Carpenters Toolbelt! | Top 10 Tools for UNDER $180

Just starting in construction and don't know what to get? I put this video together showing the essential tools required to be rough carpenter, to save the most money, WITHOUT compromising the quality of your work!
Included is the list and costs of the 10 most essential tools for a framer, as well as an in-depth look at how to set up a toolbelt efficiently
Toolbelt
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Chisel
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Tape Measure
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Chalk Line
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pliers
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Hammer
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Nail Puller
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Utility Knife
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Speed Square
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[@ernieforrest7218]

I am currently 89 years old. I started in the home building industry in 1951. I remained active untill i was 70 years old in the business. When i started most builders werent using any power tools, like circular saws. Framing carpenters would have an open top hand made tool box with about 8” high sides. Length would be about 36”, and the ends would be about 8” higher than the sides and tapered above the height of the sides. The over all size of the box would be about 8” wide and 36” long, again with an open top. There would be a wooden carrying handle attached to the raised tapered ends, and full length of the box. There were no measuring tapes used, all carpenters used folding type rules of 6 or 8’ in length. For longer measurements 50 and 100 ft steel tapes were used. typical tools carried by a framing carpenter in the tool box would be 3 hand saws, one being a large tooth rip saw for things like cutting roof rafters, also an 8 point saw for general cutting of studs to length etc. and a finer cut 10 point saw for things like cutting white pine facia work. The saws would have some type of a protective cover over the teeth. Every carpenter had a hatchet in his box in addition to a hammer. Most framing hammers were in the 20 oz range and had wood handles. Plumb was the most popular brand for both hammers and hatchets. There would also be in the box a combination square, a 24” framing square, and a bevel square. Also a chalk box, a cats paw, and maybe a pair of pliers and a 24” level. But basically that made up all the tools for a framer. The contractor as a rule furnished the longer level used for the framing. There were no speed squares at that time, also no nail guns or power tools other than early type circular saws used by very few contractors. And the box of tools would be carried to and from the vehicle to the actual work place.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Wow that is amazing! Thank you for sharing

[@LOLFLUSHDRAW]

YOU'RE AWESOME ERNIE

[@allthingsawesome2]

Thank you

[@krisallen9194]

It should be against the law for a tool belt to not come with a dedicated speed square slot.

[@jarodreebel6686]

Your definitely a carpenter lol

[@cjsawinski]

I agree 100%… but honestly I never thought much about it because the bags I would buy would have one.

[@qlogic2002]

Had to upgrade one of my bags to get this, one of the best things I've done

[@royordway9157]

This is a good video for they guys who want to get into the trade. I'm that old guy in Maine who loves to watch you guys work. When I started in 1975 we used the cloth nail aprons that had 2 pockets, one for 8's and one for 6's. Our cordless tools consisted of a hammer and a screwdriver. There was one item you forgot in the video and it's very important. Before you take you new tools on the job, be sure to kick them around in the dirt and maybe drop your tape 10' so they don't look new, HA HA.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Totally 😂. I’ve been getting weird looks as I’m using this setup telling people I’m a lead while wearing brand new cheap tools Thanks for watching Roy! Glad you enjoy 🤘🏼

[@jano8257]

My father was a very good tennis player and he use to say:"A racket can not make a good player but a player can make a good racket". Nice video to show the youngest people that the most important thing in any job is enthusiasm ,effort and lowliness.

[@frankmc2602]

Be sure to use the blue chalk when snapping lines on concrete. It's almost impossible to remove the red chalk line from concrete when the job is complete.

[@iplayzthegames6968]

Also if you're snapping lines inside, use blue. I have two chalk lines, a red one for roughing out and a blue for trim such as hand rails and such

[@MAGA_EXTREM1ST]

The smallest estwing trim hammer with the 2x4 rip claw is what i use so i can work twisted lumber its lightweight compact and can fit where large 20 ounce hammers cant

[@cjsawinski]

I have all kinds of different colors for different uses. When framing the best tip I can give is when laying out your walls hit your lines with a can of clear lacquer… the clear lacquer will make those lines permanent and weather proof (so mainly helpful when framing in the winter or a rainy environment).

[@NinjaofApathy]

I have a deep indigo blue is that ok?

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Yep. Someone should have told my concrete guy this!!!

[@dusty7264]

Great choice of basic tools, after year of framing I knew I wanted to make a career out of carpentry. I bought Occidental Leather bags and used them as a finish carpenter, thirty years later with my own finish carpentry business I still use them even when hanging cabinets. The thing about the nail bags is once you get used to where your tools are, switching brands sucks.

