Upgrade Your Woodworking Game With These Editor-Approved Carpentry Tools

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Carpentry is a useful skill for homeowners who want to perform basic repairs and maintenance tasks—and for many, it’s a relaxing hobby. Whether you’ve tackled dozens of projects over the years or want to try your hand at a basic woodworking project, you need the right tools for the job. There’s a basic set of tools required to get started, but with so many well-regarded (and not so well-regarded) brands out there, it can be hard to figure out which hammer or circular saw is the best for your needs.

We created this buying guide to highlight the best options in each category across brands so you can build a core collection or upgrade what you already have. From basic handheld instruments to whirring power saws, these are the best carpentry tools worth a spot in your toolbox.

The Best Carpentry Tools

• Best Tape Measure: Stanley Fatmax 25-foot Tape Measure

• Best Hammer: Estwing E3‐16S 16 oz Straight Claw Hammer

• Best Cordless Drill: DeWalt 0V MAX XR DCD800D2 Cordless Drill / Driver Kit

• Best Circular Saw: Skil Sidewinder Circular Saw Skilsaw

• Best Speed Square and Combo Square: Swanson Tool Co S0101TC132 Value Pack

What to Consider

We offer a well-rounded collection of the carpentry tools on this list, but some of the specific models we write about may not be the best fit for your project. Luckily, brands typically offer upgraded versions of similar models or close alternatives that are exactly what you need. Keep the following factors in mind to guide your purchase.

Type of Project

The carpentry tools we write about below cover the basics, such as a tape measure, cordless drill, and router. For heavy-duty projects that require more experience and muscle, you may need to level up.

For example, if you’re framing a backyard shed, substitute the straight claw hammer I recommend below for a framing version. Depending on the scope of your project, consider swapping the 25-foot tape measure I include here for a longer one. Or, for those more interested in building cabinets or large furniture pieces like a dining table, the best clamp for that is larger than the 6-inch bar models below.

Power Supply

When purchasing a power tool, like a circular saw or table saw, consider if battery or corded power is a better fit for you. While corded tools—like the circular saw recommendation below—have the advantage of an unlimited runtime and cheaper price tag, you’re limited to the length of the extension cord.

If access to power is an issue, opt for a battery-powered saw. If you do go with cordless tools, stick with one brand across your collection. As your tool collection grows, so will your supply of available batteries, while are typically interchangeable—and you can save some cash by sharing batteries between several tools.

Workspace

The size of your space can also affect your choice of carpentry tools. Those with large, open garages or dedicated workshops can get away with bulkier tools. In that case, a cabinet table saw could be a better choice than the portable DeWalt unit I recommend below. If you work in a small tool shed or the corner of a garage, there are plenty of compact tools that perform well and are much more convenient to use and store.

How We Selected

As a former residential and commercial carpenter in New York, I’ve worked on crews remodeling townhouses, fabricating and installing custom furniture, and installing millwork in commercial businesses, all of which involved a wide variety of tools.

I kept this experience in mind when assembling this guide, selecting the tools that I’ve found to be the most useful, as well as versatile enough to span a range of project types. I also stuck with brands that I’ve come to trust over the years, as well as specific models that I have extensive hands-on experience with. This isn’t a comprehensive list of carpentry tools, but a solid, versatile foundation in which to build from.

Fatmax 25-ft Tape Measure

Regardless of the type of project you have going, a tape measure – like this Stanley Fatmax — is absolutely essential. With a 25-foot length and 11-foot standout (the length it can extend without falling) this model is versatile enough for a wide range of uses, and the double sided hook grabs either the top or bottom of the object being measured.

I’ve used this exact tape measure in the past, and found that it’s durable enough to withstand serious abuse, with a heavy-duty rubber case that also provides a comfortable, sturdy grip during use. An extra coating on the tape itself increases the lifespan even more, with the first 6 feet—the most used section—receiving a second layer of protection.

E3‐16S 16-oz Straight Claw Hammer

Estwing hammers are widely known as reliable and durable, and this 16-ounce model is an ideal size for a variety of hammering tasks. Unlike wooden or fiberglass handled hammers, this one is constructed of a single piece of steel, making it practically indestructible.

