21 HAND TOOL TIPS, TRICKS & SECRETS!! (Hammer/Screwdriver/Tape Measure/Pliers...& MORE HAND TOOLS!)

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

I admire you for teaching to the true beginners. We were all rookies once and knew nothing. Instead of laughing at them for not knowing, just teach them. Don't be an ass, be a friend.

[@justindavenport9182]

Agreed. Now go get the wood stretcher.

[@SchillyBindler]

Nice job on the video. I never knew there was a scribe in the speed square.

[@micho2062]

@@justindavenport9182 have you seen the lightbulb bender or cable stretcher.?

[@justindavenport9182]

@@micho2062 lightbulb bender is a good one, havnt heard that

[@noahleek9696]

No

[@edsherrod5216]

I've used most of the tools you showed for over 50 years and never heard some of these tips before - thank you for great info.

[@imranh5395]

I'm a former pro carpenter, yet you taught me a new trick! Scribing with a tape measure was new to me. Many thanks, Ethan 👍🏼

[@pointedspider]

Wow! Where u been!!! Jk!

[@carlcampa4195]

True indeed ;)

[@Bart-Did-it]

Pro and did not know that ... former lol

[@Bart-Did-it]

Once a pro always a pro

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

Only works on a soft surface. Plenty of ppl use a tape for alot of different surface measurements that this wouldn't work on unfortunately.

[@darrenjosephgregory]

Needle nose pliers for hammering, so simple yet something I have never thought of doing. Bravo sir!

[@massimookissed1023]

A piece of cardboard can work too. Poke the nail through a piece of cardboard, and hold _that_ to hold the nail while keeping your fingers out of hammer's way. You can tear the cardboard away from the nail once it's got firmly started and doesn't need to be held any more.

[@michaelbarry8373]

I have done that for many years. Did learn other things here also.

[@taylorharrison3585]

I had an employee review yesterday and one of the things they brought up was that they liked how I spent time outside of work learning more about the tools I use and they could see that it has made me better at my job. I'm a house painter but we use most of the same tools in carpentry (not least becsuee the GC's out where I am are awful and hire crappy temp crews to pump garbage trim sets and shoddy drywall out.) I have learned quite a bit from your videos and I apply that knowledge on my sites. Thank you!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That's great to hear about the review, Taylor! You're going to improve way faster than everyone else by delving into the carpentry side of things--all the great painters I know have an extremely wide base of construction knowledge. I'm really glad the videos have helped--good luck in 2021, and be safe!

[@budtabor5911]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Great initiative. Also, it is a good idea to never bash the trades. We get bashed enough from other sources. There is always a way to explain others poor performance in a more diplomatic way. I appreciate your concern for a job well done to the extent that my painting sub-contractor was also a big part of my quality control.

[@tylermcnally8232]

Now tell them to compensate you for that time.

[@S1CKTR1CKY]

Knew all of these, yet never could hear them again enough! Without a doubt, these have saved so much time and solved so many problems on the job site.

[@doak4886]

I’ve been amazing people with what I don’t know for many years.

[@MucaroBoricua]

LOL

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

Hahaha

[@ibealion1]

Me too!

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

Didn't know people don't know things. 😊

[@allan14492]

Me as well. My grandfather was a great carpenter, but unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to hang with him. These videos are a wealth of info for diy'ers.

[@macsloan58]

Nice video. Quick paced and informative. I was an interim administrator at our local vo-tech school following my retirement and watched the instructor give most of these tips to his students. He didn’t show them the multi tip screw driver as a nut driver. I asked him if he ever mentioned that to his students. He kind of laughed and told me that he was sure they all knew that trick. But, he told me to come back to his class the following day as he would be asking some of his students individually if they knew the trick. It turns out that many did not know. He was surprised and added that tip to his instructional repertoire.

[@garbelfunkle]

This video should be played in every shop class. I sit and wonder why I don't know some of this stuff.

