Basic Carpentry Tools

These are all of my most used tools. That's why they come with me to every job!
Here is an amazon list of all the tools I could find:
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate I make a small commission from purchases through these links. Thank you for the support!!!!
GOMBOY SAW!!! amzn.to/33GOSwL
Stabila level: amzn.to/2qheQJK
Fat max tape: amzn.to/2P6KWAb I chose the value pack. The 16 foot tape rules!
Speed square and combo square: amzn.to/34IarOZ Great deal!
Hammer: amzn.to/2P4Kkv4 I love this little hammer!
Clamps: amzn.to/361m2ZP
Picquic Stubby: amzn.to/2OFLk9K
File: amzn.to/2r60iwV
Drywall Circle Cutter: amzn.to/2Rcdnzj
Nail pullers: Estwing amzn.to/2Rcdnzj Stilleto amzn.to/2Rfg6YS
Channel Locks: amzn.to/2LgDiCf
Glaziers Bar: amzn.to/2OZeQ9m
Chisels: amzn.to/37YFCaU
Screwdrivers: amzn.to/2P3EycY
Circuit tester: amzn.to/2P3YTiw
Wire Stripper: amzn.to/2DE82cb
Vise Grips: amzn.to/2P6RaQz
Crescent Wrench: amzn.to/2RnCpMf
Slip Joint Pliers: amzn.to/2Rgcs0P
Needle nose: amzn.to/33NoSQE
Side cutting: amzn.to/2YgWO72
Linesmen Pliers: amzn.to/37XPAch
Tin Snips: amzn.to/2Yb4kA0
Nail punches: amzn.to/33D1FQN
Cold chisel: amzn.to/34IJsTq
NERDS!!!!!

[@tay13666]

Glad to see I am not the only one with dedicated tool belts or boxes for different jobs. electrical tool box plumbing tool box roofing tool belt general tool belt A lot of tools duplicated in all those, but it's so much easier to grab the kit you need for the job you are working on. And I'm not even in the trades. I'm just a homeowner who does all his own work, and has adult children that I have to help with their projects as well.

[@emeltea33]

I've always wanted to make this kind of set up. I can can usually determine what tools I'll need, but finding them is a whole other story.

[@korbendallas9689]

I though it was the Flash talking about tools. Great video.

[@zacharybixler4137]

I'm electrical but your videos are still very helpful because I'm cutting into drywall everyday for installations, its nice to be able to make fixes myself and have my work looking propper. Especially when the people I work with only know the easy fixes, I hate leaving holes for other people to patch and mud, so thanks for your insight!

[@theusername000000000]

Instead of a very large flat head screw driver, I usually carry a very small crow bar. I actually bought it when I went to help with the BC fires. I threw it in my tool bag one day when I didn't need it anymore. When my largest flat head wasn't good enough, I felt defeated in a customers home. But then, then, the mini crowbar. + Hammer.

[@v3n0m72]

You forgot chalkline lol always handy on most jobs

[@vladtepes97]

i liked this video for the snark.

[@nicknewell23]

NERD

[@tay13666]

The awkward, and the snark are half the reasons I keep watching this channel. (the other half is the great information)

[@jandrewmore]

Vancouver Snarky Guy is probably a better name for the channel than Vancouver Carpenter. :)

[@alm000]

Another great tool to have is a pair of fencing pliers, I like the cutters on them because they will shear things the side cutters can't and the hammer and claw are pretty useful too, :)

[@pnp522]

I have had one from Channel lock in my bag for 20 years .

[@alm000]

@@pnp522 Nice!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

“They’ll get a lot of joy out of telling me the right name for things. Because that’s how the internet works.” Lol. So true.

[@MichaelMantion]

Cunningham's law

[@jjkay100]

Well presented, concise and informative. Unlike many others, your tools are obviously well used. My main kit is very similar but I also have some very small scraping, poking and cleaning out tools. Also some small rasps and brushes and so on. Nice to see something real.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks!

