Because various members of my family have construction businesses, I have had a chance to talk to some of their younger employees. One thing that I notice was that they seem to be very dependent on battery-operated tools. The question of how would you do your work without power tools seems to throw them. They are completely dependent on power tools and have no real knowledge of hand tools.
A suggested set of hand tools for a carpenter
rip saw, (for cutting with the grain)
crosscut saw, (for cutting across the grain)
back saw, (a backsaw is any hand saw which has a stiffening rib on the edge opposite the cutting edge, a miter saw)
compass saw, (a keyhole saw or coping saw)
jack plane, (A jack plane is the general-purpose bench plane
a hand drill
fore plane, (The fore plane is about 14″ to 18″ long and has a cutting edge with a thumbnail shape)
smoothing plane, (The smoothing plane is typically the last plane used on a wood surface)
The above list of hand tools would let you do most of the necessary repairs around a home or homestead that require woodwork. In the near future, we will post a list of the hand tools you need for automotive and metal working.
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6 thoughts on “Hand Tools for Carpentry After TEOTWAWKI”
Ron
Rather than a gimlet set, I recommend a push drill. I bought one from Garrett Wade (search their site), smooth action and as fast or faster than a electric drill even for large jobs. And I’ve got an old Stanley with the gray plastic handle and red cap, over 60 years and going strong. Either are great. The bits snap in and are secure.
I’ve been slowly building my hand tool collection and is a great list to compare what I have with what I need. Looking forward to the metal working list as I have no idea what do get in that discipline. As always love your very educational postings.
Rather than a gimlet set, I recommend a push drill. I bought one from Garrett Wade (search their site), smooth action and as fast or faster than a electric drill even for large jobs. And I’ve got an old Stanley with the gray plastic handle and red cap, over 60 years and going strong. Either are great. The bits snap in and are secure.
never a bad idea to be ready & able to do a strong joint …. a dowel jig and a selection of premade is a good addition ….
I’ve been slowly building my hand tool collection and is a great list to compare what I have with what I need. Looking forward to the metal working list as I have no idea what do get in that discipline. As always love your very educational postings.
Oh, and wow, I had no idea what a draw knife or shaving horse was, talk about time to educate myself, thanks again.
Thanks Howard, I was looking hard for what to have on hand.
Something to add to list and often overlooked are a saw set and feather files for keeping the saw blades cutting decent, JMHO