12 Tools Under $20 Every Woodworker Needs

These must have woodworking tools are all under $20! Pick up these cool tools to help you with your DIY & woodworking projects.
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9’ Tape Measure - amzn.to/3V5txeS
9’ Tape Measure 3pack - amzn.to/3FRoe8n
Pica Mechanical Pencil - amzn.to/3P3069h
Pica White Lead - amzn.to/3Vahnl7
Flexible Tool with magnet - amzn.to/32Y0D7C
Telescoping Magnet tool - amzn.to/3pLdEdF
Spring Nail Set - amzn.to/48LeXwa
Auto Center Punch - amzn.to/3mJ2vIj
Spray Paint Trigger Handle - amzn.to/31mlFMI
Snap Off Utility Knife - amzn.to/3ziQ3DW
Ice Picks - amzn.to/3FGMqKB
Jimmy DiResta Ice Pick - imakeny.com/pr...
Flush Trim Saw - amzn.to/3zkJ6lV
Vaughn Bear Saw - amzn.to/2JVrWBD
Tongue Depressors - amzn.to/3eGpiQr
Blunt Tip Syringes - amzn.to/3qJaGFy
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[@Fixthisbuildthat]

NEW VIDEO based on your comments 8 Tools Under $20 YOU Said to Buy - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpWTe52ih9uWY7c

[@buzzbbird]

link for the 1-2-3 blocks?

[@douggauthier4768]

Mastercraft utility blade us cool asf, knife to scraper is awesome

[@willneisler7247]

Definitely in the "Get you weird looks" category: Trashy red lipstick. Seriously, you can use it as transfer paint for marking mounting holes to walls. Dab a bit on the keyhole mounts and press (kiss) it to the wall, pull away. And your marks (smooches) will show you exactly where to put those mounting screws.

[@marvthecarpenter]

This tip also works really well for marking doors when the latch and strike plate are misaligned. However I've been told not to get too cheap as they are waxy and won't actually transfer anything, and the pricy ones are made to not come off. You gotta find that happy place in the middle.

[@Chhesterification]

@@marvthecarpenter brand: Revlon color: cherries in the snow That's a classic red lipstick.

[@lancelavallee8119]

I use ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise packets. Depending on colour I Ned to apply to.

[@coreyz.2800]

Possibly the most obvious "must have under $20" is the speed square. Straight lines, angles, short measurements, it can do a lot. And not just for drawing the straight line but you can also butt the sideplate of your jigsaw or circular saw against it for perfectly square cuts. Depending on the size you can also get a contour duplicator for under $20 and this is an invaluable tool if you find yourself needing to make a complex cut to fit around something. A couple more great tools to have on hand that you can usually find really cheap (even dollar stores will have them) is sanding sponges and sponge brushes. Sanding sponges are great for contours as they mold into the shape pretty well while still keeping fairly even pressure throughout. And sponge brushes are useful for applying stain, clearcoat, and higher viscosity paints that tend to dribble off of bristle brushes. And as someone who has had wood chips, sawdust, and flakes of fiberglass fly into his eye while working on various projects over the years easily the most important tool you can get for under $20 is a good pair of safety goggles and/or a plastic face shield. Yea, these aren't as "cool" or "fun" as a lot of other tools out there but it's far better to look dorky than to have fragments scratching your eyeball from the inside.

[@dboyd462]

Why take a tape measure to the hardware store? I just grab one off the shelf real fast if I need to measure something🤷‍♂️😂

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Oh yeah, I've done that a time or two or ten 😂

[@JCWren]

In the Lowe's I frequent, the lumber department is at one end of the store, and the hand tools (like tape measures) are at the far end. While exercise is a good thing, I'd rather not have to trot across the store just to grab a tape measure. So, yeah, I take one with me.

[@comsigninc]

Just don’t instinctively put it in your pocket..

[@akbychoice]

So you are the guy that leaves the tape measures all over the place.

[@natemartinez4595]

Sometimes the tapes are on the other side of the store

[@Geoff_W]

I would add 1-2-3 blocks to this list. SUPER useful, and you can pick one up for ~$20.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Great addition!