[@CC-tv6vk]

You are what you say you are very honest and it's totally appreciated. It really is. Your honesty and showing everybody stuff I'm sure you're making tons of money but you deserve tons of money. Your honesty is the best policy the best policy thank you so much like I said I'm a female living in a home alone here and without you I would have to keep searching on KZbin for other people LOL

[@bearded_electrician]

Slip joint pliers have a great fencing wire cutter built into them, they will even cut softer fencing staples/nails.

[@monkeyman193]

Wrap a rubber band around your slip nose pliers handle . It's not vice grips but it really helps a lot.

[@WowRixter]

No wasted fluff in this video. Nice

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Ric!

[@donp1088]

You are a great teacher! If I were influential in a school district or state-wide educational program, I’d utilize you and your skills to begin a program in schools teaching REAL, valuable skills that would, over time, show up in our culture. People would be spending more money on tools and home/neighborhood improvement and less on tattoos and body piercings.😄

[@keyfitter]

While I didn't learn anything new, this video was a great refresher.

[@MucaroBoricua]

I knew them all already but it was entertaining. And made me feel like I know more than I really do.

[@DHARMYOGCOM]

its good you are using old tools and not throwing them away. people keep throwing things out that can be perfectly be used. its good you are using them well.

[@Klaudieja]

Thank you for making these videos. As a new homeowner this is especially helpful. I asked my inspector if there was a place I could go in person to take classes on home maintenence or repair to do on my own. Instead he told me there was a list he provided of people to call to do the job for me. Thanks again for your videos. I'll continue to watch and learn.

[@supadupairishboi]

theses vids have helped me a tonne. ive been bartender for 10 years but due to lockdowns i had to find work helping a general contractor i know. so this basic stuff has helped me get by so far. its a start. thank you

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s great to hear, Mike! Good luck working in the construction industry, stay safe 👍

[@kevankarr3990]

Great tips! I am going to switch from pencil to utility knife to mark my crosscuts. 👍🎺

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Opens a whole new realm for clean cuts, Kevan. X-acto knives are even better for detail work!

[@ibealion1]

They also make a tool called "marking knife"... not sure if it's any better or worse than exactly knives... seems like it would be the same.

[@victorquesada7530]

The scribe is great, but if you can't quite see it so well after scratching it in, may I suggest a sharp mechanical pencil? .7mm or even better a .5mm makes the line obvious in any lighter wood, and is easy to mark in a scribe or scratch!

[@aadittoshen]

All your videos are highly informative and very well presented! No difference with this one... I have been binge-watching them over the past few days. I am not a professional of any kind (I am originally trained in fine arts, but presently tied up full-time with tedious managerial work!) - However, I have been fiddling around with hand tools ever since I was a kid (I am 52 now). And, I have learnt almost everything I know by either trying-out stuff, or by watching a professional worker - most of them, in my country, hail from the poorer communities - and so, usually have a limited set of tools and equipments to work with. As a result, they use a LOT of 'hacks' - in order to maximise/ diversify the use of each tool they possess! Of all the tips & tricks in this video (most of which I have seen our carpenters/ car mechanics/ etc use at some point), the LAST one was SPECIAL for me! I didn't even know that there actually was a tool such as the "mini hacksaw"!!! Here in India, we do have a "hack" for the problem - which, even though slightly risky, does get the job done... When we need to cut something that is inaccessible (even with the "miniature versions of the larger frame type" that @rivolhino has mentioned below) - we simply DISMANTLE THE HACKSAW BLADE FROM THE FRAME > WRAP A THICK COTTON CLOTH TO THE BASE END OF THE BLADE > AND GRAB IT WITH OUR HAND, TO STICK THE CUTTING END OF THE BLADE INTO THE TRICKY POSITION! When I saw the mini hacksaw tool on your video here, I ASSUMED that it would NOT be available here... but to my pleasant surprise, amazon.IN actually has a NUMBER of them on offer! It has promptly gone into my "wishlist" for the workshop I am presently trying to set up... Thanks for the tip!!!

[@MrNightax]

GREAT VIDEO!.. the scribe in the sliding square... that was a new one for me! Thank You

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Jim! I love a good, hidden feature :)

[@edover50]

I’ve been using a sliding square forever and was like “what””!! Can’t believe I never knew there is a scribe there !

