The First 5 Hand Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy

[@731Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼ Watch Next = First 5 Power Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Buy - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIS9lqhunNqJf7s Tape Measures: Fastcap Tape Measure - amzn.to/45hpsHa Fastcap Left/Righty Tape Measure - amzn.to/3oldEmC Lufkin Tape Measure - amzn.to/3MmLoYO Squares: Swanson Speed Square - amzn.to/3ItKclo Framing Square - amzn.to/3WiRT3v Budget Framing Square amzn.to/3OsTYYt Framing Square Fence (TayTools) - lddy.no/1gasd Framing Square Fence (Amazon) - amzn.to/3OMBZwD Framing Square Fence (Lee Valley) www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/marking-accessories/44624-veritas-square-fence? Swanson Combination Square - amzn.to/435kn2O Woodpeckers In-Dexable Square - DFM Small Square - amzn.to/3pOYoi8 Woodpeckers Small Delve Square - amzn.to/3OtktgK Small Square Woodpeckers 642 - amzn.to/3Mp3o4z Machinist Square - lddy.no/1gase Clamps: Irwin F Clamps - amzn.to/3OsW6zp Jorgensen F Clamps - amzn.to/42VwUWX Harbor Freight F-Clamps - sovrn.co/36ktrv1 Pipe Clamps - amzn.to/41TYQsM Pipe - amzn.to/3Wla2xk Bessey Parallel Clamps - amzn.to/3MJ7VjJ Harbor Freight Parallel Clamps (Great budget option) - sovrn.co/elvyde0 Parallel Clamp Comparision Video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHKXn5udjphjobc Chisels: Budget Chisels - amzn.to/45jZt1J Narex Richter Chisels - amzn.to/3WmjOiO 3/4" Chisel - amzn.to/42LtANX 1/2" Chisel - amzn.to/3ocpwr7 1/4" Chisel - amzn.to/41Pqw24 Wood by Wright Chisel Video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2SmfZiLr56opsU Mallets: Rubber Mallet - amzn.to/42UHCNo Two Head Mallet - amzn.to/3MJBguB Template to Build Your Own Mallet - www.731woodworks.com/store/mdf-mallet-template Flush Trim Saws: Small Trim Saw - amzn.to/3IvFnb8 Dovetail Saw - amzn.to/3MqBC83 The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools Check this video's description for links to all the videos I discussed. If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter to get new content alerts, sales, and more! mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out my easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@scootermcduder5479]

Pro tip for buying pipes for your clamps: buy twice as long and ask Home Depot to cut them in half for you. They don’t charge and now you have two for much less than buying them individually. (You really only need threads on one side)

[@Dan-nr3om]

Mvp comment right here

[@robbie6625]

My Lowes cut the threads on both sides for free as well. I think it just depends on which employee you get (protip: be nice to them and your chances of getting the cuts and threads comped go up dramatically :))

[@paulhouseholder9360]

HOW?! How did I never think of this?

[@DjLooN]

Came here to say the same... Get the 10ft and have it cut down

[@p.wynnmarkstall1737]

@@robbie6625always be nice to your hardware store employees! Imagine how many stupid and unfriendly people they run into every day.

[@peanutpower8826]

My dad is a welder/fabricator. When he taught me to weld and build things he said to always use the same tape measure for the entire project, that way you avoid the differences they all have.

[@tonylawrence9157]

Your dad, the fabricator, should buy good tapes. By the way what has he, your dad, fabricated so far?

[@grbggaming6885]

I have a lot of different tapes but my favorite that I use more than anything is my Stanley FatMax mini. Small, light, and cheap to replace. Freaking love that thing lol

[@kenerickson4923]

I love the lefty/righty. I was measuring how much material I needed to cut for a countertop I was building for a Habitat for Humanity kitchen with a standard tape measure. Of course, to numbers were upside down and I was about to cut 85" instead of 58" that I needed. Fortunately, I figured out my error before making a cut. I bought 1 for me and one for another guy on the crew. The only thing I don't like is that the side without the writing surface is all black and hides in plain sight when I lay it down. I spray painted the one side with yellow.

[@wormy3811]

I like these videos with no mention of nail hammers.

[@p24t]

I'd suggest that the tape measure really depends on what kind of woodworking you're wanting to do. A 6-12ft measure is a lot nicer than a 25ft if you're not making anything that large. I have more 6's and 9's than 25's by far. And as far as chisels, I got an Irwin set about equivalent to that budget Narex (wish they had those long ago) and I always hated them - until I learned to sharpen them. They were probably never sharp, so they were terrible until I fixed that.

