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Skilled carpenters are in high demand. There are 224,252 carpentry companies in the U.S. The industry continues to grow steadily at 1.6% per year. 

Homeowners, businesses, and contractors have lots of options when they look for carpenters. So if you have a carpentry business, you need the skills and tools to handle a variety of jobs.  

This guide will answer the question: what tools do carpenters use? Some equipment will depend on your specialty. However, other instruments are necessary for every carpentry business.  

Whether you are starting or looking to expand, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. 

In this article, we’ll look at essential carpentry tools. You’ll also read about measuring devices and specialty tools for advanced work. We’ll end our article with safety and maintenance tips to enhance tool performance and lifespan. 

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Essential Hand Tools Every Carpenter Needs 

Carpentry hand tools allow for precise work. They can also be helpful for quickly handling simple tasks without a long setup process. Here are five hand tools every carpenter needs: 

  • Hand saws are useful for general woodcutting tasks. They allow precision cuts and let you cut safely at almost any angle or position. Consider getting different-sized saws, including smaller ones for use in tight spaces. 
  • Coping saws have thin blades and U-shaped frames. They are ideal for manually cutting shapes or curves. If you perform intricate or detailed woodwork, this tool is a must. You also need to have plenty of replacement blades to ensure sharpness for each job. 
  • Screwdrivers are for more than inserting screws. They can help with prying and other manual tasks as well. You can often use a power drill with screwdriver attachments. But hand screwdrivers are the best option for screwing in tight spaces. It’s also good to have a few on your tool belt for tightening. 
  • Planes are vital for shaping wood. Quality finishing and detail can set your carpentry business apart. Planes can give you smooth surfaces and curves. These qualities are especially desirable in custom carpentry work. 
  • Claw hammers can drive and remove nails. A nail gun is useful for jobs with a lot of repetition. But if you want to add or remove a few nails, a manual hammer is much better. It works well in tight spaces and allows you to drive nails with less risk of damaging wood surfaces. If you’re attaching trim or molding, a hammer is usually a better choice. 

Other tools, such as awls and chisels, can be useful for specific types of work, such as making furniture. 

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Must-Have Power Tools for Carpentry Projects 

It can be easy to reach for hand tools for quick tasks or detailed work. However, power tools for carpenters can be vital to long-term business success. They speed up repetitive tasks and help you get jobs done on time. Here are six power tools pro carpenters will find most useful: 

  • Nail guns can fasten wood components quickly and accurately. These tools are indispensable for framing, deck-building, drywall, or wood flooring jobs. The time saved using a nail gun makes it one of the more worthwhile investments for carpenters. 
  • Reciprocating saws have a small, versatile blade but pack a lot of power. If you work on demolition projects, it is an invaluable tool. Its small size makes it useful for carpenters in any specialty. It gives you a power saw option for hard-to-reach spaces that would otherwise require manual cutting. 
  • Power drills can quickly make holes for screws or bolts. Most also have attachments for driving and removing screws. Professional power drills can handle heavy-duty tasks. They are versatile too, with attachments for filing, sanding, and other tasks. 
  • Table saws can make very accurate cuts. This tool is especially useful for precise, repeatable cuts. It is also ideal for cutting long pieces of wood lengthwise (known as ripping boards in the industry). Table saws can reduce errors and lower the amount of wasted wood. 
  • Miter saws are designed to make angled cuts. Miter saws are very useful if you work on framing, molding, trimming, or cabinetry. This saw is easy to use and very versatile. It can make crosscuts, angled cuts, and beveled cuts. Many miter saws are compact and portable, making them a good choice for carrying to job sites. 
  • Orbital sanders allow you to smooth expansive surfaces quickly. While planes and hand sanders are useful in many cases, they can lead to uneven finishes. You can apply uniform pressure and speed with orbital sanders. This lowers the chance that one area will be smoother than another. Since this is a power tool, it also reduces the strain on your hands and shoulders. 

