because you use inches to measures and that is very imprecise
I love the Righty/Lefty Tape Measurer. 1.
My kids could use tape measurer and follow me. 2. I showed them how to use a framing square and they were like, Ooooo!
3. I definitely think clamps are a great #3.
4. I certainly wouldn’t buy cheap wood chisels. My Jr. High School Wood Shop Teacher, Mr. Thompson, would roll over in his grave if I did. I wouldn’t do anything to disrespect his memory.
5. Thankfully, I’ve got mallets taken care of.
You missed your opportunity, when you said you liked the fast cap tape measure, you should have said “because I can put my logo on it” 😂
I am sure that it is possible to drop you tape measure on the clip and damage it but in all the years I have been building houses, I have done it once. I have bent them a time or two but they can be adjusted if need be. Stanley is a good tape and honestly I have suffered more damage not keeping my tape measure clean. Water and dirt are lethal to a tape measure. I always double check my tape measure after I buy a new one to make sure that the clip isn’t bent from the git go. Not a bad idea to check from time to time. I like that idea that basically make a framing square useful for a saw or router guide. I bet I could make something like that. I love making my own tools. Keep up the good work.
How Americans don’t use
Metric sizes blows my mind 🤯old skool dumb shit. Don’t be subborn
How come you do not do project videos very often any more? It seems like most of your videos are about products. I started watching you because of the furniture you used to make … especially the bread box coffee table. More projects please!!
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Watch Next = First 5 Power Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy – https://youtu.be/rSZeu8guVIY&list=UULFSLClJLzdUMRMe0E4SPfc-w
Tape Measures:
Fastcap Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/45hpsHa
Fastcap Left/Righty Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/3oldEmC
Lufkin Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/3MmLoYO
Squares:
Swanson Speed Square – https://amzn.to/3ItKclo
Framing Square – https://amzn.to/3WiRT3v
Budget Framing Square https://amzn.to/3OsTYYt
Framing Square Fence (TayTools) – https://lddy.no/1gasd
Framing Square Fence (Amazon) – https://amzn.to/3OMBZwD
Framing Square Fence (Lee Valley) https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/marking-accessories/44624-veritas-square-fence?
Swanson Combination Square – https://amzn.to/435kn2O
Woodpeckers In-Dexable Square –
DFM Small Square – https://amzn.to/3pOYoi8
Woodpeckers Small Delve Square – https://amzn.to/3OtktgK
Small Square Woodpeckers 642 – https://amzn.to/3Mp3o4z
Machinist Square – https://lddy.no/1gase
Clamps:
Irwin F Clamps – https://amzn.to/3OsW6zp
Jorgensen F Clamps – https://amzn.to/42VwUWX
Harbor Freight F-Clamps – https://sovrn.co/36ktrv1
Pipe Clamps – https://amzn.to/41TYQsM
Pipe – https://amzn.to/3Wla2xk
Bessey Parallel Clamps – https://amzn.to/3MJ7VjJ
Harbor Freight Parallel Clamps (Great budget option) – https://sovrn.co/elvyde0
Parallel Clamp Comparision Video – https://youtu.be/jA4nhgY30kU
Chisels:
Budget Chisels – https://amzn.to/45jZt1J
Narex Richter Chisels – https://amzn.to/3WmjOiO
3/4" Chisel – https://amzn.to/42LtANX
1/2" Chisel – https://amzn.to/3ocpwr7
1/4" Chisel – https://amzn.to/41Pqw24
Wood by Wright Chisel Video – https://youtu.be/13CLeUz9upc
Mallets:
Rubber Mallet – https://amzn.to/42UHCNo
Two Head Mallet – https://amzn.to/3MJBguB
Template to Build Your Own Mallet – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/mdf-mallet-template
Flush Trim Saws:
Small Trim Saw – https://amzn.to/3IvFnb8
Dovetail Saw – https://amzn.to/3MqBC83
The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools
Check this video’s description for links to all the videos I discussed.
If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission
Some other useful links:
Daily Tool Deals on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals
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Outlaw’s Board Butter – So Good it Should be Outlawed: https://www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter
For a rubber mallet, cover the head with plastic wrap, because the black rubber can leave a black mark on the wood. For the wood mallets, I wold suggest apply leather to the pallet faces, because the wood can leave a mark on the wood.
I think those one handed squeeze clamps arecals very good for beginners, in the start clamping can be a challenge and the ease of use can really help training that.
Aside from hand tools. What would you recommend a woodwork hobbyist buy first. A thickness planer or dust collector? Been trying to decide what I want to buy first. Fyi I own a Shopsmith Mark 7 and an older Mark V that I use the most. Very small shop and terrible buckled floors.
Gettting tired of these kind of videos, when ae you going to do a build video?
