A Basic List of Hand Tools Needed For Kids to Get Started in Woodworking
You can buy the tools that you don’t already have as you get to them in the book or you can go ahead and buy them all at once. In the article below I give suggestions as to sizes and styles that can help children get the most out of their use. The advantage of having all your tools ahead of time is that it will save you from having to run around trying to find what you’ll need the day before you start a new project just to find out it’s sold out. Another advantage is you can often find all the tools you need online at one site. This can save you time and money.
Here is a list of tools you’ll need. Use this to compare what you already have to what you’ll need to purchase. You can buy each child their own set (which would be nice since one of the first projects is a toolbox) or they can share tools. (But getting kids to do that is an entire book unto itself.)
A. Measuring Tape (12′) they make measuring tapes that have the fractions labeled on the tape to make it easier to read especially if your child is just learning about fractions.
B. Ruler (12″) wooden ones are easier to read than clear or colored plastic ones.
C. Hammer (7 – 10oz for smaller children, 16oz for older children with better hand-eye coordination)
D. Screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips
E. Nail set
F. Handsaw (western or Japanese style)
G. Coping saw
H. Block plane
I. Brace Drill (Hand drill)
J. Rasp
K. Sandpaper (100, 120, 150, 180 grits)
L. Glue (white or yellow) waterproof for outdoor projects
M. Screws and nails (a box each of 1 ¼” and 1 5/8″ drywall screws and a box each of 3d, 4d, and 6d finish nails will get you through most projects in this book).
N. Clamps (See the lesson on building the step stool for information on clamps).
O. Safety glasses (it may take some extra effort, but find a pair that fits your child. They will become frustrated quickly if every time they start to swing a hammer they have to push their glasses back up on their noses. Manufacturers do make child-size glasses it just might take some looking around to find them.)
P. Combination square
Q. Speed square
Again, this isn’t a complete list of the hand tools needed to build any project imaginable, but it’s a great start. Armed with the above list of hand tools you can conquer all the projects in our book, “Woodshop 101 for Kids”
