21 HAND TOOL TIPS, TRICKS & SECRETS!! (Hammer/Screwdriver/Tape Measure/Pliers...& MORE HAND TOOLS!)
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21 HAND TOOL TIPS, TRICKS & SECRETS!! (Hammer/Screwdriver/Tape Measure/Pliers...& MORE HAND TOOLS!)
There are more aspects to many of the hand tools we all use than meets the eye. In this video, The Honest Carpenter will show 21 hand tool tips, tricks and secrets that he has used over the years. Perfect for carpentry newcomers and DIYers!
1) Tape measure tabs are supposed to wiggle. (This is called tab/hook travel.)
2) Tape measure tabs can be used for quick marking.
3) Changeable screwdrivers have six functions (6-in-1), not four.
4) Screwdriver bits can be used in drills...in a pinch.
5) You can countersink roughly with a phillips screwdriver.
6) Use needle nose pliers to hammer small nails.
7) Needle nose pliers come with wirecutters built in.
8) Hammer nails at 90 degrees to start...then angle them.
9) Use a scrap board to pry nails.
10) You can pry nails sideways (when surface quality doesn't matter).
11) Combination squares have a secret marker.
12) Wrench heads are helpfully angled at 22-1/2 degrees.
13) Use a sharp nail set as a drill punch.
14) Speed square can act as a saw guide.
15) Speed square makes a great straight edge for knives.
16) Utility knives better than pencils for marking cuts.
17) Most pliers have a helpful slip joint.
18) Use needle nose pliers to help back out a screw.
19) Screwdrivers help turn eye bolts.
20) Use large screwdriver for offset nailing.
21) Use mini hacksaws for tight spaces.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to visit us at The Honest Carpenter Website:
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I admire you for teaching to the true beginners. We were all rookies once and knew nothing. Instead of laughing at them for not knowing, just teach them. Don't be an ass, be a friend.
Agreed. Now go get the wood stretcher.
Nice job on the video. I never knew there was a scribe in the speed square.
Amen, brother!
@@justindavenport9182 have you seen the lightbulb bender or cable stretcher.?
@@micho2062 lightbulb bender is a good one, havnt heard that
I've used most of the tools you showed for over 50 years and never heard some of these tips before - thank you for great info.
I'm a former pro carpenter, yet you taught me a new trick! Scribing with a tape measure was new to me. Many thanks, Ethan 👍🏼
Wow! Where u been!!! Jk!
True indeed ;)
Pro and did not know that ... former lol
Once a pro always a pro
Only works on a soft surface. Plenty of ppl use a tape for alot of different surface measurements that this wouldn't work on unfortunately.
Needle nose pliers for hammering, so simple yet something I have never thought of doing. Bravo sir!
A piece of cardboard can work too. Poke the nail through a piece of cardboard, and hold _that_ to hold the nail while keeping your fingers out of hammer's way. You can tear the cardboard away from the nail once it's got firmly started and doesn't need to be held any more.
I have done that for many years. Did learn other things here also.
I had an employee review yesterday and one of the things they brought up was that they liked how I spent time outside of work learning more about the tools I use and they could see that it has made me better at my job. I'm a house painter but we use most of the same tools in carpentry (not least becsuee the GC's out where I am are awful and hire crappy temp crews to pump garbage trim sets and shoddy drywall out.) I have learned quite a bit from your videos and I apply that knowledge on my sites. Thank you!
That's great to hear about the review, Taylor! You're going to improve way faster than everyone else by delving into the carpentry side of things--all the great painters I know have an extremely wide base of construction knowledge. I'm really glad the videos have helped--good luck in 2021, and be safe!
@@TheHonestCarpenter Great initiative. Also, it is a good idea to never bash the trades. We get bashed enough from other sources. There is always a way to explain others poor performance in a more diplomatic way. I appreciate your concern for a job well done to the extent that my painting sub-contractor was also a big part of my quality control.
Now tell them to compensate you for that time.
I’ve been amazing people with what I don’t know for many years.
LOL
Hahaha
Me too!
