You don't need to buy all the best tools all at once. Invest in quality and you can build a collection of reliable tools over time. The best tools for a carpenter will be long-lasting, useful for a variety of tasks, and ultimately make every job a bit easier.
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Safety first!
Every carpenter will have different health & safety requirements depending on the job. Some work might require full PPE, while other jobs might not need any. Safety glasses are usually a minimum for carpenters, especially when using power tools.
But you also need to think about ergonomics — the best tool for your type of work might not be the best for everybody. If you're using certain tools all day every day, make sure they're comfortable to use and don't put unnecessary strain on your hands, wrists, and arms. Your future self will thank you for it when you're still able to work as a carpenter in the years ahead!
Protect yourself! Check out our other lists for more gear:
- Best work boots for carpenters
- Best shoes for carpenters
- Best jeans for carpenters
- Best pants for carpenters
- Best clothing for carpenters
- Best gloves for carpenters
Here's our list of the best tools for a carpenter:
Best hand tools for a carpenter:
- Claw hammer
- Tape measure
- Folding utility knife
- Pry bar / nail puller
- Speed square & framing square
- Levels
- String line & chalk line
- Carpenter's pencil
- Allen/hex keys
- Wood chisel set
Best power tools for a carpenter:
- Circular saw
- Reciprocating saw
- Nail gun
- Cordless drill kit
- Impact driver / hammer drill
- Jigsaw
- The best tool for your carpentry business!
Best hand tools for a carpenter:
1. Claw hammer
A hammer has been the carpenter’s signature tool since the dawn of time. The claw hammer is the modern, dual-purpose version — with one end for pounding nails and the other for pulling them out. Whether you're framing a house or wrestling with woodwork, a top-notch claw hammer is a must-have on any carpenter's belt.
Best claw hammer according to carpenters:
If you're going to be hitting nails all day, one of the best claw hammers you can buy is a Stiletto. Otherwise, Estwing offer a good all-rounder.
2. Tape measure
Measure twice, cut once — right? If you're using your tape measure twice as often as your cutting tools, it's worth investing in a good one. The best tapes are durable, easy to read, and have a simple but solid locking/retracting mechanism that won't get stuck.
Best claw hammer according to carpenters:
The Stanley FatMax is a common choice for carpenters, while Crescent Lufkin also gets recommended a lot.
3. Folding utility knife
A utility knife is great for cutting any manner of building materials. It's in the name after all — utility. Most carpenters keep a blade on them at all times. Any seasoned journeyman will know it's not a tool you want to be caught without!
Best blade according to carpenters:
The Milwaukee Fastback is overwhelmingly recommended by carpenters, with your classic Stanley knife cropping up too.
4. Pry bar / nail puller
A nail puller, often referred to as a pry bar or nail claw, is a must-have tool for carpenters. In your trade, you might end up pulling just as many nails as you're pounding. A nail puller is definitely a must-have tool for every carpenter's toolbox.
Best pry bar according to carpenters:
No, your hammer is not a prybar! Most carpenters recommend Mayhew for pry bars, while Wilde are popular too — providing pry bars for brands like Tekton, Masterforce, and Craftsman.
5. Squares
Speed squares, framing squares, or combination squares are essential for any good carpenter. Depending on your day-to-day work, you might need some more speciality squares as well. Create clean angles and accurately measure joints by investing in measuring tools you can trust.
Best squares according to carpenters:
Carpenters swear by Starrett – the squares all others measure up against.
6. Levels
In carpentry, a level is used to verify alignment of surfaces during a build. Keeping a project level is very important so you'll need to be able to trust the accuracy of these tools. It'll help if they don't break after being banged up a bit too.
Best levels according to carpenters:
Stabila levels are a great investment for a carpenter. They’re extremely accurate, have reinforced aluminium profiles, are shock-absorbent, and offer a great warranty too. They also manufacture laser levels!
7. String line & chalk line
String and chalk lines are essential for precision and accuracy when it comes to marking straight lines over long distances. Sure, you could splash out on a laser, but you'll still keep lines in the toolkit won't you? Carpenters have relied on lines for centuries to keep their projects plumb and precise.
