When starting a new project, you always have to consider whether or not your tools are suitable for the task at hand. For instance, you can't easily cut wood that is too thick or too large for the size of...
Author: handtools
Drilling Lag Screw Pilot Holes Part wood screw & part bolt—lag screws are a beast of their own. Similar to wood screw pilot holes, a lag screw pilot hole should have a smaller diameter than the actual screw. This creates...
Woodworker's Guide to Drill Bit Types As woodworkers, our projects often require a lot more than just wood. There are obvious necessities such as hardware and glue that hold the pieces together. Then there are more complex pieces that require...
SAE & Metric Wrench Conversions SAE Wrench Size Bolt Size (SI) Metric Wrench Size 5/16" 1/8" 8 mm 3/8" 3/16" 10 mm 7/16" 1/4" 11 mm 1/2" 5/16" 13 mm 9/16" 3/8" 14 mm 5/8" 7/16" 16 mm 3/4" 1/2"...
This article isn't about bashing mortise machines. They are without a doubt much faster and more precise than a human with a chisel. But at the end of the day, you can't own every tool that's out there. We have...
Want to know the hardness rating of a particular softwood? You've come to the right place. We created an easy-to-reference chart that lists the Janka hardness ratings for different North American softwoods. From Douglas fir & redwood to different varieties...
Metric to SAE Conversions for Hex Keys Chart Metric Hex Key SAE Hex Size 2 mm 3/32 2.5 mm 7/64 3 mm 1/8 3.5 mm 9/64 4 mm 5/32 5.5 mm 7/32 6 mm 1/4 7 mm 9/32 8 mm...
Want the perfect table to go with your Adirondack chairs? Look no further. Hand Tool Essentials offers free plans for you to build your very own DIY Adirondack table. Not only is this the perfect outdoor woodworking project, but your...
So what is an Allen wrench you may ask? Alright, we'll finally tell you. It's the L-shaped tool that takes the form of a hexagonal key. Allen wrenches are used to fasten hex screws into wood, metal, and even plastic....
Torx to Allen Key Conversions We actually don't recommend using your torx wrenches in place of a hex key or Allen wrench. However, rogue DIYers seem to think that it's a good idea and insist on knowing the conversions. So...
Drilling Countersink Holes for Wood Screws If you want the head of each screw to sit flush with the surface of your wood, it's time to start drilling countersink holes. Not only does this practice add to the overall appearance,...
Breaking Down Each Sandpaper Grit Starting with the wrong sandpaper grit can add hours to your woodworking project. A grit that is too coarse may remove more material than desired and ruin the wood. And using a sanding grade that...