8 Best Woodworking Hand Tools You Need For Carpentry!

Best Woodworking Hand Tools You Need For Carpentry.

There are so many hand tools that are required for woodworking and they can be found easily. The two most important processes in woodworking are required for planning and sawing. Both planning and sawing are done on the heavy and sturdy workbench and the workbench should be strong enough and should have wooden vices. Remember that the holes and the wooden vices both have importance for various processes. The vices hold the wood with incredible pressure without marring the wood. Marring can damage the wood and hence need to be avoided. Let’s begin our research to discover the best woodworking hand tools required for woodworking.

What type of saws are available and which is required for which work?

Back saws can be very helpful and are of three types namely the Dovetail saw, the Carcass saw and the tenon saw. They are different from the panel saw and are used for making accurate joints such as the dovetail joints. Back saws are required must be stiff and that is being done through the use of steel or brass backs.

Different saws are being used for different purposes like

  • A dovetail saw is being used for cutting joinery along the grains or the rip teeth.
  • The carcass saw is used for cutting across the grain (cross-cut teeth).
  • A larger tenon saw is used for cutting deeper cuts like the tenon cheeks along the grain (rip teeth).

All these three saws are used in the workshop over the workbench quite often.

For planning you will need the planes and the two common planes are

  • The Jack plane, and
  • the block plane

A jack plane is a medium-sized “bench plane” that is always going to be used on the workbench. The jack plane is used for various functions on the workbench for rough stock removal, jointing board edges as long as they are not too long as well as smoothing the boards.

In case, not too deep cutting is required:

If you want to cut the wood to a lesser depth then you need to use the low-angled jack planes and since they cut not too deep, they are good for beginners and professionals.

Block planes are used to trim joints, put champers on the edges, and trim the end grains and much such type of things. Low-angle block planes are always better as they cut the difficult grains more easily. Suppose it is required to trim right against the tenon cheek or the other joints, in that case, the plane used is the low-angled block plane.

The Panel saws are available in two forms.

  • The first one is the one that cuts along the grain saw.
  • The second one is the one that cut across the grain saw.

Both of these can be used for the rough dimensioning of the lumber. The cost price of the panel saw is not that high and is as low as $ 5 s.

Chisels  

It is essential to select bevel edge bench chisels (new or vintage) such that they last for years and be used in almost all woodworking projects. It should be ensured that lighter wooden handle chisels with excellent steel are being used.

A good set of 5 7 bench chisels will help get everything right. It should be made sure that the best bench chisels are being used for woodworking tool collection.

Mortise chisels are used for chopping mortises or the rectangular holes into the sides of the board for the insertion of the tenons. Mortise or tenon is a very common and strong joint. The pig sticker mortise chisel is considered to be the best because of their weight and strength.

The miter box and the saw can be used to cut wood into very accurate and square lengths and it’s one of an important one among all the best woodworking hand tools. It can save a lot of time while someone tries to square the board ends for building the box tool chests. The long miter saw glides back and forth through a saw frame.

Adjusting frame angles

The frame angle can be adjusted to ensure perfect miter joints like the picture frames and many other joints. One can notice on the workbench that the miter box is used most frequently among all the saws. It’s not that expensive and one can get one at around $15s.

 

Also Read: How To Use A Hammer Safely?

 

One can use the coping saw for rough cutting shapes in the board but especially for removing the waste from the dovetail joints which is one of the most common wood joints. All affordable coping saws will work just fine as long as one has plenty of replacement blades on hand.

What’s required for measurement?   

If one is confident enough to build his try square, he should buy a good metal try square (which is somewhere between 9 to 12 inches). It will be used for scribing square lines down at the faces of the board such as the lines from where to cut with the saw. 

Most try squares are the 90-degree perfect squares. However, one can file to bring it back to square.

The 6-inch combination square is used for many tasks in the woodworking workshop, including the squareness of the boards (when planning to the final dimension, scribing dovetail joints and much more. One should never try to buy a cheap or affordable combination square because it will always suffer from inaccuracy, if one wants the joiner to fit dead on then he is required to scribe it dead on. Unfortunately, one will find only one company that makes the accurate combination square. However, it’s amazing and one will be using it daily.

