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25 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar
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Don’t Miss a Single Day of the DIY Advent Calendar
Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love the unique advent calendars that come with the season. Who wouldn’t want a little gift every day in the lead up to the best holiday of the year?
Introducing the 2024 DIY Advent Calendar, in virtual form! A list of must-have tools, one each day for the 25 days of Christmas. A perfect list for all you DIYers or for the DIYers on your Christmas list.
Follow me on Pinterest to get all 25 tool recommendations
25 Tools in 25 Days
1 December
Japanese Pull SaW
This small but mighty tool has been one of the best buys in my DIY journey, which is why it is first on the list.
It is a small hand saw for cutting through soft and hard wood. As the name suggests, the saw works by pulling through the wood, and it requires little to no force. I am continually amazed by how much more quickly this little saw works than a traditional hand saw.
I first bought the saw for trimming down the filler wood for pocket holes when building the bespoke built-in shelves in the lounge. Because of its size and the fine blade kerf (the width of the cut), it is perfect for finer woodworking, and again, it slices through wood with ease. I’ve reached for it on many occasions when I simply need a fine cut that does not require a jig saw or something bigger.
Pros:
- Requires very little force or strength; simply pulling the saw through wood works brilliantly
- Great for small jobs, like cutting small trim at an angle that is not possible on the mitre box
- Two-sided blade, one for soft woods, one for hard woods
- Small, light, does not take up much room in the tool box
- Japanese-made: the Japanese make some amazing woodworking tools and this is no exception
- Cost is quite reasonable; it has brought great value to my projects
Cons:
- The blade is thin and very flexible, so you need to pay close attention to keep the blade and the cut straight and even
- The saw is meant only for pulling. I sometimes find myself pushing and pulling; it takes some effort to only pull the saw and reset the blade for the next pull. This is probably more my technique than the saw. There is no issue with pushing and pulling, but the best result comes from pulling the blade through the wood. Again, very little force or strength is required.
Where to Buy
2 December
Corner Clamps
Another unsung hero in my tool box, my corner clamps ensure a perfect square when building cabinets, shelves, or frames. When I first started out, I tried assembling corners by hand, and let’s just say, there were many of re-dos and a lot of imperfect corners.
Perfect 90-degree corners are critical in building cabinets, and the first time I tried a corner clamp, with my bespoke shelves in the lounge, I was amazed at the ease and simplicity of achieving a perfectly square box.
I bought 4 corner clamps, and I will probably buy more in the near future, although I will try another design for my next set. The ones I currently have are a bit fiddly to use, and they have a very big footprint, so using more than one of them at the same time on a small item is not possible.
You can never have enough of these little workhorses if you build a lot of furniture, shelves, and cabinets.
Pros:
- Ensures a perfectly square corner, every time.
- Helps bring a corner into square much easier and more precisely than simply using your hands.
- The clamps free your hands up for drilling and other tasks.
- Small, do not take up much space.
- Reasonable cost, well worth it for the benefits they bring
Cons:
- They can be a bit fiddly to get the wood in place and lined up. Sometimes, you need to tighten, loosen, adjust and retighten before the wood is perfectly square.
- You need to pay attention to where you put the pocket holes if using. I’ve drilled the holes and then had the clamps completely cover the hole, making it impossible to drill while the clamp is in place. (This is easily solved once you realise the issue and adjust where you place your pocket holes.)
Where to Buy
3 December
Pocket Hole Jig
The pocket hole jig has been covered extensively on many blogs, as it is a strong and sturdy method for furniture building. Pocket holes have made furniture building possible for many, including myself.
For those who may not be familiar, a pocket hole jig uses a special drill bit along with a template to make a specific type of hole in wood that you can then drive a pocket hole screw into, to attach to another piece of wood. The jig allows for adjustments according to the thickness of the wood, to ensure a strong connection and that the screw does not come through the other side of the adjoining wood.
For anyone starting out, a pocket hole jig is an absolute must for furniture making. While professional joiners rely on other types of joinery, like dovetails, dowels or biscuits, pocket holes are a great place to start for the amateur woodworker or DIYer. I’ve used the pocket hole jig for my bespoke shelves in the lounge, for the shelves in my kitchen mini-renovation, and for the frames for my closet renovation.
I have a very basic Kreg jig, as I needed something small to fit in my small workspace, and I was not sure how much I would use the more advanced jigs. I do think I will be upgrading sometime next year, given how important this tool is for my projects. There are many jig options from numerous companies. I am partial to Kreg, probably because this was one of my first tools and really gave me confidence that I could build more than I thought. (I’m looking at you, lounge shelves!) I have not tried any of the other brands, so check out the various options and decide what is best for you.
Pros:
- Ensures a strong, study join
- Easy to use, with clear instructions for making adjustments according to wood thickness
- Works with a drill, simple and straightforward, with consistent results every time
- Various options of jigs available, according to need, preference, storage space, etc.
Cons:
- Requires specific screws for the pocket hole, so additional purchase is needed; different screws are required according to the size of the pocket hole and thickness of the wood
- Cheaper versions can be a little more fiddly to use, requiring a separate clamp. If budget permits, consider a jig with built-in clamping. (My version requires a clamp, and it is really not difficult, it just takes a bit more time for set-up.)