[@lc62]

I'm sick and home from work... apparently this is was I chose to watch.

[@terricorbin3513]

Could you do a video on how to keep mudding tools clean and rust free? .. love your videos.

[@garlicandchilipreppers8533]

I have the same hammer Estwing 20 oz with straight claw, I have used it for about 25 years, worked all over Europe and Scandinavia with it. I always get comments from colleagues that they don't like my hammer, they always say it is too light, so ask what weight is theirs, and it is always the same 20 oz as mine, difference is they are using those hammers with a pipe like handle that is so out of balance and top heavy it feels heavier. I am glad to have worked all my life with Estwing hammers and sure it has saved my wrist and elbow from repetative shock.

[@harveysmith100]

Nice to see another man's general tool box. Like you I have one general that goes to every job and a few bags which are specific to trade tools. A general bag ( or old wooden box in my case) is very personnel to each man, it has been refined over many years of working and learning. A few comments below which are valid that you should carry this or that, well, that may suit one guy but not another, or you may have that tool in another bag. I literally cannot function without my general box. Thanks for sharing, very interesting to see what other guys carry

[@billwilson6096]

Jeez now I have to get that tool bag, every time I watch your videos I see some other cool tool that I must have.

[@fusefire8200]

Make a series of making skate stuff. Quarter pipes, boxes, etc.

[@blzt3206]

Anything even remotely related to electrical- I buy klein. Pliers, side cutters, linesmen, etc. They do make great tools.

[@MrMockingbird1313]

Hey Ben, An excellent video. Plz consider these tips: I use small pieces of PEX as sleeves over round files and a drywall saber. I am an electrician and most tapes do not make a good bandages. But, 3M +33 electrian's tape can become an excellent bandage or even a tourniquet. Put a couple wraps arond a finger slice and maybe avoid stitches.

[@z1z2z3z]

If you work on old houses and are constantly removing old trim, one tool I recommend is a pair of Extractor brand nail pullers. They are expensive, but when you need to pull the old square cut nails clean out the back (so as not to blow out the putty and paint on the front) there is nothing better, they grip like crazy and roll the nail out easily without marring the surface. Cresent brand has come out with their own cheaper version but I can't vouch for them.

[@Albert-fe8jx]

Nicely documented. It took time to do that and we do appreciate the effort.

[@dhammer5645]

Essential most of the same stuff as me. My bag usually stays in my truck behind the drivers seat. Its heavy as all get out. I also have allen key sets metric and imperial. As well as some hand tools for siding soffit and fascia. I also keep a small butane torch, just for heating an icy lock and melting the ice. No caulking guns though, I have a bucket for all my caulkings and such.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Estwing! One of the first purchases I made when I got into the trades,,, still hanging in my truck. Gotten really fond of the Irwin hand tools in the past couple years. Great video as always! 👍👍

[@lauraaqui219]

Good video very interesting, always good to hear how a professional prepares for working and what tools they prefere to use, good advice here your really sharing your experience, also you included some fun humour about the KZbinr comments which made me laugh, your videos are very watchable, keep up the good work on your channel, and I will check out your other videos, to learn more, I gave this a thumbs up and subscribed, from novice DIY-er Laura in uk

[@harbourdogNL]

5:44 THANKS FOR THAT TIP!!!! I'm renovating and have about about 10 million brad nails to remove from baseboards, trim, lumber, wainscotting, etc. I've been using pliers and just hauling the damn things out, and this will be a hell of a lot easier!! Love your vids, and have subscribed.

[@pablolobo6560]

I'm almost sure you had a hole in the bag going down under the table, LoL.. Great video!!

[@mookeythepimpthompson6031]

Pablo Lobo Lol

[@rickkrieger4455]

I glue different sizes of pvc pipe together and stand them up in my tool kit. Helps to organize my tools some. I don't know how to add a photo or I would show you.

[@chiebert290]

Clever.

[@BedStuySpy]

Great video. I’m new in the trades and this helped me a lot.

