Carpentry Tools Names (And What They Are Used For)

There are two types of carpenters in the world. Those with experience, and those who just started. And for the latter, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools there are out there.

But don’t worry, because I’m going to break it down for you. Everything you need to know about the tools of the trade is right here.

The Essential Tools

These are the tools that every carpenter needs.

Claw Hammer

The claw hammer is the most important tool to have because it is used for so many different things. You can use it to drive in nails, to pry them out, and even as a lever if you need to.

This is the one tool you absolutely cannot do without, and you should never do anything that requires the claw hammer without one.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is also a must-have. You’ll be using it all the time to drive in screws, and you’ll also be using it to pry things apart.

A good tip is to get a ratcheting screwdriver, because it makes things much easier when you’re working with screws.

Utility Knife

You’ll be using a utility knife for so many different things that I can’t even begin to list them all. But the main reason to have one is for cutting things, and I mean really cutting things, because it’s a proper knife.

You’ll be cutting through plastic wrap, hard plastic, drywall, and even rope. You can do so much more with one of these than you think.

Tape Measure

You don’t need a fancy tape measure, but you’ll be using this tool all the time. It’s so important because you need to measure everything before you cut it and put it in place.

And no, you can’t estimate. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll wish you had a tape measure when you don’t have one.

Chalk Line

“Old school“, I hear you shout, but this is a great way to make a straight line over a long distance without a ruler.

It’s easy to use. You just hold it up, pull it to the length you want, and snap it down. There’s a colored chalk inside that makes the line.

Carpenter’s Pencil

A carpenter’s pencil is the perfect pencil to use because it’s flat. That means it won’t roll away, and it won’t get lost when you put it down. You’ll be putting it down a lot.

Chisels

You’ll be using chisels for fine work, like carving and cutting. The main thing to remember is to always have it sharp. A blunt chisel is a useless chisel, and it’s also dangerous because you need to use more force to cut.

Mallet

You need a chisel mallet to go with your chisels. The reason why you need a mallet is because it’s the best way to hit your chisel without damaging your hand, and without damaging your chisel.

The Additional Tools

These are the tools that are worth getting if you’re going to be doing a lot of carpentry. Some of them are essential for certain types of work.

Handsaw

A handsaw is used for cutting wood, but it’s also used for cutting other materials, like drywall. It’s not a bad idea to get a handsaw which is specifically for cutting drywall. It’ll do a better job, and it’ll stay sharp for longer.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw is a powered version of a handsaw. It’s ideal if you’re going to be doing a lot of cutting. If you think you’ll be doing more cutting than hammering, then you should get a jigsaw instead of a handsaw.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is also a powered version of a handsaw, but it’s even more powerful than a jigsaw. It’s essential if you’re going to be cutting lots of wood, especially thick pieces. You’ll get through them in no time at all with a circular saw.

Power Drill

A power drill is used for drilling holes and driving in screws. It’s a must-have if you’re going to be doing a lot of drilling and screwing. It’ll save you a lot of work, and it’ll make everything so much easier.

There’s no need to get a drill and a screwdriver separately. You can just get a power drill with a drill bit set and a screwdriver bit set.

Router

A router is used for carving wood. You can use it to round the edges of wooden planks, to carve out intricate designs, or to create a hollowed out area in the middle of a plank.

It’s not essential unless you’re going to be doing a lot of intricate wood carving, but if you are, then a router is the tool for you.

Orbital Sander

An orbital sander is used for sanding. It’s the easiest way to sand a surface down, but it’s not the best way to sand a surface down.

If you’re only going to be doing a little bit of sanding, then an orbital sander will be fine for you, but if you need to sand a surface down super-smoothly, then you should get a belt sander instead.

Belt Sander

A belt sander is the best way to sand a surface down super-smoothly. It’s also the fastest way to sand a surface, so it’s definitely worth getting if you’re going to be doing a lot of sanding.

Sliding Bevel

A sliding bevel is used to find and then transfer angles. You’ll be using it for all kinds of things, like cutting planks at an angle, or drawing lines at an angle.

It’s not essential because you can just use a protractor instead, but a sliding bevel is faster and easier to use.

Protractor

A protractor is used for measuring angles. You’ll be using it for all kinds of things, like setting up your sliding bevel, or drawing lines at an angle.

It’s not essential because you can just use a sliding bevel instead, but a protractor is more versatile because it can measure any angle, not just right angles.

Carpenter’s Square

A carpenter’s square is a right angle ruler. You’ll be using it all the time to measure right angles, which is why it’s worth getting if you’re going to be doing a lot of carpentry.

If you’re only going to be doing a little bit of carpentry, then you can just use a protractor for right angles.

Rasp

A rasp is used to make a surface smooth, or to shape it. It’s ideal if you’re going to be doing a lot of shaping, because it’ll make your life much easier than sanding would.

It’s not essential unless you’re going to be doing a lot of shaping, but if you are, then you should definitely get a rasp.

Hand Plane

A plane is used to make a surface smooth, or to shape it. It’s ideal if you’re going to be doing a lot of shaping, because it’ll make your life much easier than sanding would.

It’s not essential unless you’re going to be doing a lot of shaping, but if you are, then you should definitely get a plane.

Clamp

A clamp is used to hold things in place. You’ll be using it for all kinds of things, like to hold two pieces of wood together when you’re nailing them, or to hold something in place when you’re cutting or shaping it.

You’ll need a few of these if you’re going to be doing a lot of clamping, but if you’re only going to be doing a little bit of clamping, then just one will be enough.

I recommend getting a few of these even if you’re only going to be doing a little bit of clamping, because they’re super useful, and you’ll find yourself needing to use them all the time.