- Filling pocket holes can be frustrating; the wooden plugs do not fit that well, and because the hole is quite large, wood filler takes several passes. You can hide the holes on some pieces, but you will need to fill the holes sometimes. (The Japanese saw from 1 December is a great tool for sawing the plug flush with the wood.)
Where to Buy
4 December
Portable Saw Horses
If you have been following me for any length of time, you will know that I live in a small flat in London. My workshop for my DIY projects is either my tiny terrace (2 x 2 metres), weather permitting, or my equally small guest bath.
So my tools and my set-up need to be streamlined and portable. Enter the portable saw horse, which includes two pieces which fold up and can be stored in a corner behind a door.
This has been a terrific buy, both in terms of usability and storage. I simply set the two of them up when I am ready to work and lay a piece of scrap plywood across them. My mitre saw can sit atop them, or I can lay a piece of plywood across them to be cut using my circular saw.
Then, when I am done, the saw horses tear down in seconds and can be stored away. Highly recommended for anyone whose work space is small and needs to be set-up and stored between use.
Pros:
- Small profile, easily stored
- Great for creating a temporary workspace, wherever you have room
- Easy to use, quick to set up and tear down
- Light-weight, very portable with a latch that attaches them into a single unit for easy transport
- Durable, well-built
Cons:
- Difficult to clamp to the sawhorse, given the plastic edges. I’ve not been able to sort a good solution here to keep the boards from shifting. Not sure if this is a common problem with other brands.
Where to Buy
5 December
Jab Saw
If you have been following my latest project to expand my closet space, you will know that the jab saw has been my closest friend. The jab saw was critical for cutting into walls for the first time, and I’ve put in a lot of hours with mine, as I cut four closet openings over the last months.
You can use a multi-tool for the same job, but I find the manual jab saw to be more precise and a bit less messy. And, it is a good workout for your arms!
To use, you simply push the saw tip into the wall, which admittedly takes me a few attempts to get it through. Then, you saw along the cut line, removing the drywall in one large section. I shared a few tips in this post, including how to score the cut line to make your cuts more precise, and the angle to hold the jab saw for the best results.
Pros:
- Small tool with big impact
- Makes precise cuts into drywall
- Produces less plaster dust than a multi-tool (or at least the dust is more contained)
- Takes limited space in your tool box
- Great for all projects, big or small
- Builds muscle (may count as a workout!)
Cons:
- Manual process, so requires more energy than a multi-tool
- Very sharp (it is a saw!), so be careful
- More suited to smaller projects vs taking down a wall, where a multi-tool would be better
Where to Buy
6 December
Accu-Cut
Cutting down plywood or other large pieces of wood is easy and precise with the addition of the Accu-Cut to my circular saw. This piece of kit from Kreg is really ingenious, providing a straight edge for your cuts without requiring a clamp.
This tool is ideal for anyone who does not have a table saw but wants to be able to cut large sheets of plywood/wood with precision.
Set-up is a bit fiddly, with a few instructions that show how to attach the guide to your circular saw and ensure the cut line is even. You need to run a pass on a scrap piece of wood, which then trims off part of the plastic guide, which feels a bit scary in case you do it wrong, but really, it is quite simple and clear.
I only just started using this tool, previously having the lumber yard cut down my large sheets of plywood and using the edge guide on my circular saw for further cuts. The Accu-Cut, while a bit pricey and quite large/long for storing, is so precise and is an absolute pleasure to use. (I used a gift certificate from my lovely sister to purchase this, thanks sis!)
Pros:
- Allows cutting large sheets of plywood without a table saw
- Easy to use, does not require clamping to the piece
- Precise cuts every time, both cross and rip cuts as well as angled cuts
- Fits more circular saws, with different configurations as needed (check to ensure your specific saw will work)
Cons:
- Higher price point (but worth it in my estimation). You may find cheaper versions from other brands, but I tend to prefer Kreg.
- Must have a circular saw (obvious, perhaps, but just to be clear!)
- A little tricky to set up, but not too bad. Just give yourself time for this, before cracking on with your projects.
- A long piece of kit, so consider how you will store it. (Note that it won’t fit in a stocking if you are planning stocking stuffers!)
Where to Buy
7 December
Speed Square
Perfectly square joins are critical when building furniture, shelves or other common DIY projects. Enter the speed square, a quick and easy way to ensure a perfect square for that closet frame or kitchen shelf.
The speed square has many uses, including in roofing, finding angles, and marking boards. I have to admit, I mainly use it to mark cut lines perpendicular to a board’s edge and to ensure joined edges are perfectly square. But I can see that if I ever find my way with calculating angles, it could be incredibly helpful in this capacity as well.
There is something very satisfying about placing the speed square into a corner I’ve just built with my pocket hole jig. When it sits perfectly straight against both the floor and the wall, with no rocking, I can proceed. Any space between either edge shows that the angle is not a perfect 90 degrees, and this can cause issues later on, especially if you are adding doors to a cabinet or building drawers.