[@StardustADV]

I subscribed for 2 reasons. 1. Awesome advice, i am just getting into this. 2. Awesome shirt

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@TnT_F0X]

Let's see what I'm missing that can make everything easier... a metal ruler was the last great thing I added to my tool tub. Tape measures are wobbly and you dont always need a square... Corked metal ruler is handy for marking

[@ST-0311]

Swanson sells a speed square combo which includes the original 7" speed square and a 4-1/2" mini trim speed square for under $18. A very budget friendly way to get both.

[@alexkunnen]

I LOVE Japanese pull saws should be higher on the list they are so nice to use!

[@beccamayberry9907]

Swanson metal speed square for the win, got one couple years ago after you recommended it

[@scottmorris4914]

I purchased a square from Woodpeckers, on sale of course. I tested its “squareness” using the flip test. It was aout almost an 1/8”. I contacted Woodpeckers, todl them about the flip test, and their reply was that the flip test to test for squareness was not reliable.

[@wortheffort]

Did you check that Swanson for "square". Odds are it's out. You can square their plastic versions with a plane.

[@wortheffort]

Also you can square an out of square framing square with a punch.

[@RicardoHernández-g9i]

Uncle Matt, the Dewalt set of 3 chisels is a good buy for a novice like me, or the Irwin set of 3 as well, they are similar in price...

[@eloscuro704]

There is another type of "clamp" that is very useful - barbells. Buy some 5 and 10 pound weights. I have had many projects where I couldn't get a typical clamp to work. Either I didn't have access to the other side, or the angle was weird. So after glue up, I just set these weights on top at the appropriate angle. Provides all of the "clamping" forces needed for a good glue up.

[@chapbix12158]

I have a centering tape measure which I find useful for projects where that is useful.

[@kenshores9900]

Your comment regarding fence for a framing square is really good. All the F bar clamps I own are Jorgensen. My first set of chisels was Craftsman. I have wanted a set of 3 Cherries.

[@andrewj5998]

Good list. I would add 1) A 16 oz claw hammer. I prefer a wood handle for good grip and shock absorption. 2) A 4-in-1 screwdriver. I have a Kobalt and a Pittsburgh that I got for free from Harbor Freight and I like them both. 3) A utility knife. I love my Kobalt retractable utility knife that holds five extra double sided blades. 4) A scratch awl - high quality vintage awls are pretty common at yard sales. You can sharpen a dull awl easily with a bench grinder or Dremel. You can also make your own from an old screwdriver using a bench grinder. 5) A torpedo level or a 24 inch level if you're mostly hanging pictures . A 48 inch level for most other projects. Empire is a good brand and inexpensive. 6) A set of gripping tools - slip-joint pliers, groove joint pliers, needle nose pliers, vice grips, diagonal nail puller/wire cutters. You can get a decent set of these around Father's day for $30 - $40 at ACE, HD ,or Lowes.

[@Damon_Barber]

I kind of feel like a simple miter saw box kit should have made that list. Easy to use and great for beginners looking to make straight and common angle cuts on small dimensional lumber.

[@731Woodworks]

That's a good one!

[@jimwilliams2682]

There are a couple of videos out there showing how to build them cheaply. (Shawn Graham at Wortheffort.) They are simple and a skill builder.

[@ronhau1542]

Narex Rickert chisel you showed is great!!!

[@saprious5273]

This is how I do church! 731 video comes out bright and early and I am ready for the Sunday lesson.

[@МУЅТ]

You also don’t get told a bunch of manipulative false information. Actually a useful service lmao

[@dylanlaport5896]

Great video & advice thank you

[@bsandoval2340]

I didn’t know people bought tape measures I just always assumed everyone had like 8 passed down through generations.

[@Ekrindul]

I use the lefty/righty fastcap tape measure. Love em.

[@timothy3660]

Just found your channel. Subscribed! Good content and love the shirt! Bless you brother!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@kevinmartin8019]

I got the fast cap tape measure because I saw in a previous video. That thing is awesome and the built in sharpener is very handy.

[@elizabethbarnett5781]

love your T-shirt!!

[@FixItFrench]

I love that you brought up some of these tools being inaccurate. I once calibrated my tablesaw with a speed square that was inaccurate and my cuts were around 92-93° instead of 90. I almost took my tablesaw back, until I realized the speed square was at fault

[@77cemoore]

How come you do not do project videos very often any more? It seems like most of your videos are about products. I started watching you because of the furniture you used to make ... especially the bread box coffee table. More projects please!!

[@underwoodchip]

I was going to give the same comment!!! Guess tool advertising pays better.

