Tool List
Carpentry | Year 2
Structural Tools
Allen Wrenches
A compact kit of L-shaped or T-handle “Allen” keys in various sizes (metric and/or SAE) designed to fit hex screws.
Key Features
· Made from hardened alloy or chrome-vanadium steel for durability
· Clearly labelled sizes with a storage holder for organization
· Features L-shaped geometry or ball/angled ends for versatility
Buying Tips
· Select a set with both metric and SAE sizes for versatility.
· Prioritize durability; higher quality sets resist rounding and stripping, while cheaper ones may fail under torque.
Buying Tips
$10 – $70
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Always keep a full set handy... the right size saves your knuckles and your patience.”
Block Plane
Features a low-angle blade (often bevel-up) set in a small body so you can hold it in one hand and easily remove thin shavings of wood for precision work.
Key Features
· Low-angle bed (≈12°–20°) for smooth cuts on end grain
· Adjustable mouth for cleaner, tear-free shaving
· Compact one-hand design for trimming and fitting
Buying Tips
· Check for a flat sole and sharp steel blade.
· Make sure adjustments move smoothly and precisely.
· Choose a size that feels comfortable and fits your tasks.
Buying Tips
$20 – $150
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Check the sole flatness before buying. A smooth base makes all the difference on end grain.”
C-Clamps / Quickie Clamps (2)
A C-shaped metal frame with an adjustable screw pad that squeezes and holds workpieces securely during tasks like welding, woodworking, or drilling.
Key Features
· Strong forged/cast-iron frame for high clamping pressure
· Threaded screw with swivel pad for precise, adjustable grip
· Varying throat depths and opening sizes to span different workpieces
Buying Tips
· Choose a clamp with throat depth and jaw opening appropriate for the materials you’ll use.
· Look for durable materials (steel or cast-iron) and a smooth, true screw mechanism.
· Ensure the pad is swivel or flat and the frame doesn’t flex under pressure.
Buying Tips
$20 – $50
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Don’t just buy big ones; small clamps often save you in tight corners.”
Cold Chisel
A heavy-duty hand tool for cutting, splitting or shaping metal and hard materials by striking with a hammer.
Key Features
· Forged high-carbon steel blade that holds a sharp edge
· Designed for clean cuts in metal, concrete or masonry
· Tempered striking end resists mushrooming and enhances durability
Buying Tips
· Choose a size and width suited for the material you’re working with.
· Striking end should be well squared and blade foot free of nicks/damage.
· Prefer chisels with clear size markings and quality heat treatment.
Buying Tips
$15 – $40
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Keep the edge sharp and the handle solid; a dull chisel is more dangerous than a hammer.”
Coping Saw
U-shaped frame and a thin, replaceable blade, designed for making intricate cuts in wood, especially for coping joints and curved shapes.
Key Features
· U-shaped frame allows access to tight spaces
· Thin, fine-toothed blade provides precision in curved cuts
· Blade can be tensioned and replaced for optimal performance
Buying Tips
· Choose a saw with a comfortable, ergonomic handle.
· Ensure the frame is rigid and lightweight for better control.
· Verify that the blade tensioning mechanism is secure and easy to adjust.
Buying Tips
$10 – $40
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Swap blades often; a fresh blade turns tricky curves into a breeze.”
Crowbar
Heavy-duty metal bar with a curved end, designed for leverage and prying tasks such as removing nails, lifting heavy objects, or breaking apart materials.
Key Features
· Forged steel construction ensures strength and durability
· Curved or angled ends provide optimal leverage for prying
· Various lengths and shapes available for different applications
Buying Tips
· Choose the appropriate length for your specific task.
· Check for a comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue.
· Ensure the material is high-carbon steel for maximum strength.
Buying Tips
$10 – $50
Tool Type
Hand Tools
What Our Experts Say
“Use the correct angle for leverage... it’s not about force, it’s about control.”
Oil Can & Stone (Minimum 6")
A dual-grit sharpening stone designed to keep chisels, knives, and edge tools razor sharp, used with oil or water for smooth, precise sharpening.
Key Features
· Double-sided design with coarse and fine grits for sharpening and honing
· Works with oil or water as a lubricant to reduce friction and clogging
· Compact 6 in × 2 in × 1 in size, ideal for bench or toolbox use
Buying Tips
· Choose a dual-grit stone for versatility in sharpening and finishing.