A speed square is a small but invaluable piece of kit if all you use it for is checking square. But, the ability to draw perfectly straight cut lines that are 90 degrees to the edge is also valuable when cutting wood. Simply lay the protruding edge of the square against the board edge at the cut mark and draw the cut line using the other edge. There is a pivot point marked on the square that can guide you in drawing angles as well, but again, I am probably not the person to advise on angles … yet! 🙂
Pros:
- Ensures perfectly square joins, critical for precision in furniture making
- Easy to use, quite self explanatory
- Small and light-weight, durable
- An excellent straight edge
Cons:
- None that I can find. This is a pretty important tool with a clear and simple use. There are other more complex uses that I’ve not yet discovered, so perhaps that is the only con, that I haven’t completely figured it out!
Where to Buy
8 December
Mitre Box
When I started my DIY journey, my first big tool purchase was a compound mitre saw, and I thought it would be sufficient for all my mitre cuts. But I quickly learned that sometimes, a manual hand saw with a plastic mitre box is the better tool for the job.
Specifically, I find the mitre box to be a great solution for small or thin trim, such as the inner trim I installed for my bedroom feature wall. This trim is small, and the compound mitre saw can cause tear-out due to the large gap on the base plate of the saw. (There is a solution for this gap, by creating a zero-tolerance insert for the base plate, as described in this excellent article. I’ve not had time to do this, so I turn to the mitre box, but I do plan to try this in the future.)
I went through a lot of tear-out on the trim for my bookshelves in the lounge before finally figuring out the issue and immediately purchasing a mitre box, which solved the issue. I also kind of like going a bit old school sometimes with a simple hand saw. Another good chance to get a bit of a workout for my arms!
The mitre box gives you tremendous control over the angle you are cutting, and because the trim sits snugly against the plastic box, you just need to make sure you have a good grip on the trim and the box with one hand while you saw with the other. Clamping the box to your work table can also help. And because I use it for smaller trim, it does not take significant effort to cut with the saw. Note: for some of the angles I needed to cut for the recessed wall paneling, the mitre box did not work, and I needed to be creative to cut the angle with a freehand approach. But for the most common angles, the mitre box works perfectly.
Pros:
- Simple to use, with limited skill needed
- No set up required, simply place the wood in the box and use the saw to cut the correct angle
- Perfect for smaller jobs, where the full compound mitre saw is not necessary
- Small and inexpensive; ensures you have a handsaw on hand at all times, too
Cons:
- It is physical, so it can be tiring if you have a lot of pieces to cut by hand
- It can shift and cause you to mis-cut, but holding it with some effort will prevent this. Practice first to find the right grip for you.
- It can only cut the most common angles, so if you need to cut specific angles that go beyond the usual, the mitre box will not work for you
- The electric mitre saw is certainly better for bigger jobs, but this is a good option to have on hand, and if you cannot find the space for a full mitre saw, this can be a good second option.
Where to Buy
9 December
Tin Snips
I’ve recently discovered that my flat has metal studs throughout. It explains a lot when I think about all my failed attempts to find studs for hanging heavy items. My stud finder kept beeping to indicate a stud, but when I drilled, I would hit metal that I could not get through, due to the drill bits I was using, for wood and drywall.
When I took on my closet expansion project, I knew that I would need to deal with the metal studs. Am I the only one who finds metal studs more intimidating than wooden studs? Wood, I can cut. Metal? I was not sure.
Let me introduce you to another favourite tool for anytime you need to cut metal, including metal studs: Tin snips. These trusty little snips are incredibly sharp and strong and can cut through metal studs almost like butter.
When I first tried removing the metal studs (they are non-load-bearing), I tried my multi-tool and a hacksaw. But I found both of these tools to be too difficult to get to the stud, which was surrounded by drywall. The metal snips are not perfect, but they are a bit easier to manipulate into position. Of course, these are for small projects, removing a few studs or portions of a stud. I would not use these for significant jobs, where a multi-tool would be much better.
Another use for metal snips includes cutting sheet metal that you might want to use in your projects. I’ve not had a need for them in this capacity yet, but it is good to have them, just in case.
Pros:
- Incredibly strong, can cut easily through metal studs
- Work like scissors, easy to use
- Can get into tight spaces, due to the long sharp nose
- Small and not too expensive; does not require much space in your tool box
- Locking mechanism ensures safety when not in use
Cons:
- Incredibly sharp, so be careful. Keep them locked when not in use
- Requires some strength, especially for thicker metal
- Can leave very sharp edges, and metal may fly off once cut. Eye protection is critical.
Where to Buy
10 December
Angle Finder
A quick scan over my blog and you will see that I deal with a lot of angles in my home. Our ceilings are angled, and almost any time I take on a DIY project, I need to work with these angles.
You can read about some of my recent experiences here, here and here. There is no getting around calculating angles, if I want to take on any project.
Fortunately, my angle finder is a great help. Certainly, the job of calculating angles can be done with a number of different tools, including a protractor, a sliding bevel, or an angle finder. But I find the simplicity of the angle finder a relief when it comes to the challenges of measuring angles.
