In this no nonsense guide we’ve taken a look at the best woodworking hand tools that every workshop should have to get the job done. These must have tools are all top quality, we’ve selected the best and reviewed them for you.
Whether you’re a professional construction worker, carpenter, joiner, home DIYer or just someone that loves to work with, and make things out of wood then the tools selected here should definitely be included in your tool collection.
| Hand Tool | Brand | Click for Info |
|---|---|---|
| Tape Measure |
DeWalt DWHT3610579 Tape Measure Combo Pack |  |
| Wood Saw |
WilFiks 16″ Pro Hand Saw |  |
| Hand Plane |
Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane |  |
| Wood Chisel Set |
KAKURI Japanese Chisel Set 6-piece |  |
| Wooden Mallet |
CROWN 106 4-1/2-inch Beechwood Mallet |  |
| Hammer |
Estwing Ultra Series Hammer |  |
| Wood Rasp Set |
Narex 854252 3 Piece Set |  |
| Woodworking Clamp Set |
IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps Set |  |
| Spade Drill Bit Set |
DW1587 6 Bit 3/8-Inch to 1-Inch Spade Drill Bit Assortment |  |
| Battery Drill Combo Kit |
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit (DCK551D1M1) |  |
| Belt Sander |
Makita 9403 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander |  |
| Detail Sander |
WORX WX822L 20V Power Share Cordless Detail Sander |  |
| Compact Router Kit |
Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit, Teal |  |
| Spirit Level Set |
STABILA 29824 Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Levels Pro Set |  |
| Screwdriver Set |
Wiha 53099-WIH 084705530994 |  |
Click to jump straight to each recommendation.
The Best Woodworking Hand Tools Reviewed
Tape Measure: DeWalt DWHT3610579 Tape Measure Combo Pack
Tape Measure
DeWalt DWHT3610579 Tape Measure Combo Pack
A high quality combo pack of tape measures from DeWalt. No more hunting around for a longer tape measure, this set will easily cover all your measuring requirements.
This impressive combo pack of tape measures is a great choice to go for, so if you prefer quality tools, and tools that will stand the test of time, then these tape measures from DeWalt are the one’s to go for.
Key Features:
- Tough blade coating.
- Long blade reach capability.
- Blade lock made from plastic and rubber for durability.
- Wide tape measure blade with long reach capability.
What We Like:
- Great Value Combo Pack – This pack of 3 tape measures from DeWalt really does offer great value for money. These 3 tape measures are of high quality, and as you would expect from DeWalt they are durable and designed to withstand tough jobsite working conditions.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Wood Saw: WilFiks 16″ Pro Hand Saw
Wood Saw
This 16 inch hand saw is just perfect for a wide range of woodworking jobs. It has been designed with an anti slip handle to give the user a comfortable, yet firm holding position whilst sawing.
The 9 TPI (teeth per inch) WilFiks 16″ Pro Saw has an extremely sharp cutting blade which is induction hardened for fast clean hassle free cuts.
Key Features:
- Precise clean cutting for dovetail, miter and tenon woodworking tasks.
- Induction hardened teeth keeps the saw sharper and lasts 5 times longer than standard saw teeth.
- Quick cutting with cuts both on the push and pull strokes.
- Comfortable saw handle provides a firm grip and that also resists slipping when being used.
What We Like:
- This durable hand saw tool has everything you need to help you with your woodworking jobs. It is great for both detailed small work as well as large timber cutting jobs. It’s a great allrounder hand saw and definitely one for your tool collection.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Hand Plane: Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane
Hand Plane
Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane
This really is a high quality hand tool, not only does it look stunning but it get’s the job done, what’s more it’s good to go right out of the box.
This superb hand plane is a real beauty, it’s made by Stanley and is a real allrounder woodworking hand plane, hence the name Jack plane, it’s a jack of all trades when it comes to different woodworking jobs.