Did you check that Swanson for "square". Odds are it’s out. You can square their plastic versions with a plane.
I love that you brought up some of these tools being inaccurate. I once calibrated my tablesaw with a speed square that was inaccurate and my cuts were around 92-93° instead of 90.
I almost took my tablesaw back, until I realized the speed square was at fault
Good list. I would add
1) A 16 oz claw hammer. I prefer a wood handle for good grip and shock absorption.
2) A 4-in-1 screwdriver. I have a Kobalt and a Pittsburgh that I got for free from Harbor Freight and I like them both.
3) A utility knife. I love my Kobalt retractable utility knife that holds five extra double sided blades.
4) A scratch awl – high quality vintage awls are pretty common at yard sales. You can sharpen a dull awl easily with a bench grinder or Dremel. You can also make your own from an old screwdriver using a bench grinder.
5) A torpedo level or a 24 inch level if you’re mostly hanging pictures . A 48 inch level for most other projects. Empire is a good brand and inexpensive.
6) A set of gripping tools – slip-joint pliers, groove joint pliers, needle nose pliers, vice grips, diagonal nail puller/wire cutters. You can get a decent set of these around Father’s day for $30 – $40 at ACE, HD ,or Lowes.
Pivot
Rubber mantle an be used for the car as well.
I’d suggest that the tape measure really depends on what kind of woodworking you’re wanting to do. A 6-12ft measure is a lot nicer than a 25ft if you’re not making anything that large. I have more 6’s and 9’s than 25’s by far.
And as far as chisels, I got an Irwin set about equivalent to that budget Narex (wish they had those long ago) and I always hated them – until I learned to sharpen them. They were probably never sharp, so they were terrible until I fixed that.
Fastcap. Do not use any other for woodworking, trust me. The Lufkin, I like for construction, because you can just slap it down and pull the tape, vs the fastcap which is protected. Use cases are good to know. Machinist squares, get a set of 4, got the mini, a small, a medium and a large. I use them all the time to check saw squareness on miter, or table, or track, etc. Chisels – JUST BUY BLANKS! Narex are 11 bucks people, no handles. You have to make your own but that’s not hard. It’s NOT buy once cry once! Save money, learn to make a handle, you woodwork right? DO IT!
We’re starting to accumulate a lot of top-five tools that every woodworkers should own😂. Keep them coming.
Swanson metal speed square for the win, got one couple years ago after you recommended it
😱WTF are all those fraction?! 🤣… Just kidding. Metric country here. Thanks Lord. 😉
Not all tape measures are equal; always use the same measuring device while making your project, they may not be the same as your other measuring devices. But if you use "woodpecker" tools you can bet they are all the same from tool to tool. My moto is buy once and use for life buy the best, just don’t tell the wife..
Is this channel only about tools now? I use to love watching when Matt would build and I could learn how he does it,
Annoying man
Handy as a shirt pocket! You gobber. Very funny.
Great information
I really like *The Chosen* shirt❣️
I don’t consider myself a woodworker but it appears that I’ve accidentally collected all the tools mentioned and a few others.
Your comment regarding fence for a framing square is really good. All the F bar clamps I own are Jorgensen. My first set of chisels was Craftsman. I have wanted a set of 3 Cherries.
You can also use galvanized pipe and it won’t leave the black spots on your glue ups. And just checked the local price, a few dollars cheaper than black in the same length.
Loved the info and recommendations. Keep up the great content!
When doing the flip test be sure the edge is absolutely straight. Do not assume a factory edge on a sheet of mdf/melamine is straight. Rip a sheet down the middle and push the two halves together; there will likely be abiut an eigth inch gap in the middle on account of the edges of the sheet absorb moisture like a sponge and are trying to expand. Relieve the pressure by ripping and the panel bows.
I really enjoy your videos. There was something I noticed in the video tonight, I never noticed before. You have a pair of handcuffs hanging on the board behind you. How are these used in your woodworking. LOL Keep up the great work on the videos.
There is another type of "clamp" that is very useful – barbells. Buy some 5 and 10 pound weights. I have had many projects where I couldn’t get a typical clamp to work. Either I didn’t have access to the other side, or the angle was weird. So after glue up, I just set these weights on top at the appropriate angle. Provides all of the "clamping" forces needed for a good glue up.
Hey Matt, thank you for breaking this down! I appreciate how you offer different levels of each tool depending on various needs. Also, can’t go wrong with a good PIVOT! lol
I bought a framing square and quickly discovered that it wasn’t square so ever since then I never assume any measuring tool is correct.
I purchased a square from Woodpeckers, on sale of course. I tested its “squareness” using the flip test. It was aout almost an 1/8”. I contacted Woodpeckers, todl them about the flip test, and their reply was that the flip test to test for squareness was not reliable.