E very basic hand-tool kit should contain a hammer, handsaw, carpenter’s square, combination square, pliers, several standard and Phillips screwdrivers, 4-foot level, string line, chalk line, and carpenter’s pencil. A good kit also includes...

Chisels. These are indispensable for many woodworking chores. For notching studs and cutting mortises and tenons, you will want several chisels of different widths. Avoid cheap sets. They can’t be easily sharpened, won’t hold an edge, and are simply dangerous.

Plane. You may need a plane to smooth down wood for a joint.

Boring tools. These are needed to install bolts and hinges, and sometimes for cutting mortises. A good brace and bits are invaluable. Make sure the brace is double acting so you can use it in tight corners. The bits should be large, high-quality auger bits.

Measuring tools. The first and probably most important measuring tool is a good steel measuring tape. You may want a 12-foot tape for in-shop use and small projects, and a larger 25-foot tape for larger projects. A 100-foot tape ruler can be handy for laying out barns and extensive fencing.

Pry bars. A nail puller called a cat’s saw is essential for removing nails from wood. Another good tool for this task is a pry bar. For prying nailed boards loose, you may also want a three-foot crowbar with a double-angle claw on one end.

Masonry tools. Tools for working with concrete include a float for smoothing off foundation tops, a trowel for applying mortar, and an edger for rounding corners to prevent chipping. A hammer and cold chisel are needed for cutting concrete blocks.

Electrical tools. Get a good pair of lineman’s pliers for installing wiring. They should have insulated handles and be large enough so you can easily cut through plastic-sheathed cables. A pair of needle-nose pliers will also come in handy for bending wire leads. A combination stripper-crimper can save a great deal of time when stripping wire ends for connections. In my opinion, the plier type is much better than the knife style. Make sure all your screwdrivers have insulated handles, and that you have at least one large screwdriver with a long handle. A small power-testing light enables you to determine when a wire is “hot.”

Plumbing tools. You will need a pipe cutter, flux, solder, and a propane torch for installing copper pipe. A pair of large pump pliers and leather gloves are useful for holding hot pipes. In addition, a 10-inch crescent wrench and a 10-inch pipe wrench are necessary for working with threaded joints or old galvanized pipe.

Saw horses. Two good saw horses will help you support material to be cut and to lay out rafters. You can make these with scrap wood or lumber.