[@Alex-rf1md]

I love 1-2-3 and metric 25-50-75 blocks, they can space, act as a small straight edge or square and a lot more

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

You'd be surprised how many things from the craft room are helpful in the woodshop (and vice versa). When I upgraded some of my quilting rulers to some that don't slide on fabric as easily, I took the old ones to the shop. They are awesome! You can see through them to line up marks, they have graph dotted lines all the way across them, 3 to 5 inches wide and the longest ones I took out there are 24 and 36 inches long! I also have some tiny ones too. They also have several angles marked on them as well. Additionally, I find washi tape, repositionable double sided tape, and card stock handy in the woodshop.

[@Elymyntal]

I love your quilting ruler tip MissBeans, it's actually brilliant! Now I have even more reasons "caugh" excuses to go quilting ruler shopping :)

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

@@Elymyntal glad to help! 🤭

[@lancelavallee8119]

Painters 5-way. I'm not a painter, but this tool is so versatile. I use it every day. It does so much. Once you start using one, you'll wonder how you functioned with out it before. I'm 40 years in construction. Have to say this is the tool I make sure is in my pouch.

[@garyoa1]

Agreed. I do a lot of finish work so I never realized how much I needed this gadget. Sure beats a screwdriver for opening a can of poly. (that blew me away) Not to mention it's other uses. There's a reason it's called a 5 way. 😃

[@andrew_gardner]

Used the extended claw in the Air Force all the time. We called them "mechanical fingers" and they're great for grabbing stuff from the deep dark corners of an F-16 cockpit... I'm reliably informed lol

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

hahaha, I can only imagine. Thank you for your service!

[@jonnyjl345k7]

That moment of shame and embarrassment when you have to ask someone on the ground to hand you the fingers, magnet, and a mirror…

[@andrew_gardner]

@@jonnyjl345k7 I always loved when you go after a bolt and pull out two nuts and some safety wire instead

[@muhhamad786]

@@andrew_gardner Will have to do the echo test to find it? 😂

[@jaypeay1941]

I too was in the USAF and used the claw tool. Worked on radar set on F-101 fighter. It had a shelf that some of our radar equipment sat on that was in the nose cone. Amazing how many tools I was able to find under there with the claw.

[@richpeggyfranks490]

Hey, Brad. I enjoyed your practical selection of cheap tools. For mixing stuff in small containers, I use plastic knives. Anyone who uses plastic flatware for get-togethers, picnics, etc., buys a combo package of forks/spoons/knives. The forks and spoons get used, but the knives just sit there. So, I ask for the (inevitable) left-over knives and have never needed to spend any of my hard earned cash for them. They are just the right size and stiffness. Also, the back side is slightly less rounded and can scrape the corners of your container. Try it out.

[@michaelgriffith3385]

I use chopsticks I have left over from Chinese food. Great for mixing, stirring stain, etc.

[@lancelavallee8119]

The spoons and forks have used as well. The spoons are great for molding caulk and other applications, like Bondo for repairs. The fork tins cut off work great for filling stripped screw holes.

[@BillLaBrie]

If you’re near an ikea, their “baby flatware” sets are worth the minimal cost. I use the knife and spoon for almost everything from spreading epoxy to separating parts without scratching them. They’re sturdy and won’t shatter.

[@robvegart]

4 of these items can be had from dollar general, dollar tree, family dollar, or just about any dollar store... The pop sticks, the syringes, the snapoff blade knife, a screw driver. I agree with this vid, as i have used 18 of these items as mainstay tools and implements that can be had for under $20....

[@719vol]

Papermate Sharpwriter pencils. -Cheap -Disposable -“spring loaded” tip prevents premature breakage. Best I’ve found.

[@drubee3182]

Dude, quit making these videos. I'm watching them all day and my honeydo list isn't getting done. You're videos is just what I need, keep it up!

[@Daynaleo1]

One of my favorite less expensive tools is the Nicholson 4 in Hand rasp/file. It has always been in my tool set whether I need to clean up a notch in wood, smooth an edge of sheetrock, or sharpen a point.

[@buddythompson5284]

I found that the claw device works really well for unclogging sink & tub drains.

[@andrew_gardner]

Just scary the things they'll pull out, hair collects some funky friends in a bathroom sink haha

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I love those plastic pull strips with the teeth too

[@williamellis8993]

That claw device is marketed by Menards as a drain clog remover.

[@jeffhatcher6585]

Auto-hole punch is a great tool. Also really good for keeping in your car for emergencies. Used to be an aircraft engineer in the Navy, and these auto hole punches are ideal for metal work, but also for breaking through strengthened glass in an emergency without a hammer and in a tight place where you can’t swing one. Worked crash rescue and it is a really handy to get through a window in an emergency .