Even though it’s light enough for basic hammering tasks, the durability also makes it well-suited for heavy-duty demolition tasks. Its nylon handle makes it easy to maintain a secure grip while hammering, and also reduces vibrations for a more comfortable feel overall. The straight claw is perfect for prying apart boards or any other high-leverage tasks, and the smooth face won’t mar or dent delicate surfaces.

20V MAX XR DCD800D2 Cordless Drill / Driver Kit

A cordless drill like this 20V DeWalt drills holes as well as drive screws, wildly expanding your carpentry capabilities. I’ve personally used similar drills for countersinking pilot holes while building custom furniture, and—thanks to the powerful motor—boring large openings with hole saw bits.

With a wide range of clutch positions, you can customize the torque applied to your specific application, which is essential for working with delicate wood pieces. This kit also includes two batteries, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a job.

Sidewinder Circular Saw Skilsaw

Skil has been manufacturing reliable and durable circular saws for nearly 100 years (Skil actually invented the tool) and this 15-amp model is a great example of why they’re so popular. I’ve had this exact model for years, and its powerful output and smooth, consistent operation is well-suited for both light and heavy-duty applications.

The corded power supply ensures that you can make as many cross and rip cuts as you need, and easy-to-read cut depth digits make it easy to identify and lock in your preferred setting. Whether you’re cutting lumber or plywood sheets, this saw is a worthwhile option.

S0101TC132 Value Pack

Precise measurements are essential for any carpentry project. In addition to your trusty tape measure, this Swanson square set helps prevent any costly calculation mistakes.

With the aluminum speed square in your tool belt, you can quickly mark or confirm 90- and 45-degree angles on workpieces, like rafters and stair stringers, and with a little practice, use it as a protractor for marking a range of other angles.

The combination square is better suited for precise and finish work, featuring a sliding square head on a ruler, which locks into place at your desired measurement.

I used a combination square for years while working at a custom furniture shop, and its ability to lock in a precise measurement was essential for consistently marking the exact same distance on drawer slides and hinges.

1/4-in. 5.6-Amp 1-HP Variable Speed Fixed Corded Router

Nothing enhances a finished woodworking project like smooth, rounded edges and corners. This handheld palm router uses a spinning bit to do just that, with a rubber grip and ergonomic finger supports to provide maximum stability and accuracy. It’s also compact enough to fit in tight spaces, and features a durable aluminum base.

The variable speed motor ranges from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM—versatile enough for a range of uses—and the depth adjustment system is easy to locate and set your precise measurements. At just 3.3 pounds, this corded tool is a good choice for all-day jobs, and minimizes forearm fatigue while working on large workpieces.

Quick-Grip 6-in. Mini Bar Clamps

A carpenter can never have too many clamps, and these Irwin bar clamps are great for securing smaller workpieces in place while you glue, nail, or screw them together. I’ve been using this exact model for years, and love the convenience of the one-handed trigger release, especially when working alone.

These clamps are also useful for working with finished or delicate workpieces, as their soft plastic jaw pads won’t dent or mar the surface. Despite their relatively small size, they’re still able to apply 140 pounds of pressure, which is totally fine for light-duty tasks. If your projects are on the larger side, these clamps are also available in 12-inch versions.

10-in. 15-Amp DWE7491RS Table Saw

If you want to perform quick, accurate rip cuts (with the grain), you need a table saw. This portable DeWalt model provides an impressive amount of cutting functionality, and is a fantastic alternative to expensive and bulky stationary models.

The rolling stand is a breeze to reposition around your garage or onto a jobsite, and despite the compact size of this machine, its telescoping fence rails are capable of supporting 32 ½-inch rip cuts.

Featuring a rack and pinion design, these rails are also easy to smoothly adjust to your precise measurement. The included 10-inch blade provides a maximum cut depth of 3 ⅛-inches, and a handy 2 ½-inch dust port helps cut down on post-work clean-up.

ROS20VSC Palm Sander

A power sander is one of the best investments a woodworker can make — and essential if you want your woodworking projects to have that smooth, professional-quality finish.

This random orbital model from Bosch rotates its sanding disk in tiny, irregular circles, which ensures that it won’t leave those annoying swirl marks behind, resulting in an extremely smooth finish.

You can also adjust the speed to your preferred setting, between 7500 and 12000 RPM, using the variable speed dial. The rubber top-mounted grip is comfortable to grip and control, which is invaluable for those all-day sanding or refinishing jobs.

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