This tool is easily used: you simply turn it on, ensure it is set to zero with both arms aligned, then hold one arm to one side of an angle and slide the other arm to match the other side of the angle. Read the display, and there you go. Of course, with an angle reader, you then need to apply some maths to calculate your cuts, depending on the type of angle. (Read more in this article.)
Pros:
- Easy to read display, makes reading the angle simple and precise
- Simple to use, no set-up required beyond ensuring it is set to zero at the start
- Small, compact, easy to store
- Durable, made of metal
Cons:
- Requires a battery to work. Not really a big deal, but the battery case came open once, and it is so small, I did not notice and could not figure out why it would not turn on
- Might have limited use if you do not need to calculate a lot of angles. A protractor might be more economical in this case.Incredibly sharp, so be careful. Keep them locked when not in use
Where to Buy
11 December
Nail Gun
So far, in the 25 Days of Christmas DIY Advent Calendar, I have generally focused on small tools that can be easy additions to your toolbox, don’t cost much, and can fit in a stocking.
Today, I am highlighting a tool that probably does not fit the criteria but is critical nevertheless: The nail gun.
Honestly, I never intended on buying a nail gun. I have a hammer, do I really need a nail gun simply because it is faster and easier? I am not really that fast anyway, so it has never seemed necessary. I also find the idea of using a nail gun with a compressor to be a bit too much for what I want to manage.
Well, I’ve changed my mind. When I was installing the recessed panel feature wall in my bedroom, I decided that a nail gun actually makes a lot of sense. It is significantly faster and easier, more precise, and today’s versions no longer require a compressor. When you are holding large boards against the wall and trying to keep them level, you really only have one hand for nailing, so a nail gun just makes good sense.
I chose the Ryobi, and I’ve been really pleased with it. It has a battery pack and is clear and easy to set-up and load for use. It has more than proven its worth since I purchased it this summer, and honestly, I cannot imagine DIY without it.
Pros:
- Easy to use; requires little set-up, and loading nails is simple and straight-forward
- One-handed use, perfect for when you need to hold the wood and a level with one hand
- Gauge for setting depth of the nail, depending on the wood, size of nails used, etc.
- Battery-charged, so no cords required
- Safety component requires you press the head of the gun into the wood before it will release the nail, so there is less chance of randomly shooting nails outside of your target
- Works with other Ryobi battery-charged tools, if you have them. (Sadly, I do not, but I suspect that will change in the future. I really like the brand.)
Cons:
- Heavy! While it can be used with one hand, it is a bit unwieldy and the weight makes it even more challenging. You need to be careful using it; I have almost dropped it a few times!
- Cost. This is not a cheap purchase, and there are less expensive brands out there. But, I find the cost good value for the benefits you get, and the brand is known for being dependable.
- Additional battery pack required. If you choose to order this nail gun (and most of them), you will need a battery, which adds additional costs. If you can buy from a brand with a battery you already have, that is always better.
Where to Buy
12 December
Mitre Shears
A few days ago, I recommended a mitre box as one of the Advent Calendar tools, as a great way to cut small trim pieces. As I was working on the recessed paneling feature wall in our bedroom, I also discovered another great tool for cutting small trim: mitre shears.
These small but effective snips are a great alternative for some types of trim, or any small pieces where you want to cut an angle. (It is impossible to get away from angles in DIY, as I am learning!)
The snips have a dial where you select the angle you want, slide the material against it and cut it in two pieces. It includes common angles 45 to 135 degrees, and the sharp blade cuts cleanly through. As with the mitre box, you need to hold the material tight against the dial to ensure the right angle is cut. There is something very satisfying about the click of the dial onto the correct angle and the sound of the blade slicing through the trim!
When I took a tiling class over the summer, we used mitre shears for cutting the plastic edging used in tiling at a 45 degree angle, so clearly these snips can be useful for a variety of projects. Importantly, though, some trim might be a bit too thick. I found with my trim for the bedroom wall, some pieces just would not cut. The mitre shears made a good indention in the wood, though, which was a useful guide to finish with a hand saw.
Pros:
- Small, compact format, fits easily in the tool box
- A good addition to the mitre saw or mitre box
- Sharp, can be used on different materials
- Cuts a variety of angles
- Comes with a few extra blades
Cons:
- May not work if the trim is too thick
- Requires some strength to cut through
- Need to ensure a good grip so the material does not slip
- Sharp, so be careful not to hurt yourself
Where to Buy
Buy at
Amazon
13 December
Chisels
I went to a woodworking intensive at the beginning of 2024, where I learned some important skills in fine woodworking. The chisel was one of my closest friends during this session, and I’ve come to really appreciate its many uses in DIY throughout this year.
I used chisels to help cut out the slots in my shoe cubby dividers, as well as for some of the fine cutouts I needed to make to build up the walls in my closet expansion. They allow fine cuts that cannot be achieved with a saw, and the precision is unmatched.
I am quite fortunate that my lovely dad gave me a really nice set of chisels from his well-stocked woodworking shop. He was not using them and thought I could put them to better use. And I have! (Thanks, Dad!)