· Ensure it’s flat and durable to maintain even sharpening results.
· Pick a stone compatible with your preferred lubricant (oil or water).
Buying Tips
$15 – $50
Tool Type
Sharpening Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Oil or water, choose what keeps your tools sharp without eating up your patience.”
Padlock
A portable locking device with a U-shaped shackle and solid body designed to secure items such as gates, lockers or storage units.
Key Features
· Hardened steel shackle for increased cut resistance
· Laminated steel or solid body construction for tamper protection
· Keyed locking mechanism with anti-pick or multi-pin cylinder
Buying Tips
· Shackle diameter and clearance appropriate for the securing point.
· Ensure the body material and finish are resistant.
· Consider keyed-alike or combination options.
Buying Tips
$8 – $30
Tool Type
Security Tool
What Our Experts Say
“A strong lock keeps more than thieves out... peace of mind counts too.”
Putty Knife
Used as a finishing tool, the putty knife helps carpenters spread and smooth filler or compound, creating clean, even surfaces ready for painting or staining.
Key Features
· Thin, flexible carbon-steel blade for smooth application
· Wider blade width covers more surface area for quicker work
· Ergonomic handle provides secure grip and better control during use
Buying Tips
· Match blade width and flexibility to your task (narrow for detail, wide for coverage).
· Choose corrosion-resistant blade for longer life.
· Ensure the handle is comfortable and the blade is securely attached.
Buying Tips
$5 – $20
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Flexible or stiff? Match it to the filler and surface. You’ll notice the difference instantly.”
Rat Tail File
Used for refining curves, enlarging holes, and smoothing tight or contoured areas in wood, metal, or plastic, this tool is essential for detailed fitting and finishing work.
Key Features
· Tapered round profile reaches into curved shapes, holes or channels
· Fine or rough-cut teeth allow material removal or smoothing in one tool
· Long narrow shank provides access in tight or hard-to-reach spots
Buying Tips
· Choose correct diameter / taper length for the holes or curves you’ll work.
· Teeth should match material (coarser for rough metal removal, finer for finishing).
· Ensure handle is secure and file well-made to avoid bending or breaking.
Buying Tips
$10 – $30
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Don’t rush; let the file follow the curve and you’ll avoid unwanted gouges.”
Snips
Designed to trim, shape or cut sheet metal and thin-gauge materials, offering precision control over straight and curved cuts and reducing distortion in metalwork.
Key Features
· Hardened steel blades designed for clean cuts in sheet metal
· Compound-leverage handles reduce effort and increase cutting power
· Comfortable ergonomic grips for better control and reduced hand fatigue
Buying Tips
· Match snips to the material thickness and the cut style.
· Choose blades and build quality rated for the metal gauge you’ll cut.
· Look for a good lock or latch and comfortable handle if using frequently.
Buying Tips
$15 – $40
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Right-hand, left-hand, or straight, grab the right pair before starting a big sheet.”
Stair Button/Gauges
Helps quickly transfer and repeat stair tread/riser measurements.
Key Features
· Clamps to framing square
· Adjustable arms or stops
· Durable steel or aluminum
Buying Tips
· Must fit securely. Avoid loose clamps.
· Ideal with a matching framing square.
· Speeds up complex stair layouts.
Buying Tips
$20 – $55
Tool Type
Measuring / Layout Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Mark once, measure twice. Stair gauges make repeated cuts easy and consistent.”
Surform Cutter
Surform cutter uses a perforated steel blade to quickly remove material from wood, plastic, or soft metal, ideal for rough shaping, contouring and fitting odd-shaped pieces.
Key Features
· Replaceable steel blade with sharp, chisel-like teeth for material removal
· Perforated design allows shavings to pass through, minimizing clogging
· Lightweight ergonomic body provides control in one or two-hand use
Buying Tips
· Select the blade profile (flat, half-round, round) that matches your need.
· Ensure the tool has a secure handle and good balance for control.
· Choose a model with readily available replacement blades to extend service life.
Buying Tips
$10 – $50
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Great for rapid stock removal, but finish with sandpaper. Don’t skip the detail work.”