Having a really good, high quality hand plane that’s perfect for using on a wide variety of woodworking jobs is a smart move and means that you don’t need to buy lots of different hand planes to get the job in hand done to the required standard.
Key Features:
- Dimensions of the Stanley low angle sweetheart jack plane are 15.67 x 6.89 x 3.07 inches.
- Virtually no plane chatter when working, thanks to the one piece base and frog design.
- Jack hand plane weight of 6.29lbs.
- Beautiful cherry wood knob and handle.
- Adjustable throat plate.
- Low angle cutting blade making it perfect for end grain work.
What We Like:
- Works Right Out Of The Box – That’s right, we all know that it’s pretty rare to get a hand plane that you can use right out of the box, but that’s exactly what you can do with this high quality low angle jack plane from Stanley.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Wood Chisel Set: KAKURI Japanese Chisel Set 6-piece
Wood Chisel Set
KAKURI Japanese Chisel Set 6-piece
This set of high quality, beautify crafted woodworking hand chisels are made from Japanese Aogami steel, the same steel that is used to make Japanese knives and blades.
If you want to buy just one set of woodworking chisels that will stand the test of time then treat yourself to these top of the line wood chisels from Kakuri.
If you take pride in your tools and treat them well, then you’ll probably never need to buy another wood chisel again, nor will you want to after you have used these premium grade chisels.
This set includes chisel blade sizes of 6,12,19,25,32 and 38mm which should just about cover all your wood chiseling needs.
Key Features:
- Chisel handles made from Japanese Evergreen Oak.
- Blade made from carbon steel.
- Wood chisels supplied in a Paulownia wooden box.
- Damascus patterned wood chisels.
What We Like:
- High Quality Wood Chisels – Supplied in a beautiful Paulownia wooden storage box this set of wood chisels from Kakuri just oozes quality.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Wooden Mallet: CROWN 106 4-1/2-inch Beechwood Mallet
Wooden Mallet
CROWN 106 4-1/2-inch Beechwood Mallet
Solid construction and made from Kiln dried beech wood this wooden mallet is tough and a great choice of tool to use on your woodworking jobs.
This wooden mallet is made in Sheffield in England, it is kiln dried and has a well balanced feel to it.
Key Features:
- Nicely weighted mallet at 1.06 lbs.
- Overall product dimensions of 4.85 x 11.95 x 2.2 inches.
- Made from Beech wood.
What We Like:
- Nicely Weighted Wooden Mallet – This wooden mallet is the ideal choice for a wide variety of woodworking jobs. If you haven’t got a wooden mallet in your woodworking hand tool collection, then go for this one it’s a bargain price and you might just be surprised how much you come to use it.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Hammer: Estwing Ultra Series Hammer
Hammer
You’ll probably have heard of the name Estwing, they make really impressive tools and this hammer continues in that tradition.
Made in the USA this rip claw hammer is forged in just one piece. Featuring a shock resistant grip that reduces impact vibration by an amazing 70%.
Key Features:
- Hammer weight of 19 oz.
- Magnetic nail starter for one handed nailing.
- Rip claw for pulling out nails, splitting timber or for prying up boards.
- Rip claw Framer hammer with smooth face.
What We Like:
- One Handed Nailing – No more sore fingers with this rip claw hammer thanks to the magnetic nail starter.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Wood Rasp Set: Narex 854252 3 Piece Set
Wood Rasp Set
Every woodworking tool collection should include a set of high quality wood rasps, and that’s exactly what we have here from Narex.
These impressive wood rasps are really great value for money, they are very well made and have hardened steel blades for precise and even stock removal.
Key Features:
- Overall rasp length is 345 mm.
- Includes an 8 mm round wood rasp.
- 1 x wide rectangular wood rasp sized at 20 mm.
- 1 x half round wide 20 mm wood rasp.
- Handles are made from European Hornbeam and are 145 mm long.
- Blade length of each wood rasp is 200 mm.