The technique I learned for using chisels is to outline the area to be cut by tapping the head of the chisel along the cut line, then going back and taking small bits out slowly and surely. You do not try and take the entire portion out at once, but chip away at it, going deeper and further with each pass.
It is exacting work, but with patience, you can achieve a very precise cutout that, as long as you measured well, will be a perfect fit. In my woodworking intensive, we chiseled out a groove on two pieces of wood to connect them into an X. We had to be within a 10th of a millimetre! So extremely precise!
Typically, a set of chisels of various widths is ideal, but even just starting with one will be a good addition to your toolbox.
Pros:
- Small hand tool with many uses
- Precise and exacting
- Great for carving out a niche, such as the lockplate on a door
- Comes in multiple sizes depending on the need
Cons:
- Handwork, so slow and methodical. Not quick work
- If not careful, can cut deeper or further than intended
- Sharp blade, so caution is needed
Where to Buy
14 December
Rip-Cut
I shared my experiences with the Kreg Accu-Cut earlier this month. A track guide addition to your circular saw, it helps to cut straight lines in wood. Another addition from Kreg is the Rip-Cut, and I bought this at the same time, based on some reviews I had read.
I will admit, I struggled to understand the difference between these two pieces of kit. At first, I thought one was for cross-cuts and one was for rip-cuts (with the grain and across the grain cuts). But the Accu-Cut can do both cuts, as well as angled cuts. A search of the Interwebs did not bring much clarity; even the Kreg site does not give much of an explanation of the difference.
After setting both up and using them, let me bring the clarity to the difference between the these two tools. The Accu-Cut gives you a track to cut straight lines anywhere, while the Rip-Cut allows you to cut parallel to the edge of a board. So if you want to cut consistent strips of plywood, for example, the Rip-Cut, once set up for the first cut, can replicate that cut many times over. Yes, it also cuts a straight line, but as measured by the edge of the wood you are cutting.
Both of these products are not cheap, but they add some valuable skills to cutting down wood. I am pleased that I have both of them, and I can see how the Rip-Cut will bring some great consistency to wood cutting and speed up the process of making the same cuts multiple times. If I had to choose one over the other, I would probably choose the Accu-Cut, but if you can afford both and have the space, they are great pieces of kit to have in your tool box.
Pros:
- Allows cutting large sheets of plywood without a table saw
- Easy to use, does not require clamping to the piece
- Precise cuts easily replicated, as measured by the edge of the wood
- Efficient way of cutting multiple cuts of the same measurement
- Fits most circular saws, with different configurations as needed (check to ensure your saw will work)
Cons:
- Higher price point. You may find cheaper versions from other brands, but I tend to prefer Kreg.
- More of a nice-to-have. If you have the Accu-Cut, it can do the same job but requires a bit more measuring
- Must have a circular saw (obviously!)
- A little tricky to set up, but like the Accu-Cut, not too bad. Just give yourself time for this, before cracking on with your projects
- A long piece of kit, so consider how you will store it (and like the Accu-Cut, it won’t fit in a stocking if you are planning stocking stuffers!)
Where to Buy
15 December
Nail Punch Set
This little tool is a must-have for ensuring nails are countersunk, which is where the nail head is pushed below the surface of the wood and can be filled in with wood filler. Having visible nail heads showing is not a great look, and while it is extra work, it is an important step if you want professional looking results.
The nail punch set comes with several sizes, depending on the size of nail you are using. Once you’ve hammered the nail in as far as you can without coming into contact with the surrounding wood, you place the nail punch on the nail head and tap a few times until the nail sinks into the wood. It is quite a satisfying process.
Learn from my experiences: the nails to be countersunk cannot have wide flat heads. Read about how I learned this the hard way when building my built-in shelves in the lounge! And, the countersink does not work with nails from a nail gun. Again, I have done the learning for you, with my bedroom feature wall.
This small tool packs a punch in terms of value though, for traditional hammer and nail projects. In my view, it is a must-have for any well-stocked tool box.
Pros:
- Small
- Simple to use
- Inexpensive
- Leads to professional results
- Comes in multiple sizes, depending on the size of the nail to be countersunk
Cons:
- Does not work with nails from a nail gun
- Pay attention the countersink does not slip off the nail head and puncture the surrounding wood (although this is easily fixed with wood filler)
Where to Buy
16 December
Scribing Tool
Today’s tool is another small but mighty tool for precise DIY projects. The scribing tool helps you to trace a line or a profile onto your wood for cutting and ensuring a perfect fit. Let me explain.
Walls, floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level. Our floor is shockingly uneven in some places, and this caused quite a challenge in adding the base trim to my lounge shelves. It took three tries before I got it right (it still is not perfect!), but I could not have done it without the scribing tool.
The scribing tool uses a pencil and a wheel. You place the wood in position and with the pencil against the wood and the wheel against the floor (or whatever you are measuring against), you trace the profile of the floor onto the wood. This will result in a line that may not be perfectly straight but does follow the line of the floor. You cut the wood along the line with a jigsaw, and the piece should fit perfectly.