Ascribing bevel square is used for scribing angles on a workspace. Once set, a good bevel square should be able to repeat that angle over and over again like when one is laying out the dovetails on the board face.

Not all sliding, bevel squares are good at holding that angle and they are the best for marking and measuring needs.

Dividers are also used for taking and repeating a measurement over and over again on a workpiece. Joiners for the traditional woodworkers rarely take measurements with the tape while doing the fine joinery work. However, taking the measurements with the dividers as one will be transferring more than one measurement at a time. He can either prefer a 3-inch pair or the 6-inch and 9-pair.

Just like the dividers, a marking gauge is used for transferring the measurement and repeating it over again and again and one should know about it if they want to buy common carpentry tools that are the best. A locking measurement keeps the gauge from slipping and losing the measurement and thus one can take two measurements at once and thus you will not need to buy the mortise gauge. It’s nice to save the money however; one should not rely on the cheaper mortise gauges. They can be useless as will not serve the exact requirement.

For sharpening tools  

Sometimes it is required to sharpen the hand planes, chisels regularly and for that one needs sharpening tools. One can buy a grinder with a cool cutting stone, a honing guide or a good quality water stone and diamond lapping plate for flattening the water stones.

 

Also Read: How To Keep Your Handtools In Good Shape?

 

Wooden mallets are the best woodworking hand tools that are often used for hitting the chisels while cutting the joints like the dovetail joints and the chopping mortises. One should never hit a chisel with a metal hammer. He should buy a mallet that is made of reasonably hard wood like beach wood and one that will give a well-balanced feel.

Tools for marking  

A marking knife is being used to mark the line over which you have to cut with the saw. For tight spots, you need the marking knife. Some of the marking knives are very expensive though one can get a few at around $10s to $15s.

A large shoulder plane has so many uses like trimming tenons as well as other joineries, cutting rabbets, removing waste for hand-cutting moldings

Clamping  

Woodworking clamps are another example of the best woodworking hand tools that hold freshly glued-up joints together till the glue hardens. One will find hand screw clamps and a few bar-type clamps. These are the good points that can be very useful in buying common carpentry tools.

Why folding rules?  

Folding rules are always better than the tape measure as one can fold them in a much better manner. If someone is on a tight budget, a small tape measure can be used for the same job of rough measurement as a lumber yard.

A nice vintage 24-inch wooden rule is as handy as it slips into the pocket and will give a quick measurement. They are pretty affordable though one needs to know what to look for before buying. A folding rule is best as it easily folds and gives comfort just like the wooden rule.

Conclusion

From essential saws for cutting to planes for smoothing and chisels for detailing, a quality set of fundamental woodworking hand tools enables the creation of fine furniture and carpentry from start to finish. The above are the tools used during woodworking. One will find almost all the best woodworking hand tools in the above list and the best part someone can find in the above content is the useful tips like when to use which hand tool. Different tools are required during different steps in woodworking and the above tips are going to be very useful.

15 Basic Tools Every Motorcycle Rider Should Own

Maybe you have bought your brand-new motorcycle and the excitement is still in the air. We all know about the fun of owning a motorcycle and driving one. However, there is a step beyond that you could go by repairing your motorcycle with quality hand tools in automotive. It creates a bond between you and the motorcycle and gives you a special feeling. That is something that you could do as a motorcycle rider. 

Not just that, if you have your equipment ready with you, you will have peace of mind during times when your bikes are non-functional. Good knowledge of repairing bikes can help you to pick the tool yourself and get it fixed by yourself. It gives the added confidence of riding a bike that everything is under your control. 

Think of situations where you are going on a long tour on a bike, you can’t expect a bike mechanic to be available at remote places and therefore many riders feel insecure about the fact in case the bike goes for a toss. Getting to know the know-how of how to fix your bike and also to know how to use the hand tools can go a long way in enjoying the ride and leaving your anxieties away.