[@sircurlyfries1326]

great... your telling everyone ez ways to break windows

[@michaels3972]

Great ideas, Brad! I pick up old hand mixer blades at yard sales, Goodwill and similar other second hand stores. They are great in a cordless drill for mixing small amounts of drywall compound is a mud tray, larger batches of two part epoxy in a coffee can or other two part compounds. The nice part is they are cheap, so if lost or ruined, they are easily replaceable from my box of spares.

[@squarelevelplumb]

I used them in my drill press for mixing paint.

[@MrTPF1]

Oh -- so you're not supposed to use your wife's mixer and clean it up real good before she gets home? LOL!!

[@mcouture8169]

@@MrTPF1 That video would appear on the "Break This Divorce That" KZbin channel.

[@billparrish4385]

The tongue depressor idea got me to thinking, for years I've kept a box of wooden toothpicks around the shop (flat and round), as well as a bag of bamboo skewers (like round toothpicks, only bigger) and wooden coffee stirrers (like skinny popsicle sticks). These all have a variety of uses, with mixing, filling, even small-project doweling.

[@stuartbennett1163]

i like to use ice-cream sticks in the UK. after the kids have eaten the ice-cream i just was the wooden sticks and they are really usefull for stirring and absolutely free

[@gamer2101]

I use wooden coffee stirrers like crazy. They are so helpful

[@countrymagic61]

As far as using the claw to reach for things, I just used mine yesterday (1/2/2022) doing some wiring for my brother in his Toyota FJ. However, I did not use it to reach for things...I used as a fish t help run wires in and up under his dash. Came in really handy and made the project go along much easier. With the snap off blade/cutter, I get mine from Harbor Freight. Comes in a 3 pack of different sizes, or you can get each one individually. Good tips!

[@no_handle_required]

That irwin saw is DA BOMB. It's absolutely worth every penny and twice that.

[@BillMacfarlane]

The other end of that spring loaded nail set is actually a center punch, replacing the next tool on your list 😎

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

they make that version as well. Mine is double nail sets. Now I wish I had the other one, lol

[@FixitFred]

Definitely add Dental scraper/picks. They are handy for everything and come in different shapes. If you ask you dental office they will usually give you ones that one side broke for free. I use them way more than ice picks. They are great for woodworking and mechanic work. You can even get them brand new at princess auto for about $3 each but they are not the quality of a dentists office ones

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

I'll be darned. I would never have thought about that!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Clever, I like that

[@compunurse]

That screwdriver from your grandfathers is, if I’m not mistaken called a perfect handle screwdriver. I saw somebody do a restoration on one once on KZbin. You’re right. There are a tank. Heavy duty metal blades full length tangs and the handle shape is tremendous. Allows a good grip and gives good leverage. They’re quite collectible as I recall. Of course I know you’re not going to sell your grandfathers. I’ve got a bunch of my grandfathers tools in my basement. I hardly ever use them, but I love seeing them and knowing that they’re there. Reconnect me to him a little bit as we spent some time in the shop at his house.

[@icekohl]

Hand Tool Rescue makes giant new ones.

[@chucknorris2952]

Have an old one (think 30s). The word "phoenix" is stamped on it, in tiny letters. Found it while i was digging outside my house. It sits very good in the hand, as you said👍

[@TCruz-ds7sk]

Best tool for under $20 I have ever found is my little Pencil Zingy! It attaches to a construction pencil with a retractable string so I never lose my pencil again! Might be the best tool I own!

[@richiethebartender]

As a lifelong bartender, I love to see you using an ice pick in your shop. One of the best bar tool tips I ever had was to use a carpenters mallet when cracking ice! Much we can learn from each other ;-)

[@sgsax]

I have an old "lead holder" drafting pencil that I like to use in the shop. I got it at least 30 years ago with a sharpener. In my college town, it's really easy to get refills for it. For folks in the Midwest, your local farm supply store is a great place to find inexpensive syringes with various guage needles. They're handy for squeezing in glue where you need it as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

sounds cool

[@HickLif3]

Drafting pencils are also a lot less bulky too. they're awesome

[@meperson]

One of my favorite cheap toolsis Milwaukee 6 ft. Keychain Tape. It has both metric and imperial and is super compact and less than five bucks. Another great tape is self lock evolution tape - all tapes should be like that!