So essentially, it is a way to trace the profile of something onto the wood to be cut. This also works for coving, to trace the detailed ridges of the trim, or architrave for a good fit in corners.
Scribing takes practice, and there are a lot of videos on the Interwebs of ways to do it without a special tool, but I’ve found this tool to be a good addition to my own tool box.
Pros:
- Helps ensure precise cuts for uneven joins
- Provides a simple way of tracing for more exact cuts
- Simple to use
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not absolutely necessary, as you may be able to do the same job with tools you already have. I am not an expert here, though, so for now, a special tool is necessary
- Can be a little tricky to understand at first, but once you get it, it can be quite easy and effective
Where to Buy
17 December
Engineers Square
Similar to a speed square, the engineers square, sometimes called a try square, is a great little tool for ensuring perfectly right angles and evenly planed wood.
I first encountered the engineers square in my wood working intensive, where it was used to check that my planed wood was perfectly flat. The instructor would check our planing technique by pressing the metal square against the wood and holding it up to the light to see if any light shone through between the wood and the engineers square. As we were working to a 10th of a millimetre, this was some significant precision.
In most of our DIY projects, we are not working to such precision, but I’ve found this tool to be a great way to check my angles and ensure wood is flat and straight. It also plays the role of the speed square in smaller projects where the speed square it too large to fit in a corner.
I purchased an engineers square following the wood working intensive, but then my Dad gave me one that belonged to my great grandfather, who was a wood worker. I love this little tool, and it makes me so happy when I use it, thinking of the skills of my family that have gone before me.
Pros:
- Smart and simple little tool for ensuring precision
- A good complement to the speed square
- Comes in multiple sizes; I have the small versions
- Easy to use, immediately understand if an angle is square or a board is even
Cons:
- None that I can tell, beyond perhaps being a little duplicative of the speed square
Where to Buy
18 December
Pocket Hole Jig Add-On: Small Driver
I covered the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig earlier this month, and it is one of my favourite tools. Today, let me tell you about an add-on you might want to consider: the small driver bit.
If you remember, the pocket hole jig comes with two parts for your drill. The first is the special drill bit for making the pocket hole in the wood. The second is the driver bit for inserting the special screws into the pocket hole and connecting the two pieces of wood.
The jig comes with a very long driver bit, which is great for most projects. But occasionally, you will be working on a smaller project where the driver bit is too long to allow your drill to fit. Think small drawers or shelves that have a width less than that of the driver bit plus drill. How can you reach the hole to drive the screw in place in these cases?
Enter the small driver bit that can be purchased separately as an add-on. I needed to do this for some smaller shelves I was building, and it is a great addition. While not used too often, when you need it, you need it.
(I’ve recently learned that there is also a Kreg accessory that turns any drill into a 90-degree driver, so you can reach tight spots. This is definitely on my list to purchase.)
Pros:
- Allows you to use pocket holes in smaller format projects, like very small shelves or drawers
- Easy to use, works just like the larger driver bit
- Allows versatility in the projects you can take on
Cons:
- Extra purchase. Would be nice if this were included in the original kit (Kreg, would you consider this?)
Where to Buy
19 December
Clamps
Early on in the DIY Advent Calendar series, I talked about corner clamps, which have been such a critical addition to my tool box. But I have not talked about clamps in general, which are equally important.
Clamps are necessary for joining, such as with shelves or furniture, but also to hold tools in place while working, such as the pocket hole jig or a board to be cut with the circular saw.
I do love clamps, there is something so solid and useful about them. The unsung heroes of the workshop. Always there and ready to support, getting no glory for their efforts, but happy to do their job.
You often see huge racks of various sized clamps in workshops. I am not there yet, but I would love to be! I have 4 medium-sized bar clamps and one really large bar clamp. There are so many different versions, including bar clamps, ratchet bar clamps (I want some of these), spring grip clamps, and face clamps. They can be difficult to store (at some point, I want to build a rack for holding my clamps), but there is no doubt, I definitely want and need more of these little gems.
Pros:
- Reliable and solid method for securing joins and for making sure your project does not move while working on it
- Adjustable to various sizes according to need
- Easy to use
- Many sizes and formats; it is good to have a variety of different versions, and some of it is about personal preference
Cons:
- Do not go with the cheapest versions; make sure they hold well. I bought some plastic spring grip versions that would not really hold anything very securely, and they were a waste of time and money
- Can be a significant cost, as you never have enough clamps. Purchasing over time can help offset the cost outlay; you do not need every clamp at the start of your journey!
- Difficult to store in a small workshop, especially the bigger. the clamps get.
Where to Buy
20 December
Combination Square
I know that I have covered several squares already: the speed square and the engineers square. But, if you did not already realise, square edges and flat boards are some of the most crucial aspect of any woodworking project.
So today, I have one more square for you: a combination square. Honestly, I might not own this if it weren’t for my dad. He gave me one from his workshop, and I love thinking about all the great projects this little square has helped with.
Like the other squares, this one helps ensure straight lines and square angles, but it also includes a metal ruler and a spirit level. Very helpful for transferring straight lines onto wood, and checking for level while installing materials. It also has a 45 degree angle to measure against.
