You can buy the tools you don’t already have as you get them in the book, or you can go ahead and buy them all at once. In the article below, I give suggestions on sizes and styles that can help kids get the most out of their use. The advantage of having all of your tools in advance is that it will save you from having to go around trying to find what you need the day before starting a new project only to find that you are out of stock. Another advantage is that you can often find all the tools you need online in one place. This can save you time and money.
Here is a list of tools you will need. Use this to compare what you already have with what you will need to buy. 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 a complete book in itself.)
A. Tape Measure (12 ‘): They make tape measures that have the fractions labeled on the tape to make it easier to read, especially if your child is just learning about fractions.
B. The wooden ones with a ruler (12 “) are easier to read than the clear or colored plastic ones.
C. Hammer (7-10 oz for younger children, 16 oz for older children with better hand-eye coordination)
D. Screwdrivers: flat head and Phillips
E. Nail set
F. Hand saw (Western or Japanese style)
G. Jigsaw
H. Block plane
Reinforcement drill (hand drill)
J. Rasp
K. Sandpaper (100, 120, 150, 180 grit)
L. Glue (white or yellow) waterproof for outdoor projects
M. Screws and nails (a box of 1¼ “and 1 5/8” drywall screws and a box of 3d, 4d, and 6d finish nails will help you complete most of the projects in this book).
N. Clamps (See the lesson on how to build the stool for information on clamps).
O. Safety glasses (may take extra effort, but find a pair that will fit your child. They will quickly become frustrated if every time they start hitting a hammer they have to put the glasses back on their nose. Child-sized glasses , you may have to look around to find them).
P. Combination square
Q. Speed square
Again, this is not a complete list of the hand tools needed to build any project imaginable, but it is a great start. With the above list of hand tools, you can conquer all the projects in our “Woodshop 101 for Kids” book.