[@1pcfred]

@@edover50 it's called a combination square. Because it does 90° and 45° A lot of times the scribe is missing on them too. Because lots know about it and tend to lose the things. For the most part I like to use a full sized scribe myself. I have a couple nice scribes. In a pinch every nail and screw is a scribe.

[@eddcain]

It never cease to not amaze me you have so many people that are ready to put a thumbs down on good information. Thank you sir for taking the time out for this. Some of these has never crossed my mind. I use my tape measure all the time and never ever thought to use that tab to mark 🤣🤣 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@HeirloomBuilders]

These are great tips for beginners and pros alike. Easy to watch the whole vid even through some of the beginner tips. Super job. It’s no wonder you have 198k subs now!!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, buddy! You're closing in on 10k! That's right about the time things start to really speed up--keep going! 😄

[@ads9765]

I agree. A lot of videos tend to go on and on about very simple stuff. He says what needs saying and moves on. Good job

[@jamesmurphy7828]

Yeah I've literally learnt so much from this one channel and at the best time possible (because I was getting into light carpentry/woodworking). Now I almost feel like I could get into the heavier stuff too. Maybe even make a bit of money from it.

[@broakland2]

I’ve watched 7 of your videos so far, all excellent, I’m a beginner, you’re a good teacher. Thank you. ☮ from California

[@Phyoomz]

Finally, the algorithm sends us something worthy!

[@brentc2818]

Been doing this for years. It's nice to know it's OK to share the knowledge. Keep going, its awsome.

[@timsawyer7443]

I had heard some of these, figured some out on my own, and learned others by watching this. Great stuff, earning a "like" and a "subscribe"!

[@fransiscoalvarezinski6293]

Great tips. I've been a DIYer for45 years and learned some new things today with your video. Thanks.

[@pamelahomeyer748]

Thank you this was partly a walk down memory lane as I used to watch my father pipe fitting superintendent of some renown when he worked around the house and he would show me little tricks. I sent this to my daughter because I know she did not have that privilege from her father

[@preston0808]

You have the only channel where every tip is simple, practical, and actually works. No fluff

[@robertgiresi9515]

Love tip #6! I would have saved my thumb numerous times had I known that tip!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Learned out of painful necessity, Robert 😁

[@jamesbeaver8872]

Lol.smash fingers ...

[@yutubl]

Great! Some tips & tricks I already used, few new tips & tricks were new to me. My most used: 1.) safe nails and reuse old curved nails hammer them straight again when holding it with your (needle nose) pliers. But this works best with soft metal nails, and not so perfect with hard metal nails (baseboard nails). 2.) when sewing/cutting/drilling clamp the workpiece so that the cutted/sewed/drilled side is free, not laying on other material (table desktop etc), this way you don't need to waste "sacrificial plate" below it. 3.) Nail holded by pliers when hammering is also good in narrow spaces.

[@mikemorgan5015]

The video was good, but the shopping list in the description is fantastic! Thanks for putting this together.

[@seymourmaupin6395]

Made me thankful I had a Dad growing up. Happy Fathers Day! To the next project on the honey do list!

[@christinashawgo6510]

I just smiled through the video. Great info for many.

[@dunexapa1016]

72 years of age, have used hand tools all my life ... and I still learned a few 'new' useful tricks ... *THANKS!*

[@JDKaye]

Hey Ethan, how about a video about different saw blades and their uses? Great channel, thanks!

[@kschindle1]

Thank you for this video! got a stuck nail out finally after I watched this video. It was out within a minute or two. Now I can cancel my apt maintenance call. I know this wasn't in this video earlier this evening. Taking back USG dust control to fix the mess I created. Did buy a very small pail. of painters putty recommended by a Home Depot associate yesterday, hopefully it will work. If not will go and get the smallest quantity to fix the small holes in an area (size of an apple or orange).

[@frankstalteri972]

Very good information and video. I have to admit that I've taken hand tools for granted. I'm a hvac and refrigeration guy my whole adult life and a home carpenter at my house. My hobby is wood working, but with hand tools and my goal is to learn as much as I can so I could do this when I retire God willing. Anyway I purchased a book called Hand Tools Their Ways and Workings by Andrew A. Watson. A very good book for information and easy reading. Thought I had it all figured out. Happy new year. Aldren A Watson.

