Basic Carpentry Tools Everyone Should Own

Below is a list of basic carpentry framing tools. These are the tools I used to build my 12’ x 12’ Cabin, and they can frame just about any small structure. They are tools that everyone should own.

1. Bags/Hammer Holder: These are the carpenters’ bags I use. I have had them for years, and while not entirely necessary, it is helpful to consolidate tools. At the very least I recommend getting a hammer holder that attaches to your belt. 
2. Bag suspenders: Used to hold bags up. 

3. Tape Measure 30’: Measures. Enough said.
4. Speed Square: One of the most essential tools for a framer. Used as a square straight edge for drawing lines or making square cuts with a circular saw. Also is used to draw correct rafter angles.
5. Blue Chalk Line: Used to make straight lines. Blue chalk is not a permanent marking chalk and still provides enough contrast on wood to be usable. 
6. Carpenters Pencils: You can sharpen carpenter’s pencils with a knife or chisel. The thick tip won’t break as easily as a regular or mechanical pencil
7. Eraser

8. String Line: Used to lay out a level and square foundation.  
9. String line level. Attach to the string line to use as a level. I can not overstate how useful this is in building a level foundation. 
10. Small Level: a quick way to check the level
11. 2’ level: The longer the level, the more accurate. 
12. Bonus: 4ft level: even more accurate than a two-foot level. 
13. Plumb Bob: Checks Plumb, and establishes a vertical line. 

14. Framing Hammer: A little larger than the regular household hammer. Makes a difference when you are pounding nails all day. 
15. Cats Paw: Used to pull out nails. It has a sharp tip that will dig in and get under the nail to remove it. 
16. Chisel: A quick fixer of mistakes/fast remover of material. Not often used, but I’m glad I have it when I need it. 
17. Utility Knife
18. Adjustable Screwdriver
19. Lineman’s Pliers: While not directly related to framing they are one of the most used tools in my carpenter bags. 
20. Staple gun: Used for attaching roofing felt and vapor barrier to frame. 
21. Punch: Marks holes with indentation, or used to drive nails further down.  
22. Handsaw: Helpful for finishing cuts that an electric saw can’t. 

23. DeWalt Impact Driver: While most wood frames are fastened with nails, there are situations where using an impact/screwdriver becomes essential. Screws are also easier to use to hold something together temporarily. 
24. DeWalt Impact Driver Bit Kit: This kit contains most bits you will need for basic framing. Many different screw head bits and a few drill bits will allow for pre-drilling holes of all different sizes. 
25. DeWalt Circular Saw: This saw is one of the most used tools for a basic framing project. I prefer a right-hand operated saw, as this is what I am used to.
26. Safety Glasses: Obvious, but when forgotten and the wind blows the sawdust in the right direction you’ll remember. 
27. Batteries: 1 5 amp, 2 6 amp. These three batteries got us through building our 12’ x 12’ off-grid cabin. 

28. Dewalt Saw Horses: A buddy of mine who was moving away gave me this set of sawhorses. They are pretty sturdy and allow for an adjustable height. Any pair of sawhorses will do. 

29. Adjustable Ladder: This was the main ladder we used for the 12’ x 12’ cabin project. I liked this ladder as it worked as an A-Frame ladder, and an extension ladder. When shopping for a ladder, I required it to expand far enough to reach the top of the roof on the gable ends of our cabin. This ladder fit the bill.

That’s a wrap folks! To read more about the 12’x12′ cabin I built with these tools explore the website a little. If you want free plans for 12’x12′ Cabin click here.

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