Didn't know people don't know things. 😊
Me as well. My grandfather was a great carpenter, but unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to hang with him. These videos are a wealth of info for diy'ers.
This video should be played in every shop class. I sit and wonder why I don't know some of this stuff.
I knew them all already but it was entertaining. And made me feel like I know more than I really do.
Slip joint pliers have a great fencing wire cutter built into them, they will even cut softer fencing staples/nails.
Wrap a rubber band around your slip nose pliers handle . It's not vice grips but it really helps a lot.
Knew all of these, yet never could hear them again enough! Without a doubt, these have saved so much time and solved so many problems on the job site.
I’ve watched 7 of your videos so far, all excellent, I’m a beginner, you’re a good teacher. Thank you. ☮ from California
All your videos are highly informative and very well presented! No difference with this one... I have been binge-watching them over the past few days. I am not a professional of any kind (I am originally trained in fine arts, but presently tied up full-time with tedious managerial work!) - However, I have been fiddling around with hand tools ever since I was a kid (I am 52 now). And, I have learnt almost everything I know by either trying-out stuff, or by watching a professional worker - most of them, in my country, hail from the poorer communities - and so, usually have a limited set of tools and equipments to work with. As a result, they use a LOT of 'hacks' - in order to maximise/ diversify the use of each tool they possess! Of all the tips & tricks in this video (most of which I have seen our carpenters/ car mechanics/ etc use at some point), the LAST one was SPECIAL for me! I didn't even know that there actually was a tool such as the "mini hacksaw"!!! Here in India, we do have a "hack" for the problem - which, even though slightly risky, does get the job done... When we need to cut something that is inaccessible (even with the "miniature versions of the larger frame type" that @rivolhino has mentioned below) - we simply DISMANTLE THE HACKSAW BLADE FROM THE FRAME > WRAP A THICK COTTON CLOTH TO THE BASE END OF THE BLADE > AND GRAB IT WITH OUR HAND, TO STICK THE CUTTING END OF THE BLADE INTO THE TRICKY POSITION! When I saw the mini hacksaw tool on your video here, I ASSUMED that it would NOT be available here... but to my pleasant surprise, amazon.IN actually has a NUMBER of them on offer! It has promptly gone into my "wishlist" for the workshop I am presently trying to set up... Thanks for the tip!!!
No wasted fluff in this video. Nice
Thank you, Ric!
Great tips! I am going to switch from pencil to utility knife to mark my crosscuts. 👍🎺
Opens a whole new realm for clean cuts, Kevan. X-acto knives are even better for detail work!
They also make a tool called "marking knife"... not sure if it's any better or worse than exactly knives... seems like it would be the same.
The scribe is great, but if you can't quite see it so well after scratching it in, may I suggest a sharp mechanical pencil? .7mm or even better a .5mm makes the line obvious in any lighter wood, and is easy to mark in a scribe or scratch!
While I didn't learn anything new, this video was a great refresher.
Nice video. Quick paced and informative. I was an interim administrator at our local vo-tech school following my retirement and watched the instructor give most of these tips to his students. He didn’t show them the multi tip screw driver as a nut driver. I asked him if he ever mentioned that to his students. He kind of laughed and told me that he was sure they all knew that trick. But, he told me to come back to his class the following day as he would be asking some of his students individually if they knew the trick. It turns out that many did not know. He was surprised and added that tip to his instructional repertoire.
GREAT VIDEO!.. the scribe in the sliding square... that was a new one for me! Thank You
Thanks, Jim! I love a good, hidden feature :)
I’ve been using a sliding square forever and was like “what””!! Can’t believe I never knew there is a scribe there !
@@edover50 it's called a combination square. Because it does 90° and 45° A lot of times the scribe is missing on them too. Because lots know about it and tend to lose the things. For the most part I like to use a full sized scribe myself. I have a couple nice scribes. In a pinch every nail and screw is a scribe.
These are great tips for beginners and pros alike. Easy to watch the whole vid even through some of the beginner tips. Super job. It’s no wonder you have 198k subs now!!!