The metal triangle with the spirit level can be moved along the length of the ruler, helping to ensure precise measurements at the same time as ensuring right angles to the edge of a piece of wood. You simply loosen the small screw, slide the piece along the track in the ruler, and tighten when you have set the measurement.
This might not be a critical tool if you have a speed square, but I find it to be a nice little addition. After all, one can never be too careful with ensuring straight and even lines and corners. Besides, I’d like to believe with this little combination square’s history in my dad’s workshop, maybe it is bringing some good vibes to my own woodworking efforts!
Pros:
- Multiple uses in one tool, including straight edge, 45-degree angle finder and spirit level
- Small, compact; easily fits in the tool box
- Has a ruler, for easy measuring
Cons:
- None that I can find, other than perhaps being a little duplicative of the speed square (which does not have a spirit level)
Where to Buy
21 December
Wheel Gauge
I discovered the wheel gauge when I took a woodworking intensive earlier this year at Rowden Atelier. This little device is all about precision, as the main aim during the woodworking course was how to ensure exact measurements. Sure, we learned how to use a plane, a chisel and a saw, but these tools are useless if you cannot measure accurately.
And let’s be honest, accuracy can be tricky. How many times have I measured twice, cut once, and still needed to start over? More times than I care to say! Woodworking is precise, and it requires near perfection when it comes to measuring.
For small projects, the wheel gauge can be a great addition to your measuring and marking tools.
The device I use is from Veritas, a Candadian company, although there are other versions out there. The wheel gauge has a large wheel on a long shaft, and at the tip is a small circular blade that rotates. You simply hold the shaft against a ruler, with the blade at the end. Then, you slide the large wheel along the shaft to the exact measurement. Once the measurement is set, you butt the large wheel against the end of the board, and run the shaft along the board to score the wood with the small wheel blade, giving you a perfect cut mark.
Ingenious really. It only works for smaller projects; wouldn’t it be great to have a large version for measuring projects like my never-ending closet expansion?!
Pros:
- Ultra precise, with a very clear cut mark to follow with your saw or chisel
- Simple to use, low tech, but with high impact
- Very elegant device; I love the look and feel of it
- Perfect for precision woodworking, like furniture building
Cons:
- Not for every project; this is more for smaller woodworking projects
- A specialty tool for woodworking; may have less utility for typical DIY projects
- A bit more expensive than some of the other tools in this series
Where to Buy
Buy at
Amazon, Axminster Tools,
or Classic Hand Tools
22 December
Calipers
Today’s tool is another important tool for measuring, and one I also discovered during the woodworking intensive earlier this year. Calipers can measure the thickness of a piece of wood to the 10th of a millimetre, and this precision is necessary in accurate woodworking.
During my course, whenever the calipers came out, I was nervous. My instructor would place the tines of the calipers on various sections of my wood block, measuring how level I had planed the surface across the entire face. It took many tries to be within that coveted 10th of a millimetre, but when I had achieved it, what a great feeling.
In most of my DIY projects, the calipers are probably more than needed, but when working on really precise measurements, when every millimetre counts, this is a tool you want to have in your arsenal. You use calipers to check the thickness, depth or width of wood, ensuring accuracy across the piece.
Admittedly, reading the calipers takes some effort, unless you have a digital caliper. I went old-school, purchasing the same ones they used at the Rowden Atelier. If I am going to push myself to be this precise, I also should push myself to be able to read the device.
To use, you simply place the area to be measured between the open tines, and read the gauge. You need to read it in two parts, according to the millimetre and the 10th of a millimetre, but once you get the hang of it, it is a rather satisfying experience. That is, until your measurements are off and you must return to the work table. But alas, that is part of the joy of woodworking.
Pros:
- Precision, to the 10th of a millimetre
- Easy to determine if a piece of wood is evenly cut or planed
- Small tool that can easily fit into your toolbox
Cons:
- Can be difficult to read unless you chose the digital version
- Very specific uses; may not be needed for the average DIY project
- For small projects, probably not for use on large-scale DIY
Where to Buy
23 December
Fasteners
While not a tool per se, today, I want to cover an excellent stocking stuffer for the woodworker or DIYer: Fasteners.
Also known as nails and screws, all the DIY in the world is no good if you do not have the ability to connect your project together.
Throughout this series, I’ve covered important tools like the pocket hole jig, the nail gun, and the nail punch. For each of these, you need the associated nails and screws.
A great stocking stuffer could be an assortment of fasteners for the DIY enthusiast. I would recommend the following:
- Pocket hole screws: Specific screws for use with pocket holes (obviously!). I use Kreg brand, but there are a variety of manufacturers. Importantly, you need different sizes and types according to use. Sizing is based on the thickness of wood; 18mm or 3/4-inch wood is a common size for DIY, so the 32mm/1.25-inch screws are a good place to start. You also need to consider if the work is for interior or exterior use. B&Q has a nice kit with several options.
- Regular screws: For simple joins that are not pocket holes, a selection of screws in various sizes and uses is helpful. This multi-pack is versatile and affordable. With all my angled ceilings, I also have a selection of screws specific to angled joins.