[@scootermcduder5479]

Matt has addressed this before. Those videos take a lot more time and work to produce so he isn’t able to do them as often.

[@ericfransen4371]

When doing the flip test be sure the edge is absolutely straight. Do not assume a factory edge on a sheet of mdf/melamine is straight. Rip a sheet down the middle and push the two halves together; there will likely be abiut an eigth inch gap in the middle on account of the edges of the sheet absorb moisture like a sponge and are trying to expand. Relieve the pressure by ripping and the panel bows.

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you Sir.❤

[@billloveless6869]

What is best moderate cost beginner wood chisel set? Thanks

[@woodrowsmith3400]

I bought a Fastcap Lefty-Righty 16' tape for work a couple of months ago. It just makes sense. Think about this: most of us use our right hand to mark with. Tape measures are mostly designed to be used with your right hand, or at least pulled and read left to right...meaning once you have pulled tape, how are you going to make your mark with a tape in your hand? With the Lefty-Righty I can pull tape right to left using my left (less coordinated) hand and still be able to make my mark with my now (amazingly) empty and ready to use right hand! It has taken a minute to break the right pocket habit. I still reach for a tape on the right side...and still have to think about hanging the tape on my left side. After all, I've been doing just that for neigh on to forty years now. But it saves time and frustration, thus making my work day a touch easier. I'm pretty sure I've lost that tape. Most of my coworkers seem to find my ideas useful and therefore I should donate to their ease of work. Kinda chaps my hide sometimes, but it is what it is. I am certain that in this case, Fastcap will appreciate them!

[@justiningram2242]

Best T-shirt!

[@pteddie6965]

Thanks for passing along more useful tips, Matt. I have ordered the 'lefty righty' tape measure. I tried to order the 'add on fence' for the carpenter's square, but the company was out of them. Thanks again.

[@GUISNIP]

Good tips! I always tell my students to buy the best measuring tools available since they are the basis for all your work. 😎

[@watermain48]

Great list Matt. Great video as well, thanks.

[@thomasgreen8532]

I am sure that it is possible to drop you tape measure on the clip and damage it but in all the years I have been building houses, I have done it once. I have bent them a time or two but they can be adjusted if need be. Stanley is a good tape and honestly I have suffered more damage not keeping my tape measure clean. Water and dirt are lethal to a tape measure. I always double check my tape measure after I buy a new one to make sure that the clip isn’t bent from the git go. Not a bad idea to check from time to time. I like that idea that basically make a framing square useful for a saw or router guide. I bet I could make something like that. I love making my own tools. Keep up the good work.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

As for anyone wishing to wet their feet in wood working, I would ask, "What do you wish to do as your 1st project, or tools will definitely be required for that 1st project.?"

[@stephencleary2231]

love the shirt! love the Chosen! thanks for all you do!

[@chrisfox6843]

I do love my fastcap tape measure. I got the one that lays flat. For laying out measurements on a project it's great. Just don't measure something up in the air, it has a standout of about 1/2 of an inch.

[@jdiaz4877]

I like your shirt man!

[@kevinroberts9814]

No need to take that framing square back if it's not square! All you need to square it up is a sharp center punch. If the square is less than 90 degrees, place the punch near the inside corner and give it a good smack. If it's more than 90 degrees, place the punch near the outside corner. Keep checking for square until it's perfect.

[@RazorStrap]

The first thing to do with a painted square is to remove the paint from the edges. The paint thickness is not consistent and frequently has runs and drips. Don't waste your time checking squareness until the edges are bare metal.

[@RZ_Mask]

Fantastic advice! Great video! 👏

[@MrRapa81]

Loved the info and recommendations. Keep up the great content!

[@TomsTimmervan]

I think those one handed squeeze clamps arecals very good for beginners, in the start clamping can be a challenge and the ease of use can really help training that.

[@tommymertz]

Thank you for the tips. Love the shirt.

[@Rood67]

Great information I really like *The Chosen* shirt❣️

[@mcmathwoodworks]

Hey Matt, thank you for breaking this down! I appreciate how you offer different levels of each tool depending on various needs. Also, can’t go wrong with a good PIVOT! lol

[@allanhallett]

Great shirt.

[@RazorStrap]

My #1 complaint about tape measures is the lock mechanism wearing off the lines along the edge of the tape. Renders the tape measure practically useless.

[@kccochran9767]

Love your shirt

[@kyleolson8977]

I don't think you have the right Mallets. While I use some like that these aren't great for chisels. A round head mallet, particularly in wood or rubber, is a better option for working with chisels. The "Wood is Good" green headed Mallet is a good example. I'm also not a fan of, woodworkers building a mallet as a first mallet since it is an inexpensive tool. While it's not crazy advice, like "build your own Bandsaw", I think the woodworker should understand what the mallet is to them before they will build one. That's not to say they shouldn't build it later, but I think people are better off not spending all their energy at the beginning preparing.