Now, we will go through the tool-set by hand tools manufacturers in India that will be most handy to you in the case of a bike repair.

15  Basic Tools for Motorcycle Riders

1. Socket wrench set

The socket wrench set comes in very handy when you need to remove tight corners or nuts that are embedded. The socket wrench set comes in different sizes and shapes. The most common sizes are 3/8” and 1/4″, both are frequently used in the market and are very handy to have in your buy automotive hand tools list.

2. Wrenches

Wrenches are the next most common tool that you would use in fixing your motorcycle. Most wrench jobs cover the size between 10mm to 17mm. So, get your sockets according to your need, whether a bigger one or a smaller one.

3. Screwdrivers

You will find plenty of uses for the screwdriver. A good quality screwdriver will have a hardened base to remove screws that are fastened tightly to the joints. Always prefer to buy a good quality screwdriver and don’t bargain on the quality of the screwdriver.

4. Spanner

A high-quality spanner is a definite must in a toolkit. If you want to unwind any screws to open any parts, the spanners would come in quite handy. Spanners provide an easier way to repair your motorcycle without making things complicated.

5. Hex Bit Sockets

The Hex bit sockets will come in very handy for you because most of the screws in the bikes are in the shape of Hex. So buy a hex head socket to add to your toolkit so you can snap onto these screws and unwind them easily.

6. Impact Wrench/Driver

Sometimes a screw is held tight within an aluminum crankcase and will not budge out. In such instances, the impact wrench can help you to fasten the screws easily without applying much force. An impact driver would be the ideal instrument to unwind such screws otherwise they might damage the fastener head while unwinding it.

7. Hammer

You might be wondering why in the world I need a hammer. No one is ever going to strike their motorcycle with a hammer. But believe me; a hammer will come in very handy while fixing your motorcycle. A hammer can be used in applications like driving your impact wrench or loosening those stiffened fasteners by gently tapping on them. Professional mechanics always have a hammer in their quality hand tools in an automotive kit and use them frequently more than we can imagine.

 

Must Read: How To Use A Hammer Safely?

 

8. Pressure gauge

You might not have thought about it, but a pressure gauge is an extremely useful tool to check tire pressure before you make a move. Every once in a while, say two months, you can continually monitor your tyre pressure to make sure that it is at optimum levels. Having the right amount of tyre pressure indicates that your vehicle will operate in optimal conditions.

9. Nitrile Gloves

It’s always safe to wear gloves while you are fixing your motorcycle. You might have to deal with a lot of grease and oil substance which might make a big mess, and to avoid it, the Nitrile gloves will come in very handy. Also, the gloves can safeguard your skin from the influence of any harmful chemical substances.

10. Rags

You always need a rag as you continue to work on your bikes. Every mechanic has multiple rags to wipe their hands off after some work. Have a few rags that can help you to clean yourself of the grease, oil and dirt substances.

11. Funnel

While transferring oil and lubricating substances, the funnel will be the right choice to transfer without spilling it over.

12. Needle-nose Pliers

Having needle-nose pliers is not a bad idea. It serves the purpose of pinching, pulling and being able to get into small spaces which otherwise is difficult. Buy automotive hand tools such as needle-nose pliers which are useful equipment and come in very handy during fixing your motorcycle.

 

Recommended: The Rights & Wrongs Of Using Pliers & Pincers

 

13. Spare Fuses

Get a couple of spare fuses for your bike and keep them ready in case the fuse lets you down. Forget about the hassle of running to the store to buy a fuse for a dollar to get your vehicle running.

14. Penetrating oil

The penetrating oil can be of great use to remove screws that are fastened very tightly to the base. It’s a lot easier way to unscrew screws by just using a little penetrating oil.

 

Interesting: 6 Essential Tools For Setting Up A Basic DIY Toolkit

 

15. Chain Lube

Chain lube is one of the basic maintenance activities to keep your bike in good condition. Try using a proper chain lubricant rather than WD-40 which displaces moisture. Apply chain lube and wipe off the excess with a rag or something to keep your motorcycle running smoothly.