[@stevewhitt9109]

Thanks. I am 75 and I learned a few more things!

[@sfperalta]

Excellent! i knew (and have used) most of these tricks over the years, but I did not know about the combination square scribe tool, or using the speed square for angled saw cuts. Even experienced woodworkers can learn something new. Thanks!

[@Not_TVs_Frank]

I got two great things from this video. First, I learned some new techniques with tools I've already got. That's valuable. Second, it turns out I'm a somewhat experienced home DIYer?! Who knew? So way to go, teach me something new and make me feel smart at the same time. Well played.

[@ardeet]

I’m a newcomer and these tips were definitely handy. 5 of them I didn’t even realise could be used that way. Thanks 😅

[@njcranes]

Heck yeah! I knew all of these and use them while doing my projects! Thanks goes out to my Dad and step-father for showing me these things growing up. Now if I could my kids to help me so they could learn...

[@rivolinho]

Great video. The only mini hacksaws I have are just miniature versions of the larger frame type, which also dont fit into certain areas. That lockable handle for a full size blade would be incredibly handy. 👍

[@dondee5439]

I like that you have all 21 tips listed in the YT description paragraphs. It is a big reason why I subscribed to your channel today. I see you have currently 143 videos. Keep up the good work MR. E.J.

[@s.c8913]

Thanks for all the helpful tips - no BS straight to the point! 👍

[@tabitha2706]

The side pry with the hammer is the one thing for years that I get the strangest looks from people or absolute amazement when they see me do it. It totally blows their minds

[@mybahe1]

Thank you for all the much needed tips and tricks! I have each and every one of those tools... plus. As a DIYer those tips will really come in handy! Keep them coming! ☺️

[@thereaver8083]

The hidden scry in the level square is the one thing here I didn't already know. Thanks friend, I learned something today.

[@melanieeaton7302]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will watch again a lot!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Melanie! Thanks for watching, and work safe 🙂

[@prunusjuniper]

Love this expert. 72 yo diy'er female from Adelaide South Australia. Always learning from this page. 😊

[@chuckb4375]

Great stuff! My favorite is usage of long-nose pliers to hold small nails. +1 comment made re: slip-joint back jaws to cut stuff. Two additions not already mentioned in comments by others: * Instead of screwdriver to turn eye bolt, you can also use Crescent adjustable wrench for a different handle angle and for more contact with eye bolt * The back side of long-nose pliers have high leverage flats that can be used to crimp stuff (in a pinch ;-)

[@kylealexander7024]

Watched this video a lot and will in the future. It reminds us that think we r pros to not become complacent. Thats when we get hurt. This video providee just enough info to remind pros and inform DIY ppl. Very good video sir. I have it saved forever

[@johnblystone8781]

The nail set trick to make a pilot hole was new to me. Thanks for the good information!!

[@szlash280z]

I use a spring loaded center punch for the same task. Its even easier as you don't need a hammer!

[@andreamara8542]

I’m a beginner DIYer. I’m learning so much from your channel. You explain everything very well.

[@earlyriser8998]

your suggestion to side pull the difficult nails is something I didn't know. thanks

[@benfoster3022]

I often use this to bend the nail over and then just claw pull as normal, saves the time of sticking a block underneath it for more leverage. Usually no need to "see-saw" it out as he did.

[@1pcfred]

Be careful zig zagging nails with a wooden handled hammer. They don't all like to do it. Don't ask me how I know. Or why I have so many metal handled hammers now. Your other option is to get a good crowbar.

[@TheBootyWrangler]

Holy shit every single tip shown here I figured out on my own when I was screwed without the proper tools at work. It always amazes me how human ingenuity is very often the same between many different people with different perspectives. It’s almost like our ingenuity was by design… god bless

[@christopherlafferty2280]

Needlenose pliers to hold a nail. GENIOUS!!

[@keithcronk7980]

OR A POCKET COMB

[@ethanheyne]

@@keithcronk7980 Good one!