[@thelastgriffinlord8045]

I work at an assembly line building industrial trailers so I need heavy duty tools, but I work in both framing and finishing. Wearing a belt while doing finishing work is a pain, so this list of handy simple tools is great. All of this can fit in my pants side pockets

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yes, I love the small gems

[@jvaldeuxo]

For the tongue depressor: Get your household a nice set of metal chopsticks and save the wooden chopsticks from takeout. They make for the best fine mixing tools. They're tapered on one end and flat on the other.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Nice tip! I have some chopsticks form my travel in China that I always use. Just don't eat enough Chinese takeout :)

[@randallthomas5207]

Stanley 33-115 10-ft tape measure. It fits in your watch pocket, so you actually have it with you most of the time. And, it has a diameter scale on the back, so you can check pipes, etc. One, comment on the syringes: the more viscous the fluid the smaller syringe you want, with a larger bore, smaller number size, needle. A syringe that is twice as big takes four times as much push on the plunger to develop the same internal pressure. Because when you double the size the area increase by the square of the 2, giving an area 4 times as large.

[@Makerr8]

One of my most used "tools" is a scrap piece of leather that I use as a strop. It cost less than $5 and I can use it on a flat surface to hone my chisels or curve it to work on my carving gouges.

[@steveeure5975]

Brad, I also use syringes for intricate glue applications. They are great if you inadvertently wind up with a small crack or opening where it's hard to apply glue. Thanks for all the tips.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Syringes are so useful - I have a range of sizes from 1ml to 50ml

[@mbrymckinney1]

I’ve been using my Grandpa’s Workmate, Skilsaw and plane since he passed away in 2017. I think of him every time I use those tools.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Feels good doesn't it?

[@mbrymckinney1]

@@Fixthisbuildthat absolutely

[@lafamillecarrington]

I'm just passing some of the tools I got from my dad on to my son.

[@southridgeraider]

I don't know if someone else has said it, but the Pica is also very good to mark through a hole, especially if you need to mount something to the wall. The small shaft makes it really easy (given that the hole is big enough).

[@normferguson2769]

50 years ago we used that same pencil leads in mechanical pencils for drafting. Good to see someone has reinvented the concept for woodworkers!

[@MrMcTavishOBS]

A transfer punch is nice to have. I just bought a set from harbor freight for $9. I always have trouble transferring the exact center of a hole on to wood/metal for caster or a name plate and those put the indent smack dab in the center.

[@joelesko3267]

All great pics but I have to say Handy shims are simply amazing!!!! you get for different sizes and are extremely useful when doing cabinet drawers. I have them all over my shop and they are cheap and reuseable!. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! Thanks so much for all the inspiration and education you continue to bring to this maker community!!!!

[@nancywitcher2641]

Thanks for this video. I already have most of these. Two items that are a must in my workshop are Magnetic Parts Holder Bowls (4 inch or 6 inch are very handy) and a Magnetic Tool Holder (18 inch(. Both are used to keep small tools, screws, drill bits, etc. handy when I am working on a project. I also keep the small syringes that I get from the vet for giving meds to my pets. Very handy.

[@shanechepren8119]

I would add a 1-2-3 Block and I am surprised you didn’t mention this, a small notebook. I use this for writing ANY measurements down when I am walking back and forth in the shop or running to Lowes for things.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I've gotta grab one of those 1-2-3 blocks, don't have one

[@Not_TVs_Frank]

@@Fixthisbuildthat Wen sells an inexpensive 1-2-3 set. They are meant for metalwork, so that means that even the jankiest ones are precise enough for woodworking.

[@DeputatKaktus]

Coffee stirrers are also highly useful. You can of course stir and mix with them, but you can also use them in model making for anything wooden like little crates, walls or roof shingles.

[@codacreator6162]

The advantage to coffee stirrers is you can always use them for coffee if nothing else. 😀

[@johnnieblackburn3182]

Packs of popsicle sticks from the dollar store are great stirrers for smaller needs.

[@alkalinedale]

When my grandpa passed a few years ago, his old wooden handle ice pick is the one thing I took from his shed.

[@DonryuRaiden]

saw the picture, saw the green pencil, looked in my toolbox. Its one of my alltime favs!