Thanks, buddy! You're closing in on 10k! That's right about the time things start to really speed up--keep going! 😄
I agree. A lot of videos tend to go on and on about very simple stuff. He says what needs saying and moves on. Good job
Yeah I've literally learnt so much from this one channel and at the best time possible (because I was getting into light carpentry/woodworking). Now I almost feel like I could get into the heavier stuff too. Maybe even make a bit of money from it.
It never cease to not amaze me you have so many people that are ready to put a thumbs down on good information. Thank you sir for taking the time out for this. Some of these has never crossed my mind. I use my tape measure all the time and never ever thought to use that tab to mark 🤣🤣 🤦🏾♂️
Love this expert. 72 yo diy'er female from Adelaide South Australia. Always learning from this page. 😊
I had heard some of these, figured some out on my own, and learned others by watching this. Great stuff, earning a "like" and a "subscribe"!
Thank you for all the much needed tips and tricks! I have each and every one of those tools... plus. As a DIYer those tips will really come in handy! Keep them coming! ☺️
Great tricks! I use a lot of them in my woodworking. I use needle nose pliers for pulling nails as well, and twist it for extra leverage when needed.
Love tip #6! I would have saved my thumb numerous times had I known that tip!
Learned out of painful necessity, Robert 😁
Lol.smash fingers ...
You are a great teacher! If I were influential in a school district or state-wide educational program, I’d utilize you and your skills to begin a program in schools teaching REAL, valuable skills that would, over time, show up in our culture. People would be spending more money on tools and home/neighborhood improvement and less on tattoos and body piercings.😄
The video was good, but the shopping list in the description is fantastic! Thanks for putting this together.
Experienced DIY buff but still learned a couple of things from this , thanks.
I am now addicted to these video's they are so cool and informative.
Great video. The only mini hacksaws I have are just miniature versions of the larger frame type, which also dont fit into certain areas. That lockable handle for a full size blade would be incredibly handy. 👍
Hey Ethan, how about a video about different saw blades and their uses? Great channel, thanks!
This is the second time I have watched this video and it was a great reminder of the uses all these tools provide.
Many…many…many thanks buddy. This is a treasure you’ve landed to us
Finally, the algorithm sends us something worthy!
Excellent! i knew (and have used) most of these tricks over the years, but I did not know about the combination square scribe tool, or using the speed square for angled saw cuts. Even experienced woodworkers can learn something new. Thanks!
70 YO wannabe carpenter lady. I want a mini hacksaw to add to my tool repertoire! 🥰 I just love your channel. Thanks for all the cool videos.
Thanks so much, KK! I’m really glad they’re helpful 😄
What a great help. Saving this one. On my own now, responsible for an aging house and several outbuildings. I wasn't sure how some tools were used, so this will make 2021 a whole lot easier and more productive. Thanks.
Thank you for making these videos. As a new homeowner this is especially helpful. I asked my inspector if there was a place I could go in person to take classes on home maintenence or repair to do on my own. Instead he told me there was a list he provided of people to call to do the job for me. Thanks again for your videos. I'll continue to watch and learn.
I’m a newcomer and these tips were definitely handy. 5 of them I didn’t even realise could be used that way. Thanks 😅
THANK YOU for saying something about needle nose pliers for nails! I see so many tricks for hold nails and your video is the first one where I saw the trick that I've been using for years!
Been doing this for years. It's nice to know it's OK to share the knowledge. Keep going, its awsome.
I just smiled through the video. Great info for many.
Thanks for all the helpful tips - no BS straight to the point! 👍
You have the only channel where every tip is simple, practical, and actually works. No fluff
I just finished a set of built-in cabinets and shelves with lights as my first build thanks to you.
Thank you this was partly a walk down memory lane as I used to watch my father pipe fitting superintendent of some renown when he worked around the house and he would show me little tricks. I sent this to my daughter because I know she did not have that privilege from her father
Love these tips! Doing alot of DIY projects and your tips are making it even more enjoyable!
I learned quite a bit. Very helpful and your style of teaching is very pleasant. This is second video of yours I've seen. I will be watching more. Much appreciated!