[@lilmockme8821]

Worse when your tool bag company goes outta business, Mine were MTM bags...

[@shaneoakley8757]

So funny to me what’s popular. Never mind all the technical aspects of building custom homes. What do people want to see? Tool-belts… and what’s in them! Excellent channel Jarod! I found your channel through Certified Ladder Holder who I found through Perkins Builder Brothers. Great additions to my channel list! 😎

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Glad to have you Shane! Both channels are great guys and great carpenters!

[@shaneoakley8757]

Yes they are! We have a construction company in Hillsborough North Carolina and I spend so much free time watching other people build stuff! Sad and nerdy! Lol!

[@Coffmanconstruction]

@@shaneoakley8757 same here 😂

[@shaneoakley8757]

@@Coffmanconstruction I believe that’s the only way to progress and advance ourselves as builders though. I work with so many people who think they know everything…. That’s tragic because when you reach that point you can no longer grow. I started early like you. I got my first framing job when I was 16 in the summer between school. I’m 49 this year. Framing and building still fascinates me as it evolves

[@Coffmanconstruction]

@@shaneoakley8757 yes sir! Well said!!

[@Spoons7414]

lol the thumbs up from “wife” was great! Also, I recommend occidental pouches if you’re a pro or a homeowner who wants to buy a set for life

[@antt4715]

Have had this exact tool belt for my first year in construction and it is very good. Has pockets for mostly everything you’ll need and the quality holds up. For some reason I could never fit perfectly into mine though so I just upgraded to a leather belt today

[@Themexicancarpenter]

Wow! Excellent video 👌 you guys are pretty awesome, keep the good work as always 👍

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Thank you! Will do!

[@MadAtMax.300Blackout]

I've used a good handful of speed squares in recently I bought that exact Swanson off Amazon and it is perfect I love the extra scribing lines

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Saw the vest, knew the video would be good😂

[@chrismichaud2644]

I broke my wood stiletto for the second time in a year which led me to buying a Vaughan 23 0z. And it's such a good hammer. I used my co-workers worn down t-bone and it felt like a fisher price toy since it was so light while also having so much movement in its handle

[@Assertiveman]

Awesome, You nailed it on what to get first and budgeting , that's exactly what id get starting off

[@ijessup]

clear and informative! 13/10 🎉

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Glad you liked it!

[@ru9368]

Take the Johnson square if you ever plan to do trim. I prefer it over the Swanson when using a fine pencil because the Swanson has ridges along the edge that can cause a ridged instead of a straight mark.

[@IMPACT-NATION]

That’s all my pops will wear is husky bags. 👌👌👌. Nice job on the video brother.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@SILANTKILLER16]

Agree with everything you picked except the hammer and speed square choice. I would have gotten the empire blue $13 square and spent $5 more and gotten an estwing but that’s personal preference I guess.

[@MillennialCarpenter]

Awesome video! Buy the best tools you can afford for the job. Hard to beat the vaughans, stanley tapes, and milwaukee chalk boxes anyway. If It's good enough for Scotty Waddy, then it's good enough for me!

[@nicolasmanacas681]

That hammer detail….👌👌👌

[@user-uq7sr9eb7v]

The Swanson pro (with the book) is where it’s at for normally priced squares. So many more useful functions than any other square for the price range. Also, those chisels don’t have a meta back, Lowe’s, Walmart, and harbor freight all sell the exact same 3 pack but with metal backs and each store changes the color. The cheapest is at harbor freight. And lastly, I personally hate slip joint pliers, I carry the small/medium Irwin vise grips. Best all around pliers. Knipex are obviously better but too expensive to just beat the shit out of haha

[@zhaneheshima]

Great video as always. I'd be interested in seeing an upgraded version of this, where you detail what someone starting to run jobs would need. Like a lead chippy standard set up. Love from Toronto ❤️🇨🇦🔨

[@ChuckLine]

That's a great idea

[@morrisroberts1805]

The belt in this video is the one I first wore when I started. Wore it for a year before I upgraded belts.

[@ItsCedar]

Union Concrete carpenter here. Occidental Canvas bags will endure the bar, ties and weather. But, are heavy and spendy. It’s all preference though.

[@iplayzthegames6968]

Honestly for framing a pica pencil is brilliant. You don't necessarily need a super sharp pencil for framing. With the pica you just take the hassle away of having to spend time sharpening your pencil. Just check your lead in the morning, might have to replace it every two weeks or so

[@01splitpea]

Well done! I subscribed!