What We Like:
- Perfect For Detail Working – Great wood rasp set for detailed woodworking, giving uniformed cuts for even stock removal.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Woodworking Clamp Set: IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps Set
Woodworking Clamp Set
These high quality, robust quick grip clamps from Irwin are suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
From small woodworking projects through to large scale construction jobs this 8 piece woodworking clamp set really is the best option to go for.
Key Features:
- 2 x 12 inch mini one handed bar clamps.
- 2 x 6 inch one handed mini bar clamps.
- 2 x 2 inch clamps
- 2 x 2 inch spring clamps.
- Quick grip heavy duty bar clamping system.
What We Like:
- Versatile Clamp Set – This versatile set of 8 wood clamps is great for a wide variety of woodworking jobs.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Spade Drill Bit Set: DW1587 6 Bit 3/8-Inch to 1-Inch Spade Drill Bit Assortment
Spade Drill Bit Set
DW1587 6 Bit 3/8-Inch to 1-Inch Spade Drill Bit Assortment
This superb set of spade drill bits from DeWalt are suitable for hex and standard drill chucks.
The DeWalt DW1587 spade drill bit set consists of 6 super sharp wood bits and comes in a handy plastic storage pouch.
Key Features:
- 1 x 3/8 spade bit.
- 1 x 1/2 inch spade bit.
- 1 x 5/8 spade bit.
- 1 x 3/4 inch spade bit.
- 1 x 7/8 spade bit.
- 1 x 1 inch spade bit.
What We Like:
- Good wood drill Bit Size Selection – This spade wood bit set covers the most frequently used sizes in woodworking.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Battery Drill Combo Kit: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit (DCK551D1M1)
Battery Drill Combo Kit
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit (DCK551D1M1)
This excellent value cordless 5 tool combination kit from DeWalt is every woodworkers dream battery power tool collection.
DeWalt make great power tools and have built a reputation for producing high quality, tough, reliable power and hand tools that can cope with the toughest of site working conditions.
Key Features:
- Includes the DCD771 drill driver, it’s a compact and lightweight hard worker.
- Includes the DCS885 powerful impact driver, compact design for working in tight spaces.
- Includes the DCS381 reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp.
- Includes the DCS393 circular saw with a 6-1/2 inch carbide cutting blade.
- Includes the DCS356 oscillating multi tool with 3 speed settings.
- Includes 1 x 2.0Ah and 1 x 4.0Ah batteries, battery charger and storage kit bag.
What We Like::
- Lots Of Choice Here – With this cordless combo tool kit from DeWalt you’ll be well prepared for those woodworking jobs.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Belt Sander: Makita 9403 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander
Belt Sander
Makita 9403 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander
This powerful belt sander from Makita is the quietest belt sander in it’s class. It loves hard work and is the perfect choice for fast stock removal.
The Makita 9403 is the best belt sander for your home and workshop needs, it has a sanding belt width of 4 inches and runs at 1640 feet per minute, meaning that stock is removed very quickly.
Key Features:
- Sound level output of only 84 decibels.
- The Makita 9403 belt sander weighs 13 lbs.
- Powerful 11 amp motor.
- Dust bag attachment included.
- Large front grip for added control.
- Overall power tool length of 13-7/8″.
- Sanding belt size of Belt size: 4″ x 24″.
What We Like:
- Lots Of Power – The Makita 9403 belt sander is powered by an 11 amp motor that provides a very impressive high running speed of 1640 feet per minute.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Detail Sander: WORX WX822L 20V Power Share Cordless Detail Sander
Detail Sander
WORX WX822L 20V Power Share Cordless Detail Sander
This is a really great cordless detail sander that’s compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools.
The Worx WX822L 20 volt battery powered detail sander is great for sanding down tricky corners and other hard to get to areas, there’s also a handy finger sander attachment that really does get into the tightest of areas.
Key Features:
- Includes dust collection system.
- Weighs only 1.8 lbs.
- Orbit speed of 12000 per minute.
- Includes 1 x 20v battery rated at 2.0Ah.
