Specialty Tools in the Home Work Shop

Posted by Kelly Smith Mar 6, 2009

Like everyone else, I suppose you have the full complement of basic household tools squirreled away somewhere, right? Heck, even that old stereotypical spinster aunt has a kitchen drawer stuffed with screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape; you get the picture.

But if you're a woodworker or dedicated DIY type always checking jobs off on that dreaded Honey-Do list, your tool arsenal goes a bit deeper. At least an assortment of power saws, and perhaps a router and scroll saw.

But for me, at some point, I had all that and more: drill press, table saw complete with a plethora of table saw extensions, etc. Past that point, that's where what I like to call "specialty tools" comes in. These are not-so-common items that don't get used often, but when you're in a pinch and nothing else will do, boy, do they come in handy!

Let's have a look at a few:

• Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig Tool - Pocket hole joinery is simply boring a pilot hole at an angle to join two pieces of stock, making a strong "blind" joint; bypassing the woodworking glue and clamp-up step if you desire.
• Whitney Punch - Looks like a heavy pair of pliers, sort of. But on one jaw is a die and on the other a receiving hole. Squeeze the handle and punch perfect holes for pop rivets.
• DeWalt Track Saw - Basically a specialized circular saw that runs on a track, it makes table saw grade cuts with portability.

So, diversify your shop!