[@joannamartin1003]

Straws! For getting glue out of tight spaces. Loved your ideas and already apply many of them. I’m adding that pencil to my wishlist. Thanks!

[@jaypeay1941]

Brad, great ideas. I bought a simple tire tread depth guage a few years ago. I use it to measure hole depths when drilling and it comes in handy for several other purposes. Probably can pick one up at the auto parts store for $5 or less. Jaypeay

[@BobboMax1]

I favor an old-fashioned folding rule for a depth gauge- the fancy ones have a little sliding ruler built in. Also handy for getting accurate inside measurements. And it fits conveniently in the lower left hand pocket of Carhartts.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

What a clever idea!

[@Sadowsky46]

Why not use calipers for depth measurements?

[@tof3275]

Use a quarter, and stick it in the tire groove which should cover the raised edge, IF you can see the raised edge then it's time to renew that tire, cheaper than a $5 gauge and you get to keep the quarter.

[@bobbysquinch5085]

I too got an ice pick from my grandpa when he passed.

[@BoomKing69]

I literally bought that deWalt 9’ tape measure a couple weeks ago for the same purpose. It’s awesome for measuring furniture in a store to determine if it’ll fit your space. Just measure the space before you go to the store, throw it in your pocket and off you go!

[@cj5mrt]

If you like the snap blade knife, check out the ones made by Olfa. I've had one for well over 20 years and it's still going strong.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yeah, I've heard Olfa is nice

[@glennryzebol4472]

The day is started woodworking was the day i started making my own stir sticks for mixing. Always a scrap around to be used for that purpose. :)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

The day I bought stir sticks was the day I cleaned up my scraps, hahaha

[@glennryzebol4472]

@@Fixthisbuildthat lol. Nice.

[@matthewbryant4677]

I keep plastic straws on hand to help clean squeeze out for glue/finish in tight corners

[@richardt2905]

Well that was fun! I kept stopping the video and adding crap to my cart...you cost me about 120 bucks... haha! Awesome video my friend!!

[@skeid21]

A good utility knife is a must! My favorite is the Olfa XH-1 as it has a rachet lock for the blade. Absolutly won't slip open or closed.

[@greekveteran2715]

Olfa XH-1 can also use their 25mm saw blades, that are both flash saws, and general use saws, for different materials and not only wood! Great for plumbers, woodworkers even painters can use this from time to time. I love Olfa, they are tthe inventors of the snap of blades, so I guess they aere easily the best brand! Only problem is, which utility knife to get,because they make a ton of different styles, that all do one or 2 more jobs, that the other snap of utility knives don't!! PS They also make the blade saws, in 18mm but be careful, because these look very similar, to their serated blades, which is a completely different style of blade.

[@colinmartin9797]

The only thing you forgot to mention about the Pica is that its leads write on WAY more things than regular graphite. It'll write on PLASTIC. That thing is freaking magic.

[@johnhewetson4406]

Great Video Brad. As a mechanic I have used the telescoping magnet and claw for many years. Also use the spring loaded centre punch on a daily basis. Some of your viewers might be interested to know that the centre punch is also a great thing to take if you are driving on ice. We go ice fishing and the concern is that if you go through the ice and don't have your window you can't open the door. One punch with the centre punch and the widow will crystalize, then you can crawl out and also use the punch as a pick to crawl back up on the ice. Hopefully you never need to use it but better safe than sorry.

[@randygebhart6560]

As a mechanic, the magnet and grabber have saved me so many times.

[@5055hunter]

For really small (Dixie cup or smaller) mixing, I use coffee stir sticks (wood, not plastic) even less waste than popsicle (senior tongue depressor) sticks.

[@marilynmoore6752]

Brad great video, my husband uses flat and round toothpicks, flat to spread glue inside wooden wheels, the round as small dowels, also he uses yougart cups to put wipe on poly or water based paint like delta cream coat or folk art brand when this dries in the cups you can simply peel it out and reuse these again

[@loki112000]

14-1 painters tool is the best tool I’ve ever owned. So versatile

[@bassstellar]

I have a STANLEY 6-1/16-inch Wood Handle Scratch Awl that I bought at Home Depot that is arguably my most favorite and most used tool in my shop! For those who liked the ice pick tip.

[@SonnyDelicious]

I call the claw pick up tool "the total recall" tool

[@fretless05]

There is a hardware version of the icepick called a scratching awl. They are similar in build and look, and can be bought relatively cheap ($5-6 on Amazon). Some other tools I use a lot and are pretty cheap are some calipers and a compass.