[@derekbryant6137]

The next model up from that pouch set I have it and the nail bag on it has the speed square slot it has a small pouch in the back next to the Hammer holder I keep my truck line in that one and the actual Hammer loop on the tool holder pouch I use that to hang cordless nail guns off of

[@cjsawinski]

I’m in Occidental Leather guy myself. Yes they are pricey but they practically last forever (at least th😂 real leather ones do). The synthetic ones I have to admit are lighter and possibly more comfy (at least until your leather breaks in). But I’ve seen so many synthetic bags just not last in the professional world. These days I’m mostly a trim carpenter and don’t even really need bags but I where an occidental “vest”. The vest is awesome, it’s light and doesn’t bother my hips at all. And if I ever need full bags for framing I can attach my old occidental bags right to them for a full kit.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

I’d love to try a vest someday! I tend to sweat a lot, how’s it do with that?

[@cjsawinski]

@@Coffmanconstruction I’ve mostly used the best for finish carpentry and with that use it’s just fine. I would imagine that framing in the summer sun it could get a little sweaty though.

[@mjolnirswrath23]

​​@@CoffmanconstructionMy boss uses the vest. He loves it. He uses on construction jobs and finish carpentry jobs. We do remodeling from commercial to residential to small projects to anything basically I prefer my oxys. I got the fat ones hybrids of leather and nylon. They have been holding up for close to 2 and 1/2 years now. I bought each bag separately and then I put a tactical battle belt setup on them. It actually works better than my old set of gatorback belt for one. I can adjust the belt wherever I want where the gator back you didn't.. Previously I bought three sets of gatorbacks and they did not hold past a year each so I'm happy with the set. I also tend to carry a lot more tools. One of my co-workers took a picture of me while I was working I guess and I had two nail guns hanging off of me, a drill and impact loaded with nails and a clamp secured in my bags so that I could move three by eight material for a deck we were building

[@thietrickster1824]

Pretty wild, I forgot how affordable it is to get into framing. (Best job in the world)! If I remember correctly my stiletto titanium hammer was double the whole set up picked up.

[@teaganpaquette4706]

I have a Martinez M1, Costed more then my bags and rest of my hand tools

[@SP6X6]

Im still happy with my Oxy lites.But im not framing to much these days.Run suspenders and tit hammer and tit paw.For trim I have oxygen belt,single small bag I moded ,left right oxy pouch w/knife holder and hammer loop, custom tape / extra tool, and oxygen phone case on back with couple mountain lion claws added.Real compact and light. I use this to if im stacking log shells.

[@benharmeyer]

All the tools are decent definitely for a starter only thing I will critique is the cats paw that one is junk I use the crescent cats paw the nail spoon is the opposite the estwing and won’t cut your hands when prying hard and the paw angle is so much better for digging nails out. Just my opinion. All in all excellent video..

[@Omarthecrowbar84]

Cool video I’m buy the tool belt now

[@edilsonborges651]

Love the videos brother 😮

[@Patrickmahomie15]

This is kind of an odd question but what jacket were you wearing in this video?

[@ATDDATSME44]

Awesome video bro!!

[@Coffmanconstruction]

I really appreciate it!

[@brianmorgan9365]

Crescent wrench , stair gauges and framing square 📐📏✏️

[@SplashyCannonBall]

Stupid question. The chalk line. Is that for creating a straight line to follow for cutting boards?

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Yes indeed

[@sweetbread9008]

In Oregon we will go thru at least 3 tape measurers in a single winter. That’s if you’re wearing some Grundens, or Norsemen to stay dry. I haven’t figured out how to keep my tape dry tho.

[@mariozarazua81]

Good video. Personally I think a 22 Estwing is the best 1st hammer. Could last you your whole career

[@The40Glock1]

*20oz

[@cjsawinski]

Stiletto (only the wood handle ones though)… can always easily replace the handle when the time comes… I even know a trick for setting hammer heads that and old timer taught me 20 years ago!

[@troycarpenter3675]

20 oz Tru Temper Rocket framer quick balanced and better😊

[@dailyroutine6373]

Really enjoy your vedios Learn a lot But why dont you use screws instead of nails When you do layout to put plates together

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Good point, I think because nails are faster, and we don’t usually have a screw gun nearby when we’re framing to pull them apart 🤷‍♂️

[@myhousehaswheels]

I got my toolbelt at Walmart for $30. Then I covered up the hart logo with an American flag patch. Got a ton of hand tools from there as well. Yeah, it’s Walmart, but hey they work and they’re cheap.

[@alainsalim]

saludos desde mexico monterrey, excelente video

[@donaldpainter956]

I prefer a plumb bob instead of using chalkbox so chalk dont get everywhere and a stringline with a string level use chalkline for popping lines

[@lilmockme8821]

Plumb bob, old school... some chalk boxes doubled as a plumb bob, but werent accurate

[@cainescopes9677]

Have you decided when your giving it away and how? I’m starting the carpenters apprenticeship this summer and could use a lot of the tools to start off.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Hit me up on Instagram and I’ll put you in the running!

