For every project you need to have the right tools,and basement renovations is no different. Lets take a look at what you’ll need to frame a basement.
- a good hammer is a must. Claw hammers are the most common types of hammers used for woodworking and general repairs around the home. They are available with different types of handles, wood, steel with rubber or plastic grips and fiberglass composition. The style of hammer you select should be a personal decision, hold the hammer in your hand as if to strike a nail, it should feel balanced, the grip should be comfortable. There are different weights, 16 ounces is a good general purpose choice, for heavier work perhaps 20 ounces. Smaller weights are suitable for tacks and light work or children.
Screwdrivers are needed for almost every woodworking project. Make sure you have various sizes of both Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers. I’m especially partial to my cordless, electric screwdriver that comes with different size bits for all types of projects. This way, I have one tool with all the versatility of 10!
Wood chisels range in size from 1/4" to 2" wide in 1/8" graduations. They are available with wooden or plastic handles. Use a chisel about one half the width of the cut to be made. Thin cuts can be made by pushing by hand; heavier cuts are made by tapping on the end with a wooden mallet. You’ll want a couple of different sizes of chisels – no need to buy all sizes when you’re just starting out!
Wood chisels range in size from 1/4" to 2" wide in 1/8" graduations. They are available with wooden or plastic handles. Use a chisel about one half the width of the cut to be made. Thin cuts can be made by pushing by hand; heavier cuts are made by tapping on the end with a wooden mallet. You’ll want a couple of different sizes of chisels – no need to buy all sizes when you’re just starting out!
Levels are available in many sizes and shapes, the most common being 24" long. They can be made of wood, aluminum or plastic. Some have fixed vials, others are adjustable. All levels have one or more vials for vertical and horizontal use, some have 45 degree vials. Inside the vial is a fluid with an air bubble, when the bubble is centered between the two indicator lines the surface is level. You’ll need a level to insure your project turns out straight. You don’t want to build a bookshelf only to see it listing at a 45 degree angle!
Framing Squares are important in woodworking. With this tool it is possible to layout and measure just about everything in the construction of a house from the basement stairs on up to the attic rafters. It may also be referred to as a steel square or a carpenter’s square. The most common size has a 24" blade and a 16" tongue, however there are smaller sizes available but like some cheaper versions of the larger style they do not have the framing tables stamped on them.
Try Square - These squares have a steel tongue fixed into a wooden or metal handle, they range in size from 3" to 12", some have inch scales on them others are blank. They are very handy for furniture and cabinet making as they are small enough to fit in confined spaces.
Triangles - These are available in many shapes and sizes in various materials, the double 45° and a 30° - 60° are the two shapes used most in laying out patterns.
Tape measures come in a variety of widths and lengths. I would not recommend anything less than 3/4" wide for a tape over 6 feet long as they can not be extended out and remain rigid. For small projects in the shop 1/2" wide ones are adequate. Some have highlighted indicators at each foot; others have them at 16 inch intervals which is handier in construction for stud layout, whereas the foot indicators are more useful in the shop. Special tapes are available for lefties as well as ones with digital read-outs. The hook on the end is meant to be loose so that it will give an accurate measurement whether it is hooked over the edge or butted up to an edge. Check if the hook has been bent if measurements are not accurate.
Nail and Screws> – you can buy these as needed for various projects, but you should still keep on hand various sizes of nails and screws.
Sandpaper – You’ll use a lot of sandpaper in finishing your projects. Have various grades available for the different projects you’ll be completing. Fine grit paper is used for most wood projects. Medium is generally used for first sanding of soft woods and shaping. Coarse grit should be used for paint removal, rough sanding, and shaping.
Various Saws – A fret saw use very narrow blades so intricate designs can be cut. The blade can be rotated a full 360° to negotiate tight corners. Inside cuts are started by drilling a small hole to allow the blade to pass through it. Then the blade is inserted into the saw frame. Deep throated saws called scroll saws with frames having 18" clearance are available.
Handsaws are available in many sizes and configurations; a good general purpose saw is 26" long and has 8 teeth per inch. Crosscut saws (to cut across the grain) have teeth with a negative rake; ripping saws (to cut in the direction of the grain) have a zero rake.
Things can be a lot easier with: - a circular saw can replace the hand saw and makes cutting much faster and easier.
- a reciprocating saw for tight to reach places.
Hand Plane - There are many different styles of hand planes some made of steel, others made from wood. Most are meant to smooth the surface, there are some with blades designed to cut profiles but with the advent of the router these are less common. Squaring up board edges and cleaning up rough boards is easy work with a hand plane. While you only need a basic smoothing plane to tackle most projects, don’t buy the cheapest hand plane you find. Look for a brand name or at least good quality metal to be sure the plane will last a long time.
Clamps - Any project that is glued requires clamping to insure that the parts are bonded firmly in exactly the right position. You can never have too many clamps, it is a good idea to pick up any that are available for a good price, especially at swap meets and garage sales no matter what style they are.
You’ll use clamps to glue boards side to side and to hold projects together as joints dry. Buying pipe clamps that
- a pouch is good to have , it holds your nails and some small items like a carpenter pencil, tape measure, utility knife etc…
- a 16 foot tape measure with a 3/4 inches blade.
- a heavy hammer (optional- a sledge hammer is perfect for moving walls more then 2 inches. in real stubborn situations)
- a combination square for marking both strait and 45 degree angle.
- a T-bevel square for odd degree angles.
-a framing square
- a plumb bob/chalk line..
-a crosscut saw.
- a six foot step ladder and a small step stool will come in handy for those hard to reach places
- a four foot and a two foot carpenter’s level.
- an air compressor and framing nailer will replace a hand held
hammer for most of the nailing. It’s quick and easer on the wrist.
You can also use a Paslode Cordless framing nailer nstead of
the air nailer and compressor.
You will also need 3” or 3-1/2” common nails.
That should put you in a good position on the Totem pole with your better half!
“Good luck and have fun.”
Now go to the
framing section. That’s where the adventure starts.
Tom.
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