Starter Tools for DIYers and New Apprentices: Essential Carpentry Tools for Beginners

When you’re just getting into carpentry, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of tools out there. The truth is, you don’t need a full workshop to get started. Whether you’re a DIYer working on weekend projects or someone stepping into the trade, these essential carpentry tools for beginners will carry you through most of the jobs you’ll face.

Hammer

DIYer: A fibreglass‑handled hammer is ideal when you’re starting out. It’s lightweight, absorbs shock well, and feels easy to swing even if you’re not used to hand tools. Perfect for general repairs and small builds around the home.

Starting in the Trade: Most apprentices eventually move to an Estwing - https://tidd.ly/3NCYsNX. It’s a solid, one‑piece hammer known for its durability and balance. It costs a little more, but it’s a reliable all‑rounder that can handle daily site work without wearing you out.

Tape Measure

DIYer: A simple 5–8 metre tape measure with a comfortable grip and decent standout is all you need. Great for measuring timber, rooms, and general home projects.

Starting in the Trade: Tradespeople tend to prefer a heavy‑duty tape with a stronger standout, magnetic hook, and tougher casing. It survives drops, rough handling, and constant clipping on and off a tool belt.

Pencil

DIYer: Any decent carpenter’s pencil or even a standard HB pencil works fine. Easy to sharpen, easy to replace, and perfect for marking cuts and measurements.

Starting in the Trade: A proper carpenter’s pencil with a sharpener or a mechanical site pencil is the go‑to. They make cleaner, more accurate marks and hold up better on dusty, rough surfaces.

Square

DIYer: A basic speed square is perfect for marking straight lines, checking 90° angles, and guiding a handsaw. Affordable, simple, and incredibly useful for small projects.

Starting in the Trade: A combination square or a high‑quality speed square is standard on site. It’s more accurate, more durable, and essential for framing, door fitting, and joinery work.

Spirit Level

DIYer: A basic 600mm spirit level is perfect for home projects. It’s lightweight, easy to read, and ideal for putting up shelves, checking frames, and making sure surfaces are level. For most DIY tasks, this size is more than enough.

Starting in the Trade: On site, accuracy and durability matter. Trade‑rated levels — often from brands like Stabila - https://tidd.ly/4sXbuGc or Stanley FatMax - https://tidd.ly/3ZC2TuY — are built to handle knocks, drops, and rough conditions while staying precise. They typically come in 600mm, 1200mm, and 1800mm sizes, and most apprentices carry at least two. The 600mm is great for smaller work, while the 1200mm and 1800mm levels are essential for framing, door linings, stud walls, and larger installations.

Handsaw

DIYer: A general‑purpose handsaw is great for cutting timber, trimming pieces, and doing quick jobs without setting up power tools. Lightweight, simple, and budget‑friendly.

Starting in the Trade: Most apprentices carry a higher‑quality, fine‑tooth handsaw for cleaner, more accurate cuts. But on site, a circular saw is usually the better option. It’s faster, more consistent, and far more efficient for repetitive cutting, framing, and working with sheet materials. The handsaw becomes more of a backup tool rather than your main cutter.

Combi Drill

DIYer: A mid‑range 18V combi drill is ideal for general home projects. It gives you enough power to drill holes, drive screws, and assemble furniture without being too heavy or complicated. Pair it with a small set of drill bits and screwdriver bits and you’re ready for most DIY tasks.

Starting in the Trade: Apprentices usually invest in a professional‑grade drill from brands like DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee. These offer stronger batteries, more torque, and the durability needed for daily site work. Many tradespeople also add an impact driver later on for heavier fixing. That said, Hikoki is a fantastic choice — incredibly powerful, well‑balanced, and one of my favourites.

The Wrap-Up

Starting out in carpentry doesn’t mean stocking a van full of gear. With a few solid basics — like a good hammer and a reliable combi drill — you can tackle most early projects with confidence. DIYers can stick to simple, lightweight tools, while new apprentices will benefit from investing in tougher, trade‑ready options.

Start with what you have, build your skills, and upgrade as you go. Every carpenter begins with the same core essentials, and your toolkit will grow naturally with each project. If you’ve got any questions about tools, pop a comment.

Some of the gear I mention includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It won’t cost you anything extra—and it helps keep the site running.