• Hand tools do all the work of power tools at a much lower price.clock with tools image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  The carpenter's toolbox has traditionally been one dominated by hand tools. The introduction of electricity into the carpenter's workshop has served to make the work go faster, but not necessarily easier. The very same job that can be done with a power tool can be accomplished with hand tools, and what you lose in time spent may be made up for in money saved, since an impressive collection of hand tools is likely to cost you far less than a collection of power tools that do the same jobs.
  
  

Measuring Tools

• Measuring tools still remain almost entirely within the domain of the hand tool in carpentry work. Tape measures, squares and rulers are all essentially unchanged from the days when electricity wasn't in the picture. In his book "Woodworking Wisdom," author Nick Engler recommends calibrating your tape measure by measuring out a short distance with the ruler and bending the hook of the tape until the measurements are precisely aligned.
  
  

Handsaws

• A selection of handsaws intended for specialized uses is a must for any carpenter looking to stick with hand tools. The crosscut saw is the right choice for projects where you must cut across the wood grain. Ripsaws are good for cutting in line with the wood grain. A keyhole saw is perfect for carpentry work where you need to make cutouts and curves. If your carpentry work is going to be dominated by joinery, the editors of "Do-It-Yourself Workshop" recommend investing in a tenon saw.
  
  

Chisels

• A carpenter's workshop that's fully stocked with chisels may well have more than a dozen to choose from, but most work can be done with just three types, according to the writers of "Basic Carpentry Illustrated." The long, thin blade of the paring chisel allows you to work in tight corners. The firmer chisel has a thicker blade that's more suited to use with a hammer or mallet. A mortise chisel often has a blade that's thicker than it is wide and is perfectly suited for heavy-duty chopping work.
  
  

Planes

• Hand planes are an educational tool for the beginning carpenter. Planes are used for smoothing the edges of wood after it's been cut, but as you embark upon your experience as a carpenter, the very act of planing can get you close enough to the wood to instill a better understanding of how wood grain affects your carpentry work. Planes come in almost as many sizes and styles as chisels, but a sturdy medium-size plane is more than adequate for most carpentry projects.
  
  

Awls

• An awl remains a useful hand tool even in the age of power tools, because it's easier to work into cramped spaces or awkward spots to create small pilot holes for screws and nails than the electric drill you'd otherwise use. An awl can also be used for making brads.
  
  

Screwdrivers

• Screwdrivers are an absolute necessity even if you have a power drill capable of drilling in and removing screws. Specialty screwdrivers include the 1 1/2-inch long stubby screwdriver, the spiral-ratchet screwdriver, the cabinet-tip screwdriver and the spring-clip screwdriver. The cabinet-style screwdriver is especially useful for woodworking projects.