- Nails for use with the nail gun: Nail guns require a specific type of nail. These tend to come in boxes of 5000, and in each box, you have cartridges of nails that can easily be slotted into the gun. They are held together with a touch of adhesive that breaks apart when the nail is shot out of the gun. I keep a few sizes on hand, due to need, including 50mm and 40mm.
- Nails in a variety of sizes: You can never have too many nails in a variety of sizes. I like to purchase variety packs like these so I am assured of having the right size of nail on hand when I am working on a project.
Fasteners are not the most glamorous of gifts, but they are necessary to any woodworking project. Trust me, when someone reaches for that critical screw or nail in the midst of the project and your gift is at their fingertips, this will be the gift they are most grateful for!
Pros:
- Necessary at some point for any DIY project
- Having a variety on hand can save you from running back to the store mid-project (which, speaking from ample experience, is frustrating!)
- Easy to store, take up limited space
Cons:
- You never know which size or type of fastener you will need, so there is potential for waste (but I’ve proposed some common sizes here)
- Not the most exciting gift, but I promise, it will be valued when the time is right
- Some screws (like the pocket hole screws) can be a bit more expensive
Where to Buy
Buy at any hardware store.
Links above for specific types of screws and nails.
24 December
Winding Sticks
Okay, warning on today’s post. This is a very specific tool for the skilled woodworker: Winding sticks. The only reason I have winding sticks is because I made them at the woodworking intensive course I took.
Winding sticks help to see if there is twist in a piece of wood. They are essentially two pieces of straight, even wood or other material, which you place on a board to check if it is flat and even. To use, place one at the front and one at the back of the board in question, running parallel to each other. You then get eye level and see if the winding sticks line up front to back. If they do, you are good to go. If not, you have some planing to do on your board to remove the twist, which could cause issues in your project later.
So admittedly by including this tool, I am bragging just a bit about my custom-made winding sticks. They began as a single piece of white ash, rough and splintery. Over the course of two days, I planed them to a smooth and even finish. Then I hand planed a bevel on the top quarter of each face, and chiseled out a space to insert a small rectangle of ebony wood, also planed to be flush with the edge. Finally, I sanded and stained them. And I must say, they are a thing of beauty.
This may not be the perfect gift for the typical DIYer, but it is great gift for a woodworker, and honestly, it is something we can all aspire to in terms of our skill level. I never thought I could create something so beautiful and useful, but with good instruction and a willingness to try, who knows what else we can do? And what a lovely idea, to have a tool that is both beautiful and useful.
Pros:
- A useful tool for woodworkers
- Small, streamlined, takes up little space
- You can buy vintage winding sticks, but there are also simple aluminum sticks
- Simple yet impactful in what it can tell you about a piece of wood
Cons:
- Probably not useful for the typical DIYers who mostly work with plywood
- Takes skill to understand how to fix twist in the wood once it is identified
- Advanced tool, even in its simplicity
Where to Buy
Buy at
Axminster Tools, Classic Hand Tools,
or attend a course at Rowden Atelier and make your own
25 December
Wood Plane
The final day of the DIY Christmas Advent Calendar has arrived. 25 tools in 25 days. All tools I use regularly and really value in my own DIY and wood working efforts.
Today, I saved one of my favourite tools for the end. The wood planer. I love the look of this tool. There is something so elegant about its shape. So much so that I used the plane as the logo for DuBois Designs, this little spot of mine on the interwebs.
Even more than the look, I love what this tool does. Honestly, a lot of my DIY work does not need a plane. This is a tool for fine woodworking, real craftsmanship. Prior to this year, I had never used a plane, but my first day on the woodworking intensive, I became addicted to the methodical technique and the resulting beauty of planing.
The process of planing involves running a fine, sharp blade over a rough piece of wood, over and over again, until the inner beauty of the wood comes shining through, leaving a smooth, flat, silken surface in its place. There is a real technique to achieve a level and even surface, and perfecting this technique takes time. I am not there yet, but one day, I hope to be.
This tool is not necessary for the average DIYer. But if someone wants to truly embrace woodworking, it is a must. Lie-Nielsen, Clifton and Stanley are some of the most well-known brands, but you can find a plane for every price point. My dad gave me two planes of different sizes, both of which need sharpening and cleaning, but their beauty still shines through. I love seeing them sitting in my tool cupboard, waiting to show me what they can do!
Pros:
- Smooths and levels warped boards or uneven wood
- Brings a silken finish to the surface of raw wood; think sanding times 1000
- A beautiful shape that is ergo-dynamic, with a place for the palm to force the plane over the wood while the thumb of your other hand guides it along the wood
- Multiple sizes, depending on the project and the person; I love the small block planes for small work
Cons:
- A very specific tool for the woodworking enthusiast
- Requires careful care and upkeep of the blades (which requires additional tools)
- Can be done by an electric planer, which is quicker and requires less skill (but misses out on the tactile feel of a hand planer)
- Can be expensive. A good planer is an investment for someone serious about woodworking.
Where to Buy
Buy at
Classic Hand Tools, Workshop Heaven, or Amazon