Power tools can not only help your business but also protect your body. They protect you from repetitive motion injuries. These health problems are more common if you perform the same motion over and over again. For instance, manual sawing or hammering can strain your shoulders and back. 

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Measuring and Marking Tools for Precision Work 

Precision is necessary if you want to produce consistent, pro-quality work. Quality marking and measuring tools for carpenters ensure your cuts and joints are always accurate. 

  • Laser measuring devices provide different functions. They offer accurate measurements that can stand in for a tape measure. However, they can also calculate area, volume, and angles. High-quality laser measures are expensive, but they have all necessary functions in one package. If you buy this tool, you don’t need other measuring devices. 
  • Speed squares are useful manual measuring tools. They combine three tools into one. You get a protractor, ruler, and straight edge. Speed squares are useful for measuring and marking angles and straight cuts. 
  • Spirit levels (bubble levels) use liquid to see if a component is vertical or horizontal. Digital and magnetic versions are also available. However, traditional models are often accurate enough if you know how to use them. 

Other classic measuring tools, such as tape measures, are also helpful. They can handle simple measurements and serve as reliable backups for battery-powered digital measuring devices. The last thing you want is not to be able to offer an estimate because you forgot to charge your digital measure. 

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Specialized Tools for Advanced Carpentry Tasks 

Specialized tools make advanced tasks possible. As a professional, you never want to turn down work. Advanced devices can give you the capabilities to handle complex projects. 

Even if you don’t have complex jobs, technology can streamline your workflow. For instance, software can automate many time-consuming administrative jobs. 

Here are three specialized carpentry tools to consider for your business: 

  • 3D measuring tools can create models and measure volume. They can be very useful for measuring spaces and making accurate estimates. If you do a lot of custom carpentry work, these tools may be worth the investment. They can also give you realistic digital models to show to clients. 
  • CNC routers use computer programs to make detailed cuts. You use computer-aided design software to create a plan for your carpentry piece. The CNC machine then follows these plans and automatically makes the cuts. In addition to accent pieces, this tool can be useful for creating joinery for furniture. 
  • Specialized software can automate administrative processes like invoicing, payment processing, and estimates. It’s important to use software that incorporates the nuances of your industry. For instance, different variables can affect painting estimates and carpentry estimates. Specialized programs provide the most accurate bids and bills. Joist’s carpentry estimating and invoicing software is an example of industry-specific software. It accounts for the details that carpenters need to consider when making estimates. 

Other tools, such as wood hardness gauges and moisture meters, may also be useful for advanced work. You will have to decide which specialized tools provide value to your business. 

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Safety Equipment and Maintenance Tips for Carpentry Tools 

Carpentry tools can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Even if you know what you’re doing, accidents could occur.  

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect against cuts or puncture wounds. Kevlar gloves, steel-toed boots, and eye protection are necessary carpentry safety equipment. You also need a hard hat when working on construction and industrial sites. OSHA standards 1910 and 1926 detail other PPE requirements. These rules deal with industrial settings and construction job sites. 

Carpenters should also consider knee pads, back braces, and other body supports. These won’t protect against traumatic injuries. But they will help avoid repetitive stress injuries. Good gloves and footwear can also stop abrasions and blisters. 

Maintaining Your Tools 

Carpentry tools are a major investment. You need to take steps to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespans for as long as possible. Here are simple things you can start doing right now to maintain your tools: 

  • Prevent rust with oil. Apply a thin layer of oil to metal surfaces to keep them from rusting. 
  • Check moisture levels in storage areas. An inexpensive hygrometer can help you measure humidity. The readings should be between 30% and 50%. 
  • Check screws and bolts regularly. Tightening loose screws or nuts can reduce wear and increase safety. Develop a routine for quick checks before each job. 
  • Clean tools after each use. Wipe or brush tools to remove any sawdust or sediment that collects during use. Use compressed air cans to blow dust out of hard-to-reach spots.