Thanks so much for this! Some I knew but a lot I didn't know. I love seeing that big Craftsman screwdriver. My dad gave me a set almost 50 years ago and they are still in use along with many other Craftsman tools.
Using the tab on the tape measure to scribe marks is gonna be a game changer on the jobsite!
I didn’t know the tape measure tab movement was intentional.
I learned that tidbit from SeeJaneDrill on KZhead. I love watching these helpful really informative channels.
The hidden scry in the level square is the one thing here I didn't already know. Thanks friend, I learned something today.
That was fantastic. I’m very new to the whole carpentry world and you just taught me so many clever things! 👍
Don’t forget to mention wrenches can act as a hammer 😂
There’s two tools in the trades hammers with and without batteries 😂😂😂
Or, for mechanics, ratchets! Haha
Joke’s on you, I’ve been using my hammers as wrenches for years!
I use the bottem of my drill as a hammer
Any tool in your hand becomes a hammer. 😀
I am always so happy to see your videos. You make me want to go out and fix something. In my run-down house, there is no lack of opportunity. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Great tips. I've been a DIYer for45 years and learned some new things today with your video. Thanks.
Heck yeah! I knew all of these and use them while doing my projects! Thanks goes out to my Dad and step-father for showing me these things growing up. Now if I could my kids to help me so they could learn...
I was wondering about the end of my tape measure. Didn't know about those sockets in my screwdriver either. Thanks!
The nail set trick to make a pilot hole was new to me. Thanks for the good information!!
I use a spring loaded center punch for the same task. Its even easier as you don't need a hammer!
These are great tips, and I'm thankful I grew up with a dad who taught me all these great things and more, which I had taken for granted!
Thank you. Very timely. The big flat head screw driver trick will be perfect for tomorrow's job. You solved my problem!
A good addition to your video would be explaining the many uses of a speed square, finding angles etc. Its crazy what can be done with one.
Great collection of tips! You should include one for the Ladder Mover, it has lots of uses beyond moving ladders.
Using the speed square as a circular saw guide is an excellent tip! Thank you
Great tips! I’ve been using tools for almost 30 years and still found some of these useful 👌🏻
Very good information and video. I have to admit that I've taken hand tools for granted. I'm a hvac and refrigeration guy my whole adult life and a home carpenter at my house. My hobby is wood working, but with hand tools and my goal is to learn as much as I can so I could do this when I retire God willing. Anyway I purchased a book called Hand Tools Their Ways and Workings by Andrew A. Watson. A very good book for information and easy reading. Thought I had it all figured out. Happy new year. Aldren A Watson.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will watch again a lot!
You're welcome, Melanie! Thanks for watching, and work safe 🙂
Made me thankful I had a Dad growing up. Happy Fathers Day! To the next project on the honey do list!
I’ve been doing handyman work since I was a kid but I learned a few tips and tricks today. Great video. Keep em coming.
your suggestion to side pull the difficult nails is something I didn't know. thanks
I often use this to bend the nail over and then just claw pull as normal, saves the time of sticking a block underneath it for more leverage. Usually no need to "see-saw" it out as he did.
Be careful zig zagging nails with a wooden handled hammer. They don't all like to do it. Don't ask me how I know. Or why I have so many metal handled hammers now. Your other option is to get a good crowbar.
Needlenose pliers to hold a nail. GENIOUS!!
OR A POCKET COMB
@@keithcronk7980 Good one!
@@ethanheyne 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
I appreciate these videos types of videos. They are especially useful for passing on information to the next generation. I don’t always remember all the tricks on demand, but they are there when I need them.
I got two great things from this video. First, I learned some new techniques with tools I've already got. That's valuable. Second, it turns out I'm a somewhat experienced home DIYer?! Who knew? So way to go, teach me something new and make me feel smart at the same time. Well played.
Well I learned a new one. I never used the brass scribe on the square, nor did i know it was there.
Already killing it coming out the gate in 2021! Cheers!
I inherited a tool chest from my dad and you've been really helpful with a few of the tools in there!
