10 Essential Tools for Every Workshop

Key Points to Remember

From Archimedes' early explanations of levers and pulleys to Greek philosophers who documented the mechanics of wheels and axles, humanity has long had a rich history with hand tools. Tools designed to bore, strike, cut, measure, or hold have been key to our progress, making the home workshop—a place brimming with timeworn hand tools—an enduring symbol of human innovation.

We acknowledge that equipping your workshop with handsaws and hammers may seem old-fashioned, but there are some tasks that simply can't be done with a power tool. For a fully stocked workspace, you’ll need a selection of versatile tools to tackle everyday home maintenance or the occasional DIY project.

And thanks to this list of timeless hand tools, you won’t need to break the bank to feel like an expert. Regardless of your skill level, these 10 tools will surely come in handy.

10: Duct Tape

Though some might not view it as a traditional tool, this multifunctional product has patched up a particle accelerator, assisted with equipment repairs on the moon, and even helped create items like waistcoats and wallets. Yes, we’re talking about duct tape, one of the most affordable and essential tools for any well-equipped workshop [source: Popular Mechanics].

Historically, duct tape is a 1 7/8-inch (4.8-centimeter) wide flexible material with a silver color and incredibly sticky backing. It was first used during World War II to seal ammunition boxes. Its effectiveness was partly due to the polyethylene coating, which kept moisture from entering [source: Princeton].

Nowadays, duct tape is available in a wide range of colors and widths, making it an essential item in both homes and workshops. Just don’t use it for actual ductwork. As scientist Max Sherman from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory explains, duct tape "reliably failed, and often catastrophically," when used to seal ducts [source: Sherman]. Fortunately, it's still perfect for almost everything else.

9: Hammer

Every well-stocked workshop should have at least one hammer. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever, and unless you’re a dedicated hobbyist or a professional woodworker, any basic model will do the trick.

Consider the anti-vibration hammer, for example. This tool features a tuning fork hidden inside its padded handle, designed to absorb vibrations. Another useful variation is the hammer with a magnetized head, which makes starting nails a lot easier—without the risk of smashing your fingers. No matter which innovation you choose, pay attention to the hammer's face: a smooth face helps prevent marks on surfaces, while a textured face provides better grip when driving nails.

Along with the traditional claw-foot hammer for driving nails, you might also want a rubber mallet. These are perfect for tasks like driving stakes into the ground when setting up a tent or tapping wood or other soft materials without leaving unsightly marks [source: DIY Network].

8: Crowbar

If you've ever watched an action movie, chances are you've seen a villain wielding a crowbar. But what you might not know is that what’s often mistaken for a crowbar isn’t one at all. A true crowbar is a steel bar with one end that flattens into a wedge. The other end may be slightly bent, ending in either a dull point or a wedge with a split down the middle.

On screen, the tool may appear more dramatic. Similar to its relatives, this steel bar has a split end resembling a crow's foot. However, unlike a true crowbar, the other end features a shepherd's hook. This tool is known as a wrecking bar [source: Brians].

Regardless of the 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon,' both of these tools are indispensable in your workshop—especially when demolition is on the agenda. Whether you're prying boards loose or removing nails from wood, both the crowbar and wrecking bar perform similarly, and unless you're a construction pro, you'll find they serve the same purpose.

7: Pliers

Pliers are the 'opposable thumbs' of any home workshop. Without them, gripping, twisting, or turning things would be nearly impossible. While there are many kinds—from long-nose pliers for tiny wires to adjustable pump pliers for gripping larger items—the common slip-joint pliers are the most versatile. They can grip, bend, twist, and turn wires, as well as open stubborn lids. The slip-joint feature allows the pliers’ jaws to widen for larger objects, though for loosening nuts from bolts, you’ll need a wrench instead.

No matter which type of pliers you decide to add to your home workshop collection, ensure that there is at least a 2.5-inch (6-centimeter) gap between the handles when they’re closed. This will prevent pinching your palm or fingers during use. Also, don’t forget to regularly apply a drop or two of oil to the hinge. This simple maintenance step will improve the performance of your pliers and extend their lifespan [source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety].

6: Wrench

The wrench: A must-have tool for loosening or tightening nuts and bolts. Wrenches come in many types, but one of the most popular in a home workshop is the crescent wrench. First made by the Crescent Tool Co. in Jamestown, N.Y., in 1907, the crescent wrench was originally designed for early automobile owners to adjust their brakes and clutches. Its place in history was cemented in 1927 when Charles Lindbergh, during his famous trans-Atlantic flight, jokingly mentioned he took, "gasoline, sandwiches, a bottle of water, and a Crescent wrench and pliers" [source: Popular Mechanics].