[@MatthewGarver]

Is this channel only about tools now? I use to love watching when Matt would build and I could learn how he does it,

[@731Woodworks]

Matt here, no but I do mostly tools. I did a bench build about 8 weeks ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qto2toh5aip80 and built a little tool caddy here about 4 weeks ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZfRho19jLarrtk I have some builds planned in the next couple weeks as well. But I put out 2 videos per week. Near impossible to do two build videos a week and the majority watch tool videos WAY more than build videos. I would be happy to hear any additional thoughts or suggestions you may have. I hope we can continue to grow and learn together, and I appreciate your support.

[@autoguygl]

Thank-you for the advice.

[@ZetaReticulian]

What if I don’t know how to play the tuba four? Or the tuba six ??🤷🏾‍♂️

[@731Woodworks]

You're in trouble

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

I love the Righty/Lefty Tape Measurer. 1. My kids could use tape measurer and follow me. 2. I showed them how to use a framing square and they were like, Ooooo! 3. I definitely think clamps are a great #3. 4. I certainly wouldn't buy cheap wood chisels. My Jr. High School Wood Shop Teacher, Mr. Thompson, would roll over in his grave if I did. I wouldn't do anything to disrespect his memory. 5. Thankfully, I've got mallets taken care of.

[@RazorStrap]

2x4 mallet. Just rip one end down to handle size.

[@Terkinstein]

I love the t-shirt!

[@YOUR_NARRATOR975]

I'd say the most useful tools would be a square, hand saw, miter box, and a tape measure.

[@janschoice3855]

Great video! I always appreciate your video's ❤🙏🏻

[@scootermcduder5479]

I want that framing square fence but it’s always sold out. 😢

[@731Woodworks]

Already!!!

[@JamesCouch777]

I bought a framing square and quickly discovered that it wasn't square so ever since then I never assume any measuring tool is correct.

[@xxpumpkin_pie_guyxx1610]

Idk if I like the blue shirt or purple shirt better

[@joshuabray37]

I was recently introduced to the fastcap tape measures. I was skeptical of the quality, since they are so cheap ($10-$15). Oh my goodness, they are really high quality. They are solid and had some nice features (2 buttons to catch the tape measure from retracting) and even a built in pencil sharpener. I have 6 of them now (3 for metric and 3 that are both).

[@731Woodworks]

Nice! They are awesome tapes!

[@MoustacheTex]

You can also use stair guages on a framing square as a fence. They may not be as nice but they are handy if you're like me and waiting for that fence to come back into stock.

[@wdfadesigns3422]

Stair guages are more versatile, and probably cost less

[@thefrankperspective4247]

We need the "Future Matt here -- don't direct the flush trim saw at your thumb" edit lol

[@scottmorris4914]

For a rubber mallet, cover the head with plastic wrap, because the black rubber can leave a black mark on the wood. For the wood mallets, I wold suggest apply leather to the pallet faces, because the wood can leave a mark on the wood.

[@MatthewHarrold]

That's a good list. It confirms my choices. Yay. When mentioning clamps, don't forget gravity and heavy objects. If you have heavy objects and live on planet Earth, clamps can be free in many cases. $0.02

[@RazorStrap]

Ratchet straps for box clamps.

[@SiamSamte-e6w]

In my opinion the 5 first hand tools should be handsaw, handplane, measuring tape, angle and hammer.

[@davegravel3740]

You can also use galvanized pipe and it won't leave the black spots on your glue ups. And just checked the local price, a few dollars cheaper than black in the same length.

[@MrFrankwizzal]

Yes it is the best square. There are some many functions on it, basically you can build a house with it. Not joking. Avoid those fancy ones

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video

[@johnwellons5369]

Matt, As always, I liked your video but I would have recommended sticking with 5 hand tool specific items (chisels, planes, marking gauges, etc.) instead of those that are for all around woodworking use (tape measure, square, clamps, etc.)

[@wdfadesigns3422]

I agree. My picks for first five would be: 3 piece chisel set (3/8, 1/2, 3/4), 9" Ryoba Saw, #5 plane, 6 or 12" combination square, marking knife. First projects: Jointer's Mallet, Paul Seller's dovetail guide, marking guage, winding sticks, tool tote, workbench. Honestly, you don't really need the Tape measure till you're ready to build a workbench. And it's a given that you'll need a sharpening system

[@mcelfreshiii]

Hey Matt, Been watching some of your farm house builds. I was curious if you could make a video how to set up a trim router. I have one, but I'm not real familiar with it. I want to use Z clips, but I don't know how to set the depth guide, or how to set the guides on the trim router. Do you have any videos planned on how to set it up perfectly?

