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Tradesmen in the construction industry build frameworks and structures, and they rely on wood-working tools to craft and shape their materials. Door frames, stairwells, rafters, and many other residential and commercial building elements are made of wood. Therefore, it’s important for individuals in the construction trade to learn which basic carpentry tools help accomplish daily tasks.
Individuals in the construction trade should learn how to master common tools of the trade, from tape measures to table saws. Additionally, building up a reliable, versatile collection of wood-working tools helps carpentry tradesmen feel confident in the work they do.
What tools do carpentry tradesmen need? Let’s dive into a list of common carpenter’s tools.
Most tradesmen prioritize keeping their tools handy. At a fast-paced job site, you can waste time looking for misplaced tools. Stay organized by wearing a tool pouch. Select a heavy-duty leather or canvas pouch large enough to hold important supplies. Choose a pouch with a hammer loop and an adjustable waist belt.
Whether you are building a door frame, installing hardwood floors, or performing many other carpentry tasks, it’s vital to take accurate measurements. Use a small, flexible pocket tape measure for intricate projects and tight spaces. Select a sturdy, metal tape measure with both traditional and metric systems.
When tradesmen need to drive many nails quickly and efficiently, an air nail gun is an optimal tool. Also called pneumatic nailers, air nail guns use compressed air to create enough force to rapidly drive thick nails through hard materials. Tradesmen use air nail guns to install baseboards and molding, among many other wood-working tasks.
When looking for a quality hammer, stay mindful of three key factors: balance, material, and claw design. Hammers with proper head-to-handle weight distribution balance and swing easily, giving your tendons and muscles a rest. According to many tradesmen, high-carbon steel hammers with a wooden or fiberglass handle absorb otherwise painful vibrations. Finally, hammers designed with a double-bevel claw allow enough clearance to slip under and grab any size nail head.
Individuals in the carpentry industry use chisels for chopping dove tails, paring joints, and cleaning up wooden door hinges, among other tasks. Available in various sizes, chisels range from one-quarter inch to two inches. Wooden handles capped with metal withstand hammering and often last longer than chisels with plastic handles.
Tradesmen who use hand saws prefer their control and ability to produce a clean cut. While not a replacement for power saws, hand saws—including hacksaws, rip saws, and others—are simple, helpful, and cordless tools for the carpentry trade.
Like a work bench, a sawhorse provides a stable work platform. While benches or tables are bulky, sawhorses fold up for easy transport and are light enough to carry a long distance. Tradesmen who work with cables and small tools should consider a sawhorse with side hangers and deep trays to stay organized. Those who frequently work with large or heavy pieces of wood and metal should opt for a sawhorse with non-slip rubber feet and a spacious surface.
Finally, marking tools are a common item in a tradesman’s tool box and can include chalk lines and a carpenter’s pencil. Use a flat, wide carpenter’s pencil for steady, predictable lines. Flat pencils are easy to grip and can be sharpened at both ends. To mark as you measure, use a chalk line, which leaves a dusting of red or blue chalk. For razor-thin lines that won’t smudge, use a marking knife.
*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the New York State Education Department.
Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.