[@keithcronk7980]

@@ethanheyne 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@madenny326]

Thank you. Very timely. The big flat head screw driver trick will be perfect for tomorrow's job. You solved my problem!

[@patriciaitalia]

I am always so happy to see your videos. You make me want to go out and fix something. In my run-down house, there is no lack of opportunity. Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@honkhonk5000]

I’m fortunate to have learned most of this from my father, and just as fortunate to have learned a few things here

[@theageoftheawakening4806]

What a great video. I'm a maintenance mechanic in a college. Most of my career in shops, most guys I worked with didnt even know this much.this is like a class every maintenance guy should take

[@lightningbauer]

Needle nose pliers holding a small nail was a good trick for me! Thanks!

[@lauraaqui219]

This is so brilliant I loved these experienced tips and tricks of the trade, I learn so much from your how to use these tools videos, its essential to know how to use the tools correctly and safely I really appreciate these types of informative demonstrations it's so valuable knowledge, I'm a very inexperienced DIY-er I can use a drill put up shelving but I lack knowledge of what tools to use and how to use them, I really dont know how to operate handsaw tools, as I've never used them before, but I would love to learn and feel more competent and confident, your channel is excellent I'm loving it all, please keep it coming, do you have any videos about how to use jigsaws, bandsaws and what's the best way to cut circular projects in wood what's the best tool for that? Thank you new subscriber Laura in England

[@catherinefriederich]

Tips from a perfectionist!! Thank you Ethan!

[@philfarnsworth3066]

Don’t forget to mention wrenches can act as a hammer 😂

[@fin9004]

There’s two tools in the trades hammers with and without batteries 😂😂😂

[@theBolderBoulder]

Or, for mechanics, ratchets! Haha

[@CrotchetRocket]

Joke’s on you, I’ve been using my hammers as wrenches for years!

[@jeffsuderman544]

I use the bottem of my drill as a hammer

[@stevebenson506]

Any tool in your hand becomes a hammer. 😀

[@wallycheladyn1190]

I was a Pipefitter for 8 years, and NEVER did I realize there was a scribe tool in my combination square. Admittedly a scribe wouldn't be much use on steel, but my carpentry game just went up a notch!

[@1pcfred]

A good square the scribe is hard enough to mark mild steel. It's still pretty short though. For steel I have a carbide scribe I like. Enough that I'll walk over to my box to get it if I need it.

[@Jack-jk1kl]

Using the tab on the tape measure to scribe marks is gonna be a game changer on the jobsite!

[@benharrison1069]

Good tips and it never hurts to review what's handy and possible.

[@junkmaster0174]

A good addition to your video would be explaining the many uses of a speed square, finding angles etc. Its crazy what can be done with one.

[@kkmullin]

70 YO wannabe carpenter lady. I want a mini hacksaw to add to my tool repertoire! 🥰 I just love your channel. Thanks for all the cool videos.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks so much, KK! I’m really glad they’re helpful 😄

[@pennyan2057]

No wonder I never got precise measurements with my tape rule, I've always flattened the rivets down tight with a hammer and punch ,tape against tab, figuring it was just a cheap tape measure! Honest Carpenter= IT'S SUPPOSED TO MOVE!!!! you just got a new subscriber!

[@1pcfred]

You're not the only one. But tape measures are not terribly accurate to begin with. They'll get you in the ballpark most times though.

[@brucethomson3512]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@beautanner8409]

Love these tips for non-carpenter folks! Thanks!

[@georgeboatright6635]

Thank you. I am going to take a closer look at some of my tools right now.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

So many brilliant engineering feats lying right there in our tool boxes, George. I'm constantly finding more!

[@lynstoner160]

I think your videos are brilliant and very helpful tips. I’ve grown up without a dad so my mum and I had to do diy. Now I’m an adult who now again lives on my own and I do diy and I have learnt some really good tips and tricks I will take on board and look out for more from you as you explain so well thank you.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

Already killing it coming out the gate in 2021! Cheers!

[@tomodiochi8035]

Every man could benefit from this video, thank you so much!