[@Rock1360]

Love it. Laughed so many times. Keep the videos rolling in. Just a suggestion, Try using a pencil on a spring loaded string. They work great. Clip it to the front collar of your tee shirt & it’s always there. You’ll never want to be without one again.

[@hiphopjewels]

Great job, and nice humor too. I enjoyed this.

[@philadelphian]

OMG. Too funny! I teach kids construction techniques. They're going to love this one. Thanks!

[@Robert8455]

Subscribed. I think your a little funny. Yeah I like your snarky sarcasm. Also watched a bunch of your other vids that were pretty good too. I like you man, you're just real and laid back and smart and like a lot of other Canadians. Probably going to buy some of those cool tool thingys you have in your links so I can support ya.

[@Titantitan001]

I use that same hammer and I love it. I only buy that hammer. Everyone I work with uses the same one too lol.

[@TheSlipperyNoodle]

The pink oatey teflon tape is awesome ... costs $5 or $6 a role, but worth every cent.

[@cm01]

The only way in which I really deviate here is that my daily hammer is a smaller 16oz rip hammer and I also like to carry a prybar in addition to the flatbar. I've also gotten away without tin snips and side cutters, my lineman's pliers hate me. And to people just starting out, you can pretty much buy anything that isn't a tape measure or a power tool from harbor freight and never be worse off than the knuckleheads you see on the job with DeWalt pencils and Milwaukee drywall saws.

[@GarwoodNick]

Lol you must work alone. The last time I carried a 16oz hammer on to a job, I got so much crap from other guys that I immediately bought a bigger hammer.

[@tay13666]

You can also find some decent enough tools at the dollar stores. I have a good pair of side-cuts in my electrical tool box, but the other 4 pair I have came from the dollar store. They've worked fine for 2-3 years now. The cheap plastic speed squares are fine for light-duty stuff. Use the good metal one for heavy duty jobs. I've also gotten a lot of my duplicates at yard sales for ridiculously low prices.

[@cm01]

A 16oz fits in my 16 inch bags and I've gotta say I've just never felt it didn't hit hard enough. I don't work alone, and in fact my coworkers also use 16oz. As for other trades on the job, crackhead flooring guys will talk shit about any tool they see but other than that I've never gotten any crap for it.

[@barrym4079]

They give em out with the McCarpenter meal at Mickey Ds.

[@cm01]

You guys crack me up but really I'm using a rubber mallet more than the hammer anyway, it'll spend days on end not leaving the truck. To each his own. For me, it's the 16 oz.

[@davidsepke7105]

Enjoy each and every video. Stay the course VC!

[@patrickmcdonough4211]

You take pride in yourself. Awesome video always.

[@LarryJuan_]

I WATCH YOUR SKATE VIDEOS TOO THIS IS AWESOME I HAD NO IDEA

[@lZEOBA]

Brother!, it is unbelievable how nearly identical our primary tool boxes are!! Seriously!

[@johnjohnson9100]

Estwing hammers can't be beat. I have my grandad's waffle head that's been used so much it's not a waffle head anymore😂

[@billsettles4603]

You're awesome ! Informative and entertaining.

[@rochlapointe8903]

I swear you just came into my truck and got MY tool kit. The only difference is your calking/silicone tubes and I carry a contour thingie for drawing contour of baseboards or odd shapes. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, you seem to be doing a lot of the same type of work I used to (insurance jobs)

[@carltonboehmer5227]

I have a tool bag which I commonly refer to as my "bag of tricks." Alot of times repairs can be considered magic, good times. Thought since we were on the correct tool names thing you should know.