Torpedo Level
Compact, leveling tool used in tight spaces to check if surfaces are perfectly horizontal, vertical or at a 45-degree angle, making it ideal for finish carpentry, cabinetry and pipe work.
Key Features
· Short, rigid body easily fits between studs, on conduit or behind fixtures
· Multiple vials (level, plumb and often 45°) for versatile angle checks
· Optional magnetic or V-groove base enabling hands-free use
Buying Tips
· Choose 6-12 inches for portability vs. reach.
· Ensure the vials are clear, accurate and durable to maintain reliability.
· Opt for features like magnet base or V-groove for metal or pipe regular work.
Buying Tips
$10 – $45
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Always keep one in your apron; those quick checks save headaches later.”
Vise Grip Clamps (2 x 6")
Locking plier-style C-clamps are designed to grip tightly and hold materials securely in place, ideal for welding, fabrication, woodworking, and quick fixture setups where hands-free stability is needed.
Key Features
· Heat-treated alloy steel body delivers strong clamping force and durability
· One-hand trigger-release mechanism for quick unlocking without tools
· Swivel or pivoting jaw plates adapt to irregular surfaces for better grip
Buying Tips
· Choose a size and opening capacity that fits the workpieces you’ll clamp.
· Verify the screw adjustment to fit your material thickness before locking.
· Look for replaceable pads or jaws for reusing the clamp in metalworking.
Buying Tips
$15 – $40
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Lock and twist: the adjustable pressure is great for odd shapes or awkward angles.”
Wallboard Circle Cutter
Designed to score and cut precise circular openings in drywall, and commonly used for installing recessed lighting, ceiling fans, or electrical boxes.
Key Features
· Adjustable design allows for cutting circles from 2" to 16" in diameter
· Calibrated steel shaft ensures accurate and consistent measurements
· Heat-treated scoring blade and sharp center for clean, precise cuts
Buying Tips
· Choose a cutter with a calibrated shaft for accurate measurements.
· Look for a heat-treated scoring blade for durability and longevity.
· Ensure cutter's design allows for easy adjustment to desired circle size.
Buying Tips
$10 – $20
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Measure twice, cut once. These are precise, but sloppy setup ruins the circle.”
Wood Chisels (Set of 4 or more)
This versatile hand tool with a sharp, bevelled blade is used for carving, shaping, and cutting wood. It's essential for tasks like paring joints, hollowing out areas, and cleaning up edges in woodworking projects.
Key Features
· Bevelled edge blade for precise control and clean cuts
· Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting sharpness
· Ergonomic handle design reduces hand fatigue during extended use
Buying Tips
· Select a chisel size appropriate for your specific tasks (e.g., 1/4", 1/2", 1").
· Opt for a chisel with a comfortable, non-slip handle for better grip.
· Consider purchasing a set to cover a range of sizes for versatility.
Buying Tips
$10 – $60
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“A chisel for every job; don’t try to stretch one for everything, it’ll cost you time.”
Wood Rasp (1 comb.)
A wood rasp with a single comb is a coarse hand tool designed for rapid material removal and rough shaping of wood, particularly useful in sculpting, carving, and fitting tasks where precision is secondary to speed.
Key Features
· Single comb design offers aggressive material removal for rough shaping
· Coarse teeth pattern is ideal for sculpting and fitting tasks
· Ergonomic handle provides comfort during extended use
Buying Tips
· Choose a rasp with a comfortable, non-slip handle for better grip.
· Select a rasp with teeth spacing for specific material removal needs.
· Consider rasp's length and shape to match the contours needed.
Buying Tips
$10 – $30
Tool Type
Hand Tool
What Our Experts Say
“Slow, controlled strokes. It’s tempting to push, but patience shapes better curves.”
Toolbox (30”+) Close Tool | REQUIRED
Keeps your growing kit protected and mobile. Stores and protects your tools off-site or in transit.
Please note that in the second year, a minimum toolbox of 30" is required and must be locked!
Key Features
· Heavy-duty latches and handle
· Removable tray or compartments
· Steel or tough plastic construction
Buying Tips
· Look for lockable boxes for security.
· Choose a size that fits your growing set.
· Wheels and handles add portability.
Buying Tips
$50 – $200
Tool Type
Tool Storage
What Our Experts Say
“Label drawers and group by function. Organized chaos is still chaos.”