These are some great tips and there are a few I did not know of so this was really helpful. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you. I am going to take a closer look at some of my tools right now.
So many brilliant engineering feats lying right there in our tool boxes, George. I'm constantly finding more!
Great stuff! My favorite is usage of long-nose pliers to hold small nails. +1 comment made re: slip-joint back jaws to cut stuff. Two additions not already mentioned in comments by others: * Instead of screwdriver to turn eye bolt, you can also use Crescent adjustable wrench for a different handle angle and for more contact with eye bolt * The back side of long-nose pliers have high leverage flats that can be used to crimp stuff (in a pinch ;-)
I love your videos and you always give the best no nonsense tips and tricks. The toenail trick was great.
Have seen the tape tab thing explained a few times and never fully grasped it until now. Great video 👍🇬🇧
I knew most of these tips, but I find it amazing how this knowledge is passed on throughout the years and generations.
I like that you have all 21 tips listed in the YT description paragraphs. It is a big reason why I subscribed to your channel today. I see you have currently 143 videos. Keep up the good work MR. E.J.
I did know several but you showed a few I sure didn't! Your videos are always helpful.
I got a 3 $ looong screwdriver at Goodwill after seeing your post . Great tips!
This is so brilliant I loved these experienced tips and tricks of the trade, I learn so much from your how to use these tools videos, its essential to know how to use the tools correctly and safely I really appreciate these types of informative demonstrations it's so valuable knowledge, I'm a very inexperienced DIY-er I can use a drill put up shelving but I lack knowledge of what tools to use and how to use them, I really dont know how to operate handsaw tools, as I've never used them before, but I would love to learn and feel more competent and confident, your channel is excellent I'm loving it all, please keep it coming, do you have any videos about how to use jigsaws, bandsaws and what's the best way to cut circular projects in wood what's the best tool for that? Thank you new subscriber Laura in England
Tips from a perfectionist!! Thank you Ethan!
The amount that I learn from watching your videos! I appreciate you to no end Ethan. These are sooooo well done!
You missed one, when talking about the measuring tape. It has the length of the casing, typically embossed on the side; this allows the user to get a more accurate inside measurement. 👍
Thanks - didn't know about the tape measure end tab being 'loose' intentionally. Just thought it was worn !
I knew it was loose intentionally because it's like that on every tape measure I've ever seen, but I didn't know *why* it was loose until now.
Thanks for sharing! The mini hacksaw tip is new to me, a casual DIYer for some years. Can you imagine my surprise and the "doh!" moment? lol 😆
Every man could benefit from this video, thank you so much!
What a great video. I'm a maintenance mechanic in a college. Most of my career in shops, most guys I worked with didnt even know this much.this is like a class every maintenance guy should take
Fantastic. Posting link to my social media!
The side pry with the hammer is the one thing for years that I get the strangest looks from people or absolute amazement when they see me do it. It totally blows their minds
this is the best youtube channel for learning about this stuff...your communication style is so quick and clear and you keep all this info interesting. it's just a flawless way to learn about tools and techniques
You can also use shaft on 6 in 1 screwdriver to extend hex shank drill bits. This is something that has saved me many times when your drill bit is just not long enough.
What are you talking about? hex shank drill bits are usually short. They just fall into the shaft.
No wonder I never got precise measurements with my tape rule, I've always flattened the rivets down tight with a hammer and punch ,tape against tab, figuring it was just a cheap tape measure! Honest Carpenter= IT'S SUPPOSED TO MOVE!!!! you just got a new subscriber!
You're not the only one. But tape measures are not terribly accurate to begin with. They'll get you in the ballpark most times though.
😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks. I am 75 and I learned a few more things!
its good you are using old tools and not throwing them away. people keep throwing things out that can be perfectly be used. its good you are using them well.
Good job - one of the best of the year. I lookk forward to seeing where you take this channel in the new and hopefully more pleasant year.
Thank you, Randy! I'm hoping for a better one as well--but definitely looking forward to taking the channel on to bigger things. Thanks for watching!