[@sidepocketbetray]

the first one you couldn't think of is called a thingamabob and the other one is called a doohickey

[@johnmurray1682]

A carpenter without a t-bevel? Also a pair of end cutting pliers to use as nail pullers is a most. A few other things that I like to keep in my bag are a small pair of needle nose vice grips for removing stripped screws, a small memo pad for obvious reasons, a variety of pencils, pens and markers, a chalkline, plumb bob, mini hacksaw, line level, safety glasses and ear plugs

[@jondocket7215]

Yeah I got one when I was 13 a 16 oz smooth-faced estwing I still carry to today and I'm 30. I have a 16 oz titanium 16 inch axe handle waffle face for framing.

[@jimcarter4929]

I use same organizer, last time I looked at home defect they had less pockets on them.

[@TheAxecutioner]

I pretty much have nearly the exact same set up as you, except I use a long handle Stanley fully enclosed plastic toolbox (20") for the simple reason that *IF* I need to stand on it for a few seconds to reach a ceiling or fixture that's a foot out of reach, I can stand on my toolbox instead of running outside to get a platform or ladder.

[@dyc9124]

Love it. Very similar to my main tool bag

[@AudwallJay]

I think I'll organize my tools tomorrow. Nice vid

[@billyphelps1611]

“All I know is I haven’t been electrocuted in a while.” I gut laughed here!!! 😆😂

[@alwayslearning3671]

Just inherited a bunch of my dad's tools. I took the ones I remember him using a lot. Left the rest for my nephew. I've been electrocuted a few times. You'd think I'd learn, but I don't. Keeps life interesting.

[@dxman417]

Your username fits this comment so well😂

[@yaboylevi]

RIP Fat Max. Gone but not forgotten.

[@bpmuzik808]

Wow didn't know you had another channel apart from your skateboarding one!

[@aservant2287]

Me: Hey Bro, have you seen my ply bar? Tradesmen: Nope

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I haven't seen your pencil, your tape measure or your olfa either!!

[@aservant2287]

@@vancouvercarpenter lol. Me: wait, that looks like mine. Tradesmen: nope Lol

[@marvinrosil6693]

Love the videos man, glad you’ve been being very consecutive keep it up!

[@chorgzent.3978]

7:14 words of a true sage

[@K13Good]

I’ve been watching your channel for months and have a big curiosity for this type of work but not sure if I should get into it or if it’s to late for me since I’m 25 lol

[@hammertime7349]

That’s a great saying.

[@NspaceN]

You sir, are a bad ass. Your boarding skills are amazing as well as your carpentry. Please make a video on you just skate boarding if you get free time! Thank you for your videos.

[@misstweetypie1]

I believe he has a whole other channel for skateboarding :)

[@NspaceN]

@@misstweetypie1 you're right. The channel is his full name. Thank you!

[@carollshelby500]

Estwing's are awesome!

[@StevenEpting]

John Mullaney is my favorite carpenter that does mostly drywall guy on YT.

[@bribart402]

VC reconsider a framing hammer. i have a Stanley Fat Max wood axe handled framing hammer. it fun to swing that thing around and not tiring. use for framing and demo and when u are just angry at a project. hahaha

[@BoldWittyName]

Him calling us "tool nerds". LOL.

[@stans5270]

I put bright orange duct tape on my tools when working around guys like you. I can see them from across the room.

[@blackh2o1]

I switched to bright orange spray paint because on the commercial sights I'm usually on the tape started mysteriously falling off.

[@douglashelsel]

Great video as always, now for the "tool geek" in me......Dikes AKA diagonal cutting pliers or simply diagonal pliers 😜

[@FloydMarsh]

Nice job.

[@junli3776]

Thanks dude!

[@pnp522]

I still use my dad's 56 year old Stanley 20 oz hammer

[@briancrisler6660]

I still use my great, great, great grandfathers rock attached to a stick with Woolly Mammoth hide. Top that. I also agree that robocalls suck.

[@pnp522]

@@briancrisler6660 not trying to top anyone. It's just fun to use a tool that you used as a kid

[@briancrisler6660]

@@pnp522 yeah, just having a little fun with you. I have a few tools that were my Grandfather's and really wish I had more.

