Checklist · 12 picks · 5 categories
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Woodworkers can always use another clamp, and every tool here is a Bob Vila pick. The Suizan Ryoba is its best hand saw for woodworking, cutting on the pull stroke for precise starts, and the DeWalt 15-inch is its best overall hand saw.
DeWalt's four-piece set is its best overall wood chisels. For glue-ups, the WORKPRO spring clamp set is its best bang for the buck, the WEN quick-adjust bar clamps are its best overall, and Gorilla Wood Glue was the strongest glue in its test. The Wen orbital sander is its best bang for the buck, and NoCry glasses had the best fog resistance it reviewed. The Stanley PowerLock is its best tape measure, and the Milwaukee FASTBACK is its best fast-access utility knife. The splurges are the Black+Decker 20V cordless sander and the Stabila Pro Set, Bob Vila's best level.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they just need tools for a first apartment; the first tool kit has a tool set, a drill and a stud finder.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORKPRO 16-Piece Nylon Spring Clamp Set | budget | $15-25 | holding small glue-ups and parts in place | 1 outlet |
| WEN 10236F2 Quick-Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamps | mid | $25-50 | gluing up wide panels and frames | 1 outlet |
| Gorilla Wood Glue | budget | under $15 | projects that might live outside | 1 outlet |
Top pickbudget pick · 16 clamps
Best for holding small glue-ups and parts in place
Bob Vila's best bang for the buck woodworking clamps: a budget-friendly set that covers a wide range of general needs.
Heads up. Nylon may not last as long as steel
1 outlet. Bob Vila best bang for the buck woodworking clamps.
$15-25
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mid pick · 36 in, pair
Best for gluing up wide panels and frames
Bob Vila's best overall woodworking clamps: a flexible, sturdy pair of bar clamps that suits most shop jobs.
1 outlet. Bob Vila best overall woodworking clamps.
$25-50
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budget pick · Bottle
Best for projects that might live outside
Bob Vila's best overall wood glue, and the strongest glue in its test.
Heads up. Takes over 24 hours to cure
1 outlet. Bob Vila best overall wood glue.
under $15
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suizan 7-Inch Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw | mid | $25-50 | clean, precise cuts for boxes and joinery | 1 outlet |
| DeWalt DWHT20544 15-Inch Hand Saw | mid | $25-50 | an all-around saw that lasts | 1 outlet |
| DeWalt DWHT16063 4-Piece Wood Chisel Set | mid | $25-50 | chisels they'll keep for years | 1 outlet |
Top pickmid pick · 7 in blade
Best for clean, precise cuts for boxes and joinery
Bob Vila's best hand saw for woodworking: a thin, two-edged saw that cuts on the pull stroke, which makes precise starts easier.
Heads up. The blade cover doesn't hold up to extended use
1 outlet. Bob Vila best hand saw for woodworking.
$25-50
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mid pick · 15 in
Best for an all-around saw that lasts
Bob Vila's best overall hand saw: a fast, comfortable, well-built panel saw that suits most general carpentry.
Heads up. Heavier than the other saws Bob Vila reviewed
1 outlet. Bob Vila best overall hand saw.
$25-50
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mid pick · 4 chisels
Best for chisels they'll keep for years
Bob Vila's best overall wood chisels, for their sharp, long-lasting blades, comfortable grip and outstanding value.
Heads up. No blade covers, and limited variety for fine woodworking
1 outlet. Bob Vila best overall wood chisels.
$25-50
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Top pickbudget pick · 5 in
Best for smooth finishes for less
Bob Vila's best bang for the buck random orbital sander: excellent performance, comfortable ergonomics and effective dust collection.
Heads up. The cord limits where you can move
1 outlet. Bob Vila best bang for the buck random orbital sander.
$25-50
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budget pick · One size
Best for glasses that stay clear while they sand
Bob Vila's best anti-fog safety glasses: the best fog resistance in its reviews, at a budget-friendly price.
Heads up. Fine dust can slip in below and at the sides
1 outlet. Bob Vila best anti-fog safety glasses.
$15-25
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Top pickbudget pick · Compact
Best for a classic tape for the shop
A classic tape measure for furniture, rugs and hanging things straight.
Heads up. Basic
1 outlet. Bob Vila best tape measure.
$15-25
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mid pick · Pocket-size
Best for a knife they'll keep in a pocket or on a belt
Bob Vila's best fast-access utility knife: it flips open quickly, locks securely open and closed, and has a cord cutter and blade storage built in.
Heads up. A little side-to-side play in the blade when open
1 outlet. Bob Vila best fast-access utility knife.
$15-25
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Top picksplurge pick · Large
Best for long shelves, cabinets and bigger projects
Bob Vila's best level: a set of 12-, 24- and 48-inch aluminum box-beam levels with easy-to-read vials, non-marring end bumpers and a storage sleeve.
Heads up. Premium price, and no magnetic edges or pipe grooves
1 outlet. Bob Vila best level.
$150-200
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splurge pick · 5 in
Best for a first cordless sander
Bob Vila's best random orbital sander for beginners: fast, affordable and quick to change discs, with a battery in the box.
Heads up. Only one speed, and the dust bag is underwhelming
1 outlet. Bob Vila best random orbital sander for beginners.
$50-100
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Clamps or a good hand saw. The WEN quick-adjust bar clamps are Bob Vila's best overall woodworking clamps, and the Suizan Ryoba, its best hand saw for woodworking, has two edges: one for crosscuts and one for rip cuts.
A sander and safety glasses. The Black+Decker 20V Max is Bob Vila's best random orbital sander for beginners, with a battery in the box, and NoCry anti-fog glasses had the best fog resistance in its reviews.
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