- Battery charger included.
- Includes finger sander, 6 x sanding sheets and storage bag.
- Overall dimensions of 10.51 x 3.75 x 6.5 inches.
What We Like:
- Compatible With Worx Tools – If you already have some Worx power tools that use 20v or 40v, then this detail sander hand tool is compatible too.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Router Kit: Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit, Teal
Router Kit
Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit, Teal
This is a must have piece of kit that every home workshop or woodworkers hand tool collection should definitely include, a wood router power tool.
This powerful, yet compact wood router from Makita is a great choice to go for, it’s packed full of features to assist you with your woodworking jobs.
Key Features:
- Variable speed control range from 10000 – 30000 revs per minute.
- Slimline designed compact router.
- Electronic speed control for constant speed, even under load.
- Quick release cam for base removal and depth adjustment.
- This router kit includes 3 bases.
What We Like:
- Powerful And Compact Wood Router – The Makita RT0701CX3 wood router packs real power and is a pretty compact power tool too, a great edition to any woodworkers hand tool collection.
check the latest price on Amazon.
Spirit Level Set: STABILA 29824 Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Levels Pro Set
Spirit Level Set
STABILA 29824 Type 80 AS-2 Spirit Levels Pro Set
If you want a robust, reliable and accurate spirit level set then this professional, slim profile 3 piece spirit level set from Stabila is definitely the one to go for.
Stabila make high quality spirit levels, and this slim profile spirit level set, which is a type 80 AS-2 with reinforced aluminium construction is definitely the set to go for.
High quality horizontal and vertical vials are used for easy readability for accurate measurements.
Product Information:
- Includes 1 x 10 inch type 81 SM die cast spirit level with rare earth magnet.
- 1 x 24 inch type 80 As-2 spirit level.
- 1 x 48 inch type 80 As-2 spirit level.
What We Like:
- High Quality Spirit Level Set – If you are building up your woodworking hand tool collection then go for this 3 piece spirit level set would make a great addition to your collection.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Screwdriver Set: Wiha 53099-WIH 084705530994
Screwdriver Set
Every toolbox or workshop should always have a set of high quality screwdrivers.
Featuring a cushioned grip and a metal striking top, this 10 piece heavy duty screwdriver set is perfect for the toughest of fixing jobs,
This set comprises Philips and slotted screwdrivers with the steel blade shaft running through the entire length of the handle.
Product Information:
- Slotted screwdriver sizes of 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, and 12.0mm.
- Philips Screwdriver sizes of 1, 2, and 3.
What We Like:
- Tough Screwdriver Set – These extra heavy duty high quality screwdrivers feature a comfort grip handle with a metal striking top, they were made for tough working conditions.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tool brand?
This really is a tough question to answer, when tools are bought it is generally down to the individuals own personal preference as to which tool company brand they buy.
If you base the answer on sales revenue alone then Bosch, Black And Decker and DeWalt rule the roost.
DeWalt certainly have a reputation for producing high quality, reliable tools that are used by professionals in the construction industry, and DIYer’s all over the world.
What is the most important hand tool?
The most important hand tool by far is the tool that gives you a measurement. A tape measure is the first tool that you go for when you start to plan out the job in hand. It’s the tool that gives you the answers as to how much material you need to complete the job.
Which saw should I buy first?
A general purpose saw is an essential hand tool to have in your tool collection, we recommend a saw length of 16 inches, with 9 TPI (teeth per inch) that cuts on the push and pull motion. Also make sure that the saw handle can be used for marking out 45 ° and 90 ° angles.
What hand tools should I have?
Essential hand tools should consist of a tape measure, hand saw for wood, hand saw for metal, hammer, screwdrivers, wood plane, battery powered cordless hand drill, wood – metal and masonry drill bits, and a selection of different sized spirit levels.
We hope this list of the best woodworking hand tools has been helpful.
If there’s anything good that you think we’ve missed, or if you have any questions about anything, then let us know down in the comments below.
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