[@AlexxMahlum]

Love your videos. Where in CO are you at?

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Castlerock area! We work all over tho

[@Mrmosx1]

Did you ever get a change to do it? I did everything

[@BARB33RIAN]

Do they not have the 30' FatMax Special Edition down there? Kinda surprising, usually there's no special deals for us Canucks that you don't have in the US. That's the tape I always get up here at Home Depot in Canada. It's like $27 CAD (~20 USD) for a 30' wide blade tape. It's cheaper than the 25/30' regular blade tapes unless you get some garbage off amazon.

[@cjsawinski]

Oh and my favorite is seeing all the “contractors” on HGTV wearing their bags backwards lol. Who the hell buckles a belt behind their back?!

[@christophercrowle9753]

Any other guys here from the UK looking at the tool shops thinking shit we need them here?

[@cookdislander4372]

$53 for that belt? :0 itd easily be $250 here in New Zealand. We get ripped off hard bro

[@RucifX]

I found a tool belt on amazon for 10$ on sale would that affect me in the long run because of the brand ? It says its from the KOOYTO Store … or would i actually have to spend a good amount so i get a good brand tool belt?

[@chrisnewbold2348]

What do you use the chisel for?

[@mattdobrovolny4547]

Bro the estwing nail puller is second to only your forged one 😂

[@saulmelara7310]

I need one of those

[@patrickhunt-v8g]

did your wife say you make your own nail puller and are they for sale?

[@Tonka_6.7]

The 19 oz Vaughn is what I use and it’s the best I’ve had it’s better than the 23oz bc of the curved handle but I’d rather my 19oz be 23oz other than that it’s amazing I recommended it to anyone

[@qlogic2002]

I have 2 Vaughan 19oz, with different handle lengths and thicknesses, best hammer I've owned, also haven't had the big urge to go stiletto either haha.

[@RunDMS]

Look at all those tool options! My Home Depot doesn't stock half of them. I blame thieves.

[@tellurdogisaidhi846]

Regarding the utility knife, just want to echo that the flip out ones arent worth it in my opinion. My favorite ones have been the ones from harbor freight that are a little bit bigger, feel more sturdy in your hand (especially with gloves on)... i think it's called the Doyle or something.

[@The.Big.Wiener]

How would you fill a dewalt belt?

[@TheGetRight]

Nice vid

[@jshuaful]

Idk i have been doing construction since 2013 and never use pliers for bolts always a wrench or 1/2” drive big impact

[@chrisdiaz577]

Sometimes it is good to spend a lil bit on tools. It can make a job just a little bit easier

[@Coffmanconstruction]

For sure! But definitely not necessary for someone just starting out

[@richardbeebe6172]

My only beef is you drive a Toyota. 😂 Did framing for about 30 years of my life , I quit it and don’t regret it .

[@bri_guy508]

I want to know more about this catspaw

[@Coffmanconstruction]

I totally forgot to film more about it! But it’s a nice one! I’d highly recommend it, or the dead on tools “exhumer”

[@bri_guy508]

@@Coffmanconstruction I have the stiletto claw bar

[@Coffmanconstruction]

@@bri_guy508 I’ve never used one but they seem awesome!

[@rosieisleng1102]

idk how i feel bout the hammer directly in the back but yea

[@jesslewter382]

Metabo hpt for the win

[@mnight207]

You can use red for layout. But nothing else

[@justinmiller8]

Where is the list?

[@antoniobarros1304]

Parabéns, ótimo vídeo!!!

[@mikebecay151]

Or a tape holder

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Power lock tapes are better than the fatmax. Imo. They retract way better

[@kickyourfaceandlaugh607]

Yeah I call bs. The fat max tapes are so satisfying to retract in and out. Plus your little power lock wouldn’t last after being used in the rain.

[@tommychong1173]

I bought a set of Husky carpenter rig tool belt for $40 twenty years ago ( made by CLC) and to this day I still use it . Had set of $200 Boulder framing rig with three bags got stolen from my truck and the last time I left any of value in the ride overnight . Not only that saw nail gun cords hoses and my fuckin level that reached 18 feet . Learned my lesson that next morning and rest of that day.

[@carl3500]

Fat max is the only tape to buy. Milwaukee dewalt all break in half the time

[@sweetbread9008]

180$ would buy me my cats paw, torpedo level and my calculator. As we age we start to appreciate less vibration from our tools. A 100$ for a cats paw is worth it to me. Titanium baby!!

