Measuring and Marking
This flexible metal ribbon retracts into a case and is a job site staple for measuring long distances.
What is a Tape Measure?
The most common hammer, it features a curved back designed for prying nails out of timber.
What is a Claw Hammer?
These versatile pliers have a pivot point that can be moved to increase the size range of the jaws.
What are Slip Joint Pliers?
The "standard" screwdriver, it features a single flat blade to fit a linear slot.
What is a Flathead Bit?
Despite its name, this common framing board actually measures $1.5 \times 3.5$ inches.
What is a 2 x 4?
This L-shaped tool ensures your corners are a perfect 90 degrees; it's also known as a "Try Square."
What is a Tri-square?
This heavy-duty hammer has a straighter claw than its cousin, designed for prying apart framed walls.
What is a Rip Hammer?
Also called "Vise-Grips," these pliers can be clamped onto a workpiece and remain closed without hand pressure.
What are Locking Pliers?
This cross-shaped bit was designed to "cam out" under too much torque to prevent over-tightening.
What is a Phillips Bit?
This engineered wood is made of thin layers of veneer glued together with alternating grain directions.
What is Plywood?
This tool uses a liquid-filled vial with an air bubble to determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal.
What is a Carpenter’s Level?
Often made of rubber or wood, this tool is used to strike surfaces without marring or damaging them.
What is a Mallet?
These have long, tapered jaws perfect for reaching into tight spaces or bending thin wire.
What are Needle Nose Pliers?
Also known as a "Square Drive," this Canadian invention is highly resistant to slipping or stripping.
What is a Robertson Bit?
Short for "Oriented Strand Board," this is made of compressed wood flakes and is a cheaper alternative to plywood.
What is OSB?
To mark a long, straight layout line across a floor, you’d "snap" this string coated in colored powder.
What is a Chalk Line?
This tool features a retractable, replaceable razor blade for scoring and cutting various materials.
What is a Utility Knife?
Designed with a "trigger" handle, these allow for one-handed tightening to hold projects together.
What is a Quick Grip Clamp?
This six-pointed, star-shaped pattern is often called a "Torx" drive.
What is a Star Bit?
A very thin, smooth plywood often used as an underlayment or for theatrical flats.
What is Lauan?