Conclusion

Equipping yourself with a set of essential motorcycle repair tools inspires confidence to handle minor fixes independently. This core toolkit containing socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, hex sockets, lubricants and more empowers riders to quickly troubleshoot issues during long trips. Building mechanical know-how and an adequately stocked hand tool supply minimizes breakdown disruptions. With preparation and practice, self-sufficiency on the roads comes within every biker’s grasp. Ride assured by keeping these fundamental motorcycle hand tools handy for roadside repairs.

How To Keep Your Hand Tools In A Good Shape?

Keep your hand tools in good shape

Having a complete range of hand tools is quite an investment but they will return favours only if you are ready to take adequate care of them. Even if you are an expert craftsman or dexterous mechanic, you can’t work perfectly with obsolete tools or tools in bad shape, no matter how experienced the hand-holding is. Keeping your hand tools properly maintained is one of the most important and mandatory tasks of any good craftsman or mechanic.

Still, many people around there don’t take care of their tools and just treat them like a non-essential asset. This results in damaged tools and excessive replacement. However, you can avoid this by taking good care and having a timely check on your tools. This will not only save your precious time but also make your DIY endeavors much more fruitful and gratifying. So, ponder upon some golden tips that will not only keep your hand tools and equipment in splendid shape but will also make sure that they work like the day you bought them.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Hand Tools:

1. Proper Handtools Storage Space

Even if you have less space, you still have to keep your hand tools in a fitting storage compartment. You can store them in boxes or bags, or hang them on the wall or shelves but keep in mind you just can’t make them lie loose on the ground.

Pegboards can also be one of the best storage systems for the handtools. They not only save your space but also make it convenient for you to choose the tools effortlessly without wasting any time on searching.

2. Cleaning of Handtools And Storage

Whenever you’re done with your work and about to store your hand tools, make sure to clean them with a clean cloth first. In this case, a clean cloth with a mixture of Shellac and Turpentine will greatly help in removing oils and sawdust from your tools.

Moreover, apart from cleaning your hand tools, you should also clean the storage where you’ll keep your tools. For instance, if you’re storing it on a shelf, make sure that the shelf is clean and dry and there is not even a single mark of moisture or water on it.

3. Keep All Tools in a Dry Place

The most important and worthy tip any skilled mechanic or craftsman will give is to keep all the tools in a dry place. Humidity and moisture can be found easily in places like garages or basements. Take measures to protect your tools from moisture or else it will result in RUST which is the greatest enemy of any tool.

4. Tips for Averting Rust:

To prevent rust, the foremost thing you should do is keep all the tools away from moisture and water. If there are high humidity levels in your room then you have to use a dehumidifier in your room to maintain the levels of humidity.

5. Rust Collector

Use Silica gel packs as they are an effective moisture absorber and serve as one of the best rust collector techniques. Put the Silica gel packs in the drawers, shelves, and wherever you’ve put your hand tools. And then just wait for the magic of these tiny gel packs.

Figure Out and Repair your tools every time you use them:

Do you know, what is the most important reason for the continuation of your tools? No, it’s not using it regularly. It is the inspection of every tool of your kit every time you use them. At the same time whenever you detect anything that you feel can harm your tools, take immediate measures to prevent it.

Sharpening of Your Tools

Another very important tip to keep your tools in good shape is sharpening. This is vital, especially for woodworking tools. Sharpening of woodworking tools will not only increase their practicality but also make them work the same as they were bought from the factory.

Good Quality of Handtools

Last, but not least as this old proverb goes “Quality Always Matters”. Therefore, when making such an investment you have to make sure that in return you get a reward for each penny you spend. There are many good quality handtool manufacturers out there; you just have a thorough check on which tool you want and which manufacturer is expert in manufacturing that particular toolset.