Best lines according to carpenters:
Tajima is undoubtedly the best chalk line, while string is pretty much just string. You could use a fishing line if you had to!
8. Carpenter pencil
If you need to borrow a pencil, you can always rely on a carpenter—just make sure you give it back. The best pencils for carpenters need to create clearly visible markings, have plenty of grip, and last more than just a couple of days. Their lead needs to be hard and resistant to breakages so they can work across various surfaces.
Best pencils according to carpenters:
Dixon Ticonderoga comes in best across the board, but definitely check out our other article: Top 5 Carpenter Pencils.
9. Allen/hex keys
Allen or hex keys, sometimes known as Allen wrenches, are indispensable tools for carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike. Allen keys are essential for more precise tooling and come in handy when maintaining power tools and machinery.
Best keys according to carpenters:
Bondhus is the brand that carpenters rely on for precision and durability. You'll also never go wrong with Wera.
10. Wood chisel set
Wood chisels are another ancient addition to a carpenter's toolkit. With an enormous range of sizes and blade shapes available, they cater to various woodworking tasks, from delicate, fine work to heavy-duty rough shaping.
Best chisels according to carpenters:
Bahco & Narex are some of the brands championed by carpenters, but real chippies know that no matter the brand, it's how you keep your blades sharp that really matters.
Best power tools for a carpenter:
11. Circular saw
Circular saws are the workhorses of a carpenter's power tool collection. They definitely won't stay shiny and new for long. While 'best' is sometimes more subjective when it comes to power tools, there's one thing carpenters can agree on: don't skimp on the blades.
Best circular saw according to carpenters:
A Makita circular saw is a favourite for carpenters as it’s known to be smooth and precise, with all the power you'll ever need.
12. Reciprocating saw / sawzall
When detail gives way to demolition, carpenters reach for their reciprocating saws. Also known as sawzalls, these powerful cutting tools live up to the name.
Best reciprocating saw according to carpenters:
When carpenters need to cut through something other than timber, they reach for DeWalt.
13. Nail gun
Sure, hammers are great — but nail guns are the ultimate time-savers for carpenters. If you're nailing all day, you've got to grab the gun. You won't find a builder without one.
Best nail gun according to carpenters:
If you're getting a gun, you better buy American. Milwaukee is the go-to choice for carpenters.
14. Cordless drill kit
A popular power tool across all trades and often the first purchase for any apprentice. Whether you're drilling holes, driving screws, or mixing materials, carry a cordless drill to every job. It'll see a lot of use, so make sure to prioritise comfort and ergonomics when choosing the best drill for you.
Best cordless drill according to carpenters:
Any of the big three deliver when it comes to drills. Pick your favourite flavour: Makita, Milwaukee, or DeWalt.
15. Impact driver / hammer drill
A carpenter's secret weapon when it comes to efficiently driving screws and fasteners. Combine the rotational force of a drill with the rapid impacts of a hammer to drive screws with unmatched speed and torque. Great for stubborn screws or high-volume fastening work. Impact drivers are indispensable for carpenters tackling a range of jobs.
Best impact according to carpenters:
Like your drill, you can't go wrong with Makita, Milwaukee, or DeWalt. Why not get a matching pair?!
16. Jigsaw
For when you need a cleaner cut than your circular saw can provide. Jigsaws make it easy to complete intricate or curved cuts. If you're crafting custom furniture, trimming countertops, or making precise openings for fixtures, jigsaws are the tool for the job. Any carpenter with an eye for detail will keep a jigsaw in their vehicle.
Best jigsaw according to carpenters:
There's no argument between carpenters when it comes to Bosch. They make the best jigsaws, hands down.
Looking for more carpentry gear?
- More hand tools for carpenters
- Best tools for builders
- Best tool belts for carpenters
- Best carpenters' squares
- Best hammers for builders & carpenters
- Best watches for carpenters
17. The best tool for your carpentry business
If you're building a carpentry business, then the Tradify app is your new best tool. Think of it as a whole new digital toolkit for your business admin & paperwork. It can save you 10+ hours/week when scheduling jobs, sending quotes & invoices, and processing customer enquiries.
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