[@mpmfr]

You may also look for a pick tool (or as the cringy name, dental tools). Very helpful to have around the shop/home. 🤟😎👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Great tip, thx

[@lynn858]

This is proving really useful for figuring out what a bunch of the "what IS this thing" and/or "how are you supposed to use this?" going through second hand shops and the shop that sells broken packages and returned items.

[@nickalfonso4122]

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve taped a sharpie to an extension cord and whipped it in circles. Works every time. Especially since the sharpies are always standing up on my bucket organizer

[@kimberlydubois7245]

Great video thanks! I’m always looking for the perfect gift for my father. He enjoys wood working and has all the tools he needs.However, these “gadgets” are unusual or used in unusual ways and so would make a great little gift basket. Maybe I’ll even couple the basket (probably small tool box) with a link to your video. I’m definitely gonna get my woodworkers gift box going. Thanks again for the gift inspiration! And thanks to your followers- Looking through the comments for more ideas to add.

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Great ideas for things we can't live without!!! I've got many of these already and just got the Pica Pencil and white leads for Christmas. I've put several of your ideas on my wish list and will be purchasing them. Thanks for the tips!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks, Lori!

[@bobmeister51]

Pica Pencils are great especially the different colors. However when you drop the pencil the black lead will break.

[@SawdustmakerLori]

@@bobmeister51 Thanks for the info! I'll have to be careful not to drop the pencil. I work a lot with walnut so I'm especially looking forward to using the white leads. Have been getting white art pencils but they don't stay sharp long at all.

[@AFmedic]

When you showed the "Nail Set" it made this 71 yr old start to quiver & shake from traumatic memories. My Dad's business was Finish Carpentry & Custom Cabinets and starting at the age of 8 my job, was to follow behind him and set nails in Base Boards & Moldings. This was before the fancy nail guns so EVERY nail had to be set. LOL

[@lvinzant6614]

At Harbor Freight they have a handy tool, Acid Brush. You can get a bag of 36 of them for under $3.00. It’s a 1/2” horse hair brush that is great for spreading small amounts of glue, paint, etc. and affordable enough to toss when done.

[@csimet]

An icepick is very useful for starting screw holes exactly where you want them, as well as marking locations for them. I keep one handy at all times.

[@theRhinsRanger]

Theres a shop tool for this, an Awl

[@oddoneout1835]

Under $20 though? I'm not looking this up.😗

[@ModernRemade]

Great tip on the mini tape measures! Just this morning as I was trying to find mine and was thinking “why the heck don’t I just buy a few more??”

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Oh yeah, I bought one then bought three more, lol

[@Supra_Na96]

I have to say not only do you show great finds and information but you definitely know how to keep those of us who tend to drift off when we hear “squirrel” interested.

[@Supra_Na96]

I believe it’s compared to the Dewalt version that’s $27

[@jarfirst]

Love it when a Brad asks, "What's in the box?"

[@jimithompson7442]

I do carry a small tape when I'm out thrifting. I would suggest getting the disposable box knives from harbor freight. They're much cheaper and the quality and comfort of use seem to be on par. Also check out the 3 inch circular saws. They're about 20 for most brands and work great for small projects and tasks. I do a lot of trim work and it's super handy to make small adjustments without traipsing out to the big saw to adjust a bit of chair rail by a small fraction.

[@robertajohnson3671]

The claw has chosen

[@rappeezy]

I just bought 75% of this list and it's so cheap there's no guilt. Thanks!

[@BenNawrath]

The spring loaded nail set is awesome. They make one that’s more like a flat punch specifically for door hinges also.

[@craigesmith4835]

Awesome tips along with these cheap tools thank you. And well done on trying to use the metric system 🙂

[@LordOfTheSnoop]

A great cheap penetrating wood finish for small project is leather dye. It goes on really well and gives you a deep penetrating finish. You can get something like Fiebing's Leather dye for $10.