Final Thought

Investing in quality hand tools is important for any craftsperson or mechanic, but the returns on that investment depend greatly on proper tool care and maintenance. Implementing basic habits like cleaning tools after each use, storing them in dry locations away from moisture, regularly sharpening edges, and inspecting for defects go a long way in extending tool lifetime while ensuring optimal performance.

Your tools are your trusted allies in getting work done – so treat them as the precious assets they are by keeping them in good working order via proper maintenance routines.

How to Use a Hammer Safely?

Citing the inevitability, hammers seem to be quite a basic tool that features a wide range of uses. It comes in handy in almost every single chore of our activities be it repairing, maintenance, and more. Such has been the usage of hammers that we safely put it as an easygoing tool. But is that true to the core? Is the hammer pretty easy to use? We’ll answer that in our entry titled ‘How to Use a Hammer Safely?

Hammer and its Unseen Conundrum!

Well, hammers are one heck of a tool that needs to be handled with safe passage for optimum use. You wouldn’t want yourself to be notoriously injured all due to sheer negligence in the usage of the hammer. We here will guide you along on how to use a hammer safely. Safety, and foresee are always the number one priority, isn’t it?

But before shifting downstairs care to look at a little synopsis about hammers. We’ll talk about the different types of hammers under it. Shall we?

The Types of Hammers

Hammers are the everyday quintessential instrument used by many throughout the globe. It features a wide range of options depending on the task. Some of them are:

Claw hammers: Predominately used in pounding the nails and even clawing out the nails too. Features a T-shaped design for easy usage. There are many options available in the market these days where you can buy the best claw hammer.

Mallet: Widely used as a rubber hammer for delicate works.

Ball Pein Hammer: This one’s quite hardened to the core and is used in metal-based works. It doesn’t feature a claw and has a round metallic head.

Blocking hammer: It’s used as part of the auto body works and is strictly not for driving nails.

Upholstery Hammer: The most predominant form of hammer used in upholstery projects and features a magnetic tack.

With that done and dusted, it’s time we feature the guideline on how to use the hammer safely, isn’t it? Off we go then as promised.

The guideline for Safe Usage of Hammer  

  • Start off by thoroughly checking the hammer. Take a keen look at the attachments and heads. Look for any loose wrappings or defects beforehand.
  • Next, up, it’s time to put the hammer to use. Get your grip firmly on the handle to avoid losing the hammer midway through the work.
  • Not to forget, always hold the hammer at the end of the handle. It will help in having a comfortable yet firm grip and will glide easily along your work.

 

Recommended: How to keep your hand tools in a good shape?

 

Here comes the part where nails get hit pretty hard. Ready for it?

  • Always hit the surface at a square. Hit the head of the nail only with the hammer head to gain maximum traction. Never opt for sideways bashing, it only deteriorates the matter further.
  • A keen guide on this one is to have good momentum when hitting the nails. For good momentum, you’ll need to use both your arms and elbows. This way, the burden won’t be all on your wrists.
  • And for the record, never try and hit against a soft surface. Always place your work on a hard surface before hammering it. Soft surfaces like carpets are a jiffy when it comes to hammering a nail.

A few more things to keep in mind while using a hammer.

  • Always work in a natural position. Never put your body under duress with orthodox positioning.
  • Do check your stance and hammer before swinging it down the line. You wouldn’t want any mishaps with it, do you?
  • Lastly, practice your heart out. Why? Simply because with enough practice under your belt you’ll easily glide through your work in the future.

As much as a hammer, premier striking tools in carpentry seem to be an easy pounding material, but it isn’t. You should always follow the guidelines so as not to injure yourself during the process. Also always look for the best pieces on offer that enumerates quality.

Final Thought

While hammers appear as simple tools, improper handling risks injuries. Following basic safety guidelines involving secure gripping, swinging, and striking techniques protects users over time. Additionally, quality hammers suiting applications paired with solid work surfaces create optimal functioning. With vigilance and practice, hammer accidents can be prevented through informed usage – upholding safety as the prime priority for these ubiquitous yet powerful manual aids.

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