[@LadderMover]

Great collection of tips! You should include one for the Ladder Mover, it has lots of uses beyond moving ladders.

[@alexandermayerkirstein]

Honest Carpenter your channel connects creative minds with mindful creation, practicality, bridging for so many an insurmountable gap that keeps their dreams just dreams. The path to mastery is paved, a master accomplished, with how well those that find in them what to learn, do. Every video of yours takes me higher, makes me better, growing my confidence in achieving my dreams. Tips, tricks, advise, how-to and how-not-to, a top category channel for sure! Thank you.

[@DaylightRob210]

Thanks - didn't know about the tape measure end tab being 'loose' intentionally. Just thought it was worn !

[@jic1]

I knew it was loose intentionally because it's like that on every tape measure I've ever seen, but I didn't know *why* it was loose until now.

[@carllyiechiccah8002]

I like it .. people are getting the teachings From you ..

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Great tricks! I use a lot of them in my woodworking. I use needle nose pliers for pulling nails as well, and twist it for extra leverage when needed.

[@mariesacul722]

I'm learning so much. I've got all these tools here in garage. All these problems here in this house. And my husband cannot tell me how to use these tools or he accidentally tells me wrong way. Due to strokes. I'm trying so hard to understand as fast as the problems are coming. Your so helpful. More than you know. Esp. That tool I took out on the roof the other day. A ruler you showed. I didnt even know the handle moved. I had to come all the way back down for a pencil. And you showed it has a scribe in it? I've been using all these tools. Mostly incorrectly. Hammered my fingers to death. Thank you for your videos!

[@peterjames2580]

I got a 3 $ looong screwdriver at Goodwill after seeing your post . Great tips!

[@stevea.8816]

Heavy duty screwdriver, invaluable to me, l used to work the heavier construction but now that l am ( seasoned) l do repairs and maintenance, after your video on it l constantly use it, and l had one but l didn't bother with it. Good stuff, thanks.

[@theprophetez1357]

Well I learned a new one. I never used the brass scribe on the square, nor did i know it was there.

[@lesleyghostdragon3149]

Great paced and informative video! I'm not sure I liked this video more for: (1) the new "How could I not have known that?" things I learned, or: (2) the refresher "Oh, that's right -I forgot about that trick...", or; (3) the smug satisfaction of "Well duh - of course I already knew that - doesn't everyone?" 😄

[@Hutchy45445]

You missed one, when talking about the measuring tape. It has the length of the casing, typically embossed on the side; this allows the user to get a more accurate inside measurement. 👍

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

I love this video. So less annoying than most and very handy. My fave is the phillips bit to countersink a screw. I just learned a trick recently with screws. To help stop a deck screw from splitting wood or at a troubled knot in the wood, just reverse the drill and spin the screw backwards for a second or 2,then screw in as normal. works amazing . I subscribed after this great video. Cheers

[@alexwagner3354]

You can also use shaft on 6 in 1 screwdriver to extend hex shank drill bits. This is something that has saved me many times when your drill bit is just not long enough.

[@tallswede80]

What are you talking about? hex shank drill bits are usually short. They just fall into the shaft.

[@mvblitzyo]

Most excellent information just because I knew most of what you were doing doesn’t mean I didn’t learn from your video most excellent reminder.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

I knew most of these tips, but I find it amazing how this knowledge is passed on throughout the years and generations.

[@lockedloaded4942]

The nut drivers in the end of the 3 in 1 screwdrivers was something I never knew and I've been using those things forever. Thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, locked! 😄

[@E3ECO]

I was wondering about the end of my tape measure. Didn't know about those sockets in my screwdriver either. Thanks!

[@johnduffy6546]

These are the kinds of things that all dads need to teach their kids. Simple, inexpensive and productive! Life skills 101

[@dixieangel1000]

Love these tips! Doing alot of DIY projects and your tips are making it even more enjoyable!

[@georgequalls5043]

I have been practicing most of these but learned a couple of new tricks. Thanks.

[@rontiemens2553]

Fantastic. Posting link to my social media!

[@alexdavidson9204]

I'm a DIY Rookie. I learned a ton.