What sets the crescent wrench apart is its adjustable jaws. With the turn of a dial on the handle, one side of the jaws can expand or contract. This allows you to precisely fit it to the size you need, eliminating the need for a full set of wrenches that take up space (and, at first, your budget) [source: Encyclopaedia Britannica]. A pipe wrench, however, is ideal for plumbing tasks, as it is designed to tighten and loosen pipes.

5: Screwdriver

When selecting screwdrivers, there are two main considerations: the tip and the handle. You’ll need a few types, each designed for the most commonly used screws. A Phillips-head screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip that fits screws with a matching cross-shaped recess. The flathead screwdriver, also known as a slot-head, works with traditional screws that feature a single linear groove. Thanks to its wedge-shaped tip, a flathead can also double as a prying or scraping tool.

No matter the head type, it’s best to choose screwdrivers with cushioned, textured handles. This will give you more control and help you apply the necessary torque when dealing with tight screws. It’s also worth investing in a range of handle lengths, especially for flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers. While shorter handles may not be used as often, they’ll come in handy when you need to reach into tight spaces [source: McKay].

4: Utility Knife

The utility knife is an indispensable tool in any well-stocked workshop. Costing between $5 and $15, this retractable blade knife is affordable and easy to operate. It’s a compact powerhouse perfect for cutting through cardboard, trimming carpet, slicing drywall, cutting cords, and handling a variety of other workshop tasks.

While non-retractable utility knives are sometimes available, it’s best to avoid them. A constantly exposed, razor-sharp blade is a safety hazard both while in use and when stored.

On the other hand, retractable utility knives that feature snap-off blades are ideal. These knives are great because the blades wear out quickly, and you can easily snap off the dull section when needed (just be sure to use pliers and wear safety goggles) [source: Mahoney].

3: Level

No workshop is complete without a level. Perfect for positioning wall hangings and making sure posts stand straight, a level helps you achieve a perfectly horizontal plane. It works by using an air bubble sealed in liquid inside a glass tube, which is positioned within a frame made of plastic, wood, or metal. To use, simply place the level on a surface and check if the bubble is centered between two vertical lines. If the bubble is off-center, the surface is not level [source: Encyclopaedia Britannica].

Levels typically come in lengths of 2 feet (61 centimeters) and 4 feet (122 centimeters), though longer versions are available as well. For a tool that will last, avoid plastic models; opt for an aluminum or wood level that can last a lifetime, especially if the wood is oiled regularly and stored in a cool, dry place. Some manufacturers even offer replacement vials for when they break, so look for this guarantee on the product label [source: Carter].

2: Handsaw

Your grandfather, or perhaps even your great-grandfather, likely had a handsaw in his workshop. You should make sure you have one too. You never know when you’ll need to trim a board, construct a sawhorse, or remove a wind-broken tree branch.

There are two common types of general-use handsaws, and it's wise to have both in your toolkit. A crosscut saw features teeth angled backward and is perfect for cutting against the wood grain, while a ripsaw has teeth that flex side-to-side and faces downward, designed for cutting along the grain. On both, seek out sharp, evenly set teeth mounted onto a straight, tapered blade.

Another important consideration is the personal nature of selecting a handsaw. Unlike purchasing a power tool online, picking the right handsaw is a more subjective process. When you find the right one, you'll be adding a potential heirloom to your collection, one that feels well-balanced and comfortable in your grip. Take the time to try a few models; you'll know you've found the perfect one when it feels right [source: McKay].

1: Tape Measure

Although not a new concept, it's still a brilliant one. In 1865, Justus Roe & Sons began producing steel tape measures, and by 1868, a New Haven, Connecticut inventor named Alvin J. Fellows patented a spring-loaded retractable mechanism. This invention soon made the retractable tape measure a staple on construction sites and in home workshops, pushing aside the once-popular wooden folding rulers.

Even now, you won't want to be without at least one retractable tape measure in your workshop. This tool will prove essential for nearly every DIY project you take on. A well-made tape measure can last for many years. Opt for a metal tape that can extend up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) without bending, featuring an L-shaped end to help grip surfaces.

For most tasks, a 16-foot (4.8-meter) tape measure is plenty, though you can also find 30-foot (7.6 to 9.1-meter) versions. No matter the length, make sure the tape has large, easy-to-read markings [source: Christopher].