[@martinhoude3518]

Nice video! It'd be nice if prices were this low in Europe... That spring loaded punch cost me about 40 USD...And it feels weird to see only inches on a measuring tape (I'm Canadian...used to see both systems everywhere) From an experienced (in a lab) guy working with VERY small volumes: to avoid foamy tiny bubbles in the syringes, fill them without the needle on. This will prevent a lot of foaming inside the syringe, as it keeps the opening bigger and doesn't squeeze too much liquid at once through a very tiny opening (it also lets you pull much faster). The more viscous a liquid is, the slower you need to pull (and push) it. Put a little more than needed, then attach the needle. Get the inevitable bubbles (that's the dead volume) in the needle, push them out and push back the excess liquid back in the bottle (not in the air like all the TV shows and movies) until the desired volume. If your stain is REALLY precious, get a syringe with a low dead volume. If you wonder what the dead volume is, it's what is needed to fill the needle and the part of the syringe holding it. Some syringes have the plunger go right to the needle to mitigate that. Needle gauges also work in reverse: the higher the number, the lower the size.

[@GlennBrockett]

I have the spring set and the back side is for center punching. Given how often I use the nail set part, I think the punch/set combo is better.

[@BeauChampion]

Brad, check out the flush cut saw that JKM sells. It has a zero tooth set so that it doesn't scratch up the piece you are cutting against. I love mine!

[@jaketheriprrr]

Rare earth magnet stud finder. Best tool ever.

[@Na7ure]

The Dixie cups are a great one! I own/operate a custom IT company and we use them to hold organize the super tiny fasteners on projects all the time and then If we have to pause and wait for parts we’ll label and stack them so whoever picks that project back up has some direction

[@BobboMax1]

I like the idea of using one of those spring nailsets for removing hinge pins. Not having to swing a hammer next to a door is well worth the price of admission.

[@69injunjoe]

Good luck with that. The Tool looks weak .

[@BobboMax1]

@@69injunjoe I've always been skeptical about those spring nailsets, but they seem to work and if they do, they look a lot easier than a hammer and standard nailset. If the spring ones can sink a 15 gauge nail, it seems reasonable they can loosen and drive a hinge pin. I'll let you know...

[@69injunjoe]

@@BobboMax1 I find the current pre-hung doors from the box stores are all twisted and never square anymore. Hinges are all under stress from poor workmanship.

[@69injunjoe]

Out of 12 doors had to return 3 for improper hinge depth from top to bottom. Poor workmanship.

[@BobboMax1]

@@69injunjoe Ahhh, but the good news is those 5/8 finger-joint jambs are so flexible that it's easy to warp them straight, plumb and square again if you have enough shims and time.

[@mikethompson4336]

Brad, small craft stick/popcycle sticks are great stirrers also. A bar of soap for screw lubrication. I have a magnetic wristband to put nail screws bits at a reach. Small LED flashlights for people like me with aging eyesight. You can do a new segment of viewer suggestions. love your shop and builds.

[@seanbrotherton542]

My fingers don't get tired with spray cans but I always end up with a well coated fingertip. Yeah I dont know...I'm now in the market for that spray cap!

[@monicastewart6077]

Bought the pica pencil set as stocking stuffer for my daughter, in electrician apprenticeship program, and one for my son, who is a heavy equipment operator owns own business. They both read reviews and stated will definitely come in handy.

[@darrinlindsey]

A box cutter is only a box cutter, when you're using it to cut boxes. It's a Utility Knife!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

fair point

[@egbluesuede1220]

Great tip on the syringes...I guess in this case literally. I'm doing some chip carving that I wanted to try filling in with colored epoxy and I think you just saved me from making a huge mess! And I'll double down on the vintage ice picks. I find these all the time at tool swaps in that nasty bucket of crap for $1. I love em.

[@brianfreland9065]

Those magnetic poles are nice. I always forget I have one when I need it but the ONE time I did use it, it was GREAT! 🤣

[@lucashunnisett3066]

You can get jumbo paddle pop sticks for $2 aud at cheap shops and craft stores so that’s probably a cheaper option to consider

[@MCsCreations]

Really excellent tips, Brad! Thanks a lot! 😃 What I like to keep around is one of those BIG syringes (I don't know, they must be more than 1 inch thick) with grease for the machines. It usually comes with a plastic tip that closes it very well. Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

great tip, Happy New Year!

[@scottsimpey2965]

Some great stuff there Brad. Another awesome mechanical pencil that I would highly recommend you check out is the Pentel Graph Gear 1000 mechanical pencil, you can get in various led sizes. What’s I find is especially nice about them is that the little metal tip at the end that the led comes out from can be retracted by pushing the clip so should you drop the pencil you don’t have to worry about it being ruined from the tip being bent or broken off. I’ll definitely be picking up one of those mechanical pencils that you showed however as I like the idea of the much larger led and the option of different colored leds, I’m sure that they are great for on rough wood. Thanks for sharing.