[@731Woodworks]

Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIDMgYOeftCFmNE

[@mcelfreshiii]

@@731Woodworks Thank you!

[@johnmoyer5515]

My boss told me to get a hammer, handsaw & a framing square & I'll teach you how to build a house.

[@tonylawrence9157]

And did you?

[@ronswoodshack]

Great list Mighty Matt. I use my Swanson speed square that was my Dads. Also have the ol Stanley tape measure that was my fathers also. Thank you for the content.

[@LinoCrafts]

I will baa those

[@Tweedters_Smokehouse]

Aside from hand tools. What would you recommend a woodwork hobbyist buy first. A thickness planer or dust collector? Been trying to decide what I want to buy first. Fyi I own a Shopsmith Mark 7 and an older Mark V that I use the most. Very small shop and terrible buckled floors.

[@731Woodworks]

Depends on what you're building. If you are milling your own lumber, get the planer. But that dust has to go somewhere lol. Before I had the dust collector, I used the planer outside.

[@bobmcdermid6888]

The folding saw in your videos a ryoba for RIP and cross cut not flush cut and dovetail.

[@kb6dxn]

Not all tape measures are equal; always use the same measuring device while making your project, they may not be the same as your other measuring devices. But if you use "woodpecker" tools you can bet they are all the same from tool to tool. My moto is buy once and use for life buy the best, just don't tell the wife..

[@steffendetrick]

We’re starting to accumulate a lot of top-five tools that every woodworkers should own😂. Keep them coming.

[@sebastiangudino9377]

I would say a saw or a tool are more important for beginners. But what do i know

[@mikegrawvunder6346]

I really enjoy your videos. There was something I noticed in the video tonight, I never noticed before. You have a pair of handcuffs hanging on the board behind you. How are these used in your woodworking. LOL Keep up the great work on the videos.

[@731Woodworks]

lol. Full story here on those kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYuamGqDichqY7s

[@mikegrawvunder6346]

@@731Woodworks Thank you for the link. Love your testimony and heart. May Christ bless you even more.

[@thenext9537]

Fastcap. Do not use any other for woodworking, trust me. The Lufkin, I like for construction, because you can just slap it down and pull the tape, vs the fastcap which is protected. Use cases are good to know. Machinist squares, get a set of 4, got the mini, a small, a medium and a large. I use them all the time to check saw squareness on miter, or table, or track, etc. Chisels - JUST BUY BLANKS! Narex are 11 bucks people, no handles. You have to make your own but that's not hard. It's NOT buy once cry once! Save money, learn to make a handle, you woodwork right? DO IT!

[@kenshores9900]

Handy as a shirt pocket! You gobber. Very funny.

[@davidkantor7978]

I’ll agree that a 16-foot tape is most practical. It’s baffling why the 25-foot tape is so common. One other essential tool you’ll need is sharpening equipment. You have chisels; now you’ll need to sharpen them. But what is the best method/ equipment for that? That’s a whole other discussion, and there are plenty of videos on that topic.

[@asbrand]

Good list! Personally, I prefer a dead blow hammer for my mallet. Seems like I don't have to hit things quite as hard, as I don't have to worry about rebound, etc.

[@patrickmccrary6233]

As a Pro cabinetmaker; one of the best tools I've purchased is the 1 lb. dead blow mallet by Harbor Freight. It works to perfection at a very low price. For years I assembled cabinets using a regular hammer; but I always had to use it with a piece of scrap wood so as to not mar the material. With the dead blow there is no need for any scraps. Especially handy for lining up face frames during installation.

[@kenshores9900]

Rubber mantle an be used for the car as well.

[@topazpowell8561]

What did he say?

[@731Woodworks]

Merica

[@lazylion1421]

I was taught that the only tools you really need to start woodworking are a saw and a screwdriver

[@sonnygouge894]

Just FYI.. I paused the video and immediately went and ordered 2 of the lefty righty tape measures 😂

[@731Woodworks]

👊

[@MadnessWorx]

You missed your opportunity, when you said you liked the fast cap tape measure, you should have said “because I can put my logo on it” 😂

[@garvielloken3929]

Nooice!

[@Pardeewoodwork]

Hey can you make a Halloween coffin? I really want to see how it's made.

[@soledude]

👌👌👌

[@dezznuzzinyomouth2543]

Or build your tools instead of buying them... Jus sayin