[@pnp522]

@@briancrisler6660 I thought so, those rocks and sticks work really good though

[@venndiagramsandwich]

this is relaxing and funny

[@danhunik7949]

I have seen guys drill 1/4 inch holes and drive two framing nails in to hold wood to concrete.

[@steveschaffer4224]

Maybe zip ties ,chalk line,1/4 socket set too

[@scottaddison8071]

Why the hate? Yes, Professionals should know their tools!!! Don’t be goofy

[@leafnovice7492]

Given how many tools you seemed to have in that bag, .......I think it's time I invested in one !!

[@lexboegen]

That tool bag didn't look all that large, and he kept pulling tools out of it. I was reminded of that little car in a circus where clowns keep coming out of the car.

[@mckenziesmall6275]

The like was for your friend, 👍

[@shas400]

Love this video

[@TheMrDimitri]

Ben, the cutters that you forgot what they’re called - side cutters.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

What's the name of the tool in the black t-shirt? BAZINGA!!!!

[@BrentDarlington]

Lol it's like you are going through my hand tool bag. Kinda weird actually but I guess it makes sense

[@eejuice]

Me too. But I didn't see all the bottom of the bag debris like bent nails, broken drill bits, extra Allen keys, etc... Come to think of it he doesn't really seem like a slob. ... Maybe I'll just go clean out my tool bag.

[@FerrisBueller-sj5sc]

Thank you!

[@degillard]

Fat Max is great because inches on both sides. Very important. Don't get one with metric on one side.

[@LloydBlake89]

Tool box is like Santa’s toy bag

[@jj9papa]

When we’re not looking, lmao, tradesmen 😂🤣

[@jedadiahsmith6003]

Pretty much same kit!!!

[@ImxAdon]

Did you organize this for the video? Mine is a disaster I have to dig through to find what I need

[@cancer2361964]

can you recommend some electrical and cordless tools needed to have with the basic tool box or just basic tools which are electrical based that a carpenter should have in their possession

[@theburritobanditoloco486]

Dear I'm thinking about turning this shed into a living space what main tools do I need please and thank you

[@jimmyfuentes4848]

I subscribed just bc of the joke he made on 12:25😂😂

[@michaelreilly3347]

By chance would you have a link to a decent carpenters belt? I have purchase several from big box and am never happy with them. Either the pockets are closed up so tight you cant get a hand in to grab nails or screws or there is no quick place to clip a tape measure or not the right quantity of small slots for screwdrivers or knife or pencil or whatever. I just can't seem to find a good one.

[@zacharybrown6074]

6 in 1 screwdriver has saved me from going to my car or getting off a scaffold many times and I don't want to know what happens when you loose a bit either...

[@mannysingh4217]

Ben oh Ben I am getting your biggest fan and I am from Abbotsford bc -manny

[@bendaniel6245]

The quickest way to get an answer is to post the wrong answer on KZbin- 30 million people will point out in excruciating detail your every mistake ;)

[@bstevermer9293]

Ben Daniel Hahahahha👍

[@ironslave01]

A guy at work broke his stilleto nail bar last week, waste of monney but they look cool lol

[@galvandavis]

Hahahaha I've been laughing for a good time with this video :')

[@Art416]

That must be one heavy bag with all that stuff in there

[@SteveWrightNZ]

heh, has much-loved hammer :D edit: great concrete anchor tip!

[@CapitolHillHandyman88]

I haven't been electrocuted in a while 😆 I feel you brother.

[@mulldriftyr]

where's your skate tool ?

[@dnickarz]

nice tools.

[@jamsocrane]

not sure If Americans will get this, though we love Americans. I use electrical tape to identfy my screw drivers right away. Red tape Is for number red8 green tape Is for number green,6 black Is for number black 10, Yellow is for number yellow 4. I tape the metal part of the screw driver, not the handle but what comes after the handle and before the tip. Oh for the prince Philip screw driver I go for blue masking tape. America you made the Robbies all yellow and strange numbers. Never going to switch me.

[@kylesgarden8725]

Cool