[@coreylahey7344]

true, i use something similar to what you're talking about. I have a 5.6mm mechanical pencil, found 2 of them for $12 on amazon. very nice to mark with and it's basically impossible to snap the lead,

[@carlcox7332]

Those 2mm mechanical lead holders are also great when you need to transfer/ mark hole locations through existing holes. They're actually marketed for that specific purpose on Amazon.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

+1 to the ice-pick. use it ALL the time.

[@TheEdsousa]

hahahaha Brad, you look like a magician with your magic box. very good.

[@terrmaso]

Great video, always like to see alternate uses for tools. Favorite tape measure is the 16' Fastcap. Length covers everything I do and the built in pencil sharpener is a plus. The front face also has a writing surface in case you need to write measurements. My favorite pencils are the Pentel Graphgear. You can get them from a .3 - 1.0 lead size. The thinnest I use is a .5, which doesn't work as well on rougher wood. I am leaning heavily towards a marking knife as part of my collection. Love my center punch, I am now going to look for an ice pick. I have ideas for additional uses for it. I usually keep short thin cut-off pieces for my stir sticks. I have an old poster tube cap I store them in. Syringes for epoxy is an awesome method. I used that technique when making coasters that had a split down the enter that resembled a lightning bolt. Keeps the epoxy where you want it 👍 Thanks for the great content.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I recently picked up a FastCap fractional/metric combo tape and it's great

[@pantherman4699]

@@FixthisbuildthatI have a FastCap PSSR25 25 Foot Lefty/Righty Measuring Tape - I love that I can measure on either side of it. I never use metric, so it works well for me. ;)

[@RickInMaryland]

I buy six-inch tounge depressers at the craft store. I think they're cheaper than medical-grade.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Good call

[@billymachner7551]

You can buy silicone covered ones that are reusable too.

[@KyleVeatch]

I use tongue depressors and wooden skewers all the time! Stirring paint and finish. Using them as shims. Stick a skewer in a oversized screw hole when you put a new screw in.

[@jenniferford2067]

I recommend buying pop a point pencils instead of regular mechanical pencils. You can buy a display pack for very little but the lead is heavier and can be replaced often.

[@BoulderSteve]

Great tips. Thanks! I find tongue depressors too wide for mixing in small quantities. I usually use craft sticks which are essentially popsicle sticks. They are a much more convenient size for me.

[@mammothfilms]

I was coming here to state the same.

[@orazha]

Thanks for the great ideas. I noticed that you could save your pencil sharpness if you learned a skill that used to be used by draftsmen, architects, designers, etc., though I suspect that now they use computers instead. If every time you draw a line with a pencil you spin the pencil between your fingers, you will get a more precise pencil line and maintain the sharp point longer. Once you learn the technique, you'll find yourself spinning the pencil naturally.

[@timdouglass9831]

Great tip! When I learned mechanical drawing back in the dark ages we were taught to file a flat side on the pencil lead. That flat went against the straightedge so your line was exactly on the edge. We had little popsicle-stick-like things with fine sandpaper on them for a quick touch-up. I don't know if that was a common practice, but spinning the pencil sounds like a simpler solution.

[@texputter7928]

@@timdouglass9831 I found my old drafting sandpaper stick (from 1970) when we cleaned out the barn last year, but I couldn't even remember what it was for. Thanks for reminding me!😃

[@AXWCDMD]

I use a lot a Reveal Marking Gauge. It’s under $20 and save me time.

[@dylanpeters6887]

A good tool is a 7in. Rafting square! can't go without it!

[@williamellis8993]

Hey, Brad. My favorite tool that you didn't mention is the Kreg Multi Mark. It is under $20 and it seems like I use it all the time. It's handy for edge marking, 45 and 90 degree angles and it has a level (not used as much). Bill

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

Agreed! I got one for my birthday last year, love that thing!

[@louieg8825]

lol i have it and its OP asf it is not squared and accurate.

[@brandonwoodworkersclub4097]

Yes. Love that tool

[@jonathanmathews7673]

The spring loaded nail set and the beefy mechanical pencils have been major game changers for me!