The 9 Best Carpentry Tools to Build Your Collection

Regardless of the type of project you have going, a tape measure – like this Stanley Fatmax — is absolutely essential. With a 25-foot length and 11-foot standout (the length it can extend without falling) this model is versatile enough for a wide range of uses, and the double sided hook grabs either the top or bottom of the object being measured.

I’ve used this exact tape measure in the past, and found that it’s durable enough to withstand serious abuse, with a heavy-duty rubber case that also provides a comfortable, sturdy grip during use. An extra coating on the tape itself increases the lifespan even more, with the first 6 feet—the most used section—receiving a second layer of protection.

Estwing hammers are widely known as reliable and durable, and this 16-ounce model is an ideal size for a variety of hammering tasks. Unlike wooden or fiberglass handled hammers, this one is constructed of a single piece of steel, making it practically indestructible.

Even though it’s light enough for basic hammering tasks, the durability also makes it well-suited for heavy-duty demolition tasks. Its nylon handle makes it easy to maintain a secure grip while hammering, and also reduces vibrations for a more comfortable feel overall. The straight claw is perfect for prying apart boards or any other high-leverage tasks, and the smooth face won’t mar or dent delicate surfaces.

A carpenter can never have too many clamps, and these Irwin bar clamps are great for securing smaller workpieces in place while you glue, nail, or screw them together. I’ve been using this exact model for years, and love the convenience of the one-handed trigger release, especially when working alone.

These clamps are also useful for working with finished or delicate workpieces, as their soft plastic jaw pads won’t dent or mar the surface. Despite their relatively small size, they’re still able to apply 140 pounds of pressure, which is totally fine for light-duty tasks. If your projects are on the larger side, these clamps are also available in 12-inch versions.

A cordless drill like this 20V DeWalt drills holes as well as drive screws, wildly expanding your carpentry capabilities. I’ve personally used similar drills for countersinking pilot holes while building custom furniture, and—thanks to the powerful motor—boring large openings with hole saw bits.

With a wide range of clutch positions, you can customize the torque applied to your specific application, which is essential for working with delicate wood pieces. This kit also includes two batteries, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a job.

Precise measurements are essential for any carpentry project. In addition to your trusty tape measure, this Swanson square set helps prevent any costly calculation mistakes.

With the aluminum speed square in your tool belt, you can quickly mark or confirm 90- and 45-degree angles on workpieces, like rafters and stair stringers, and with a little practice, use it as a protractor for marking a range of other angles.

The combination square is better suited for precise and finish work, featuring a sliding square head on a ruler, which locks into place at your desired measurement.

I used a combination square for years while working at a custom furniture shop, and its ability to lock in a precise measurement was essential for consistently marking the exact same distance on drawer slides and hinges.

Skilsaw has been manufacturing reliable and durable circular saws for nearly 100 years (Skilsaw actually invented the tool) and this 15-amp model is a great example of why they’re so popular. I’ve had this exact model for years, and its powerful output and smooth, consistent operation is well-suited for both light and heavy-duty applications.

The corded power supply ensures that you can make as many cross and rip cuts as you need, and easy-to-read cut depth digits make it easy to identify and lock in your preferred setting. Whether you’re cutting lumber or plywood sheets, this saw is a worthwhile option.

Nothing enhances a finished woodworking project like smooth, rounded edges and corners. This handheld palm router uses a spinning bit to do just that, with a rubber grip and ergonomic finger supports to provide maximum stability and accuracy. It’s also compact enough to fit in tight spaces, and features a durable aluminum base.

The variable speed motor ranges from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM—versatile enough for a range of uses—and the depth adjustment system is easy to locate and set your precise measurements. At just 3.3 pounds, this corded tool is a good choice for all-day jobs, and minimizes forearm fatigue while working on large workpieces.

If you want to perform quick, accurate rip cuts (with the grain), you need a table saw. This portable DeWalt model provides an impressive amount of cutting functionality, and is a fantastic alternative to expensive and bulky stationary models.

The rolling stand is a breeze to reposition around your garage or onto a jobsite, and despite the compact size of this machine, its telescoping fence rails are capable of supporting 32 ½-inch rip cuts.

Featuring a rack and pinion design, these rails are also easy to smoothly adjust to your precise measurement. The included 10-inch blade provides a maximum cut depth of 3 ⅛-inches, and a handy 2 ½-inch dust port helps cut down on post-work clean-up.

A power sander is one of the best investments a woodworker can make — and essential if you want your woodworking projects to have that smooth, professional-quality finish.

This random orbital model from Bosch rotates its sanding disk in tiny, irregular circles, which ensures that it won’t leave those annoying swirl marks behind, resulting in an extremely smooth finish.

You can also adjust the speed to your preferred setting, between 7500 and 12000 RPM, using the variable speed dial. The rubber top-mounted grip is comfortable to grip and control, which is invaluable for those all-day sanding or refinishing jobs.