[@sweetbread9008]

Oh yea. Some might ask. “How can a framer/sider afford to buy such nice tools. Easy answer? I don’t drink anymore. Haha.

[@Sal_needs_Salt]

Wow idubbz is doing construction now.

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

Even the home depots are senic in CO

[@kylemiller4999]

First thing you can sharped your chisels back up easily

[@charlietaulbee4977]

It'd 200 now for that set up

[@zephyr1408]

Good job buddy! I am a finish carpenter a very mature one 64 but I feel great ! Eat good! ! Don’t eat 3 meals eat 2! Stay in shape! Marry a great lady! Hv a boat load of kids! Everyone in the house goes to church! Read your Bible ! Don’t join a cult like Mormons or JW’s ! Just a nice Bible believing church ! You were created! That Bible is Christ’s love letter to YOU BROTHER! So that a two career ! Come to carpentry late in life guy! Oh! Work extremely hard ! Why! Feeds those kids and the Wife , keeps them under a roof! And save some money or if you do another career before this one hv a pension! Now hv fun! Oh I wear an Akibus Tool Belt which I bought after 10 yrs! But 1st I wore all those belts you bought!

[@هيثم-ث5ذ]

❤❤❤

[@bnaccdesign2524]

You mentioned "orange- blue it doesn't matter, they're the same". You missed a BIG opportunity here to educate young framers/tradesman. ALL tradesmen need to support local hardware/building supply stores and lumberyards. You might save a teensy-tiny bit of money going to those big box "do it centers" but you will never get the level of service and personal satisfaction you get from frequenting a local business. They often employ seasoned ex-tradesman who know their sh*t and will get to know you on a first name basis. They know exactly what you do and what you typically buy... and even the stuff you don't like- and they actually care! You'll never get that from the morons sleep-walking around in their orange aprons. These local suppliers are fading and soon they won't be an option anymore. I buy everything from my local building supply/lumberyard, and they always have me covered if I need to replace a tool with something decent or I just need advice on how to tackle a challenging project.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

I totally agree, unfortunately our local stores don’t even sell tools anymore. But we still prefer them for lumber

[@vikingnorm6935]

I’ve used Fat Max 25’ tape measure since a year or 2 after they started selling them decades ago, I made fun of a 2nd year young guy joking with him about the name, then I tried 1 after 4-5 other coworkers started swearing by them, the very next time I needed to replace a tape measure, I bought a 2 pack of Fat Max & have been using them around 40 years now if I had to guess, even use the Fat Max 35 footer for longer measurements, ONLY STANLEY Fat Max or regular Stanley I use, really dislike the company & rest of tools

[@willkincaid5841]

I just wanna know how you got to where you are. I know you worked your ass off this seems like a dumbass question. I work in framing houses and some commercial business. Just wondering how you got there other than busting ass working 80 a week.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Learning as much as possible and asking for growing opportunities always!

[@carl3500]

Never trust any level that's not stabilla

[@ShotaXaratishvili-lc6lg]

Fcvjცგხყბხჯცჰჯცჰფხგეგჰბხჰდჰცგიცცჯ.,(ჰზო bo kc;

[@matthewmoscozo8865]

Carts are for weak people 7:58 Him; 4:41

[@dennybirchfield]

No hammer or square

[@BlakeWeirick-r4s]

Ya lost me at using a torpedo for anything 4 ft and under....more like...anywhere you can't fit a good 2 ft level... perhaps on a 4 ft 2x4 you could use idk.....a 4 ft level?

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Sure, I could also use a torpedo though hahah

[@BlakeWeirick-r4s]

@@Coffmanconstruction nooooo 🙈🙉🙊🤣

[@MandEmma7]

@@BlakeWeirick-r4sit’s not usually a big deal unless it needs to be super perfect. You can use it all along the board.

[@MandEmma7]

I do like my 1.5 foot level allot though

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

practical setup without a lot stuff that you don't use every day.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Exactly! It’s been great the last few days I’ve been using it! Never didn’t have enough to get the job done

[@matryan3532]

No snips?

[@Coffmanconstruction]

I only use them maybe once every few months?

[@matryan3532]

@@Coffmanconstruction that makes sense. I use them almost everyday, but I do a lot more trim stuff

[@westcoaster3763]

I don't see any snips on your channel?

[@bearlaceration8971]

Your attention to detail isn't good if you only think colors are the different between stores.

[@Coffmanconstruction]

Agreed, let’s call it humor 👌

[@marcnunez2515]

@m.Nunez1970 🙏🏽🇺🇸