Because accurate measurements are necessary if the craftsman is to do good work, a 6-foot folding wood rule (plastic or metal may be chosen instead) is of primary importance. Our own preference is for the type of wood rule with a 6-inch brass extension rod or bar in one end which may be extended to take measurements inside shelves and other crannies. The roll-up steel tapes 6 feet in length or longer (tapes up to 12 feet are available) are also useful, the new square-bottomed types allowing for measurements inside nooks by adding the measure of the case. Long steel tapes or white-finished steel tapes of 50 or 100 feet are also useful if fences or other large projects are to be laid out which, unless measured in a straight line, may contain discrepancies. Fabric tapes are also found in these long tapes but are less desirable, the fabric sometimes stretching a little and also wearing out in time, whereas steel tapes are permanent.

A pair of pliers of a size between 5 and 10 inches plus two or three other kinds will always be useful. Those made of forged alloy or carbon steel with a cutter between the adjustable jaws are most versatile, adding wire cutting to their virtues.

If you are going to make any of a number of projects, such as a dowel fence, a dowel trellis, a bird house, and so on, a good brace and bit will be needed. The brace should have a good center grip of wood or plastic and a hardwood or plastic head, both of which turn freely and with ease. The chuck should open or loosen easily, too, a ball-bearing chuck being preferred. The brace should have a ratchet to permit easy and quick reversal of direction, for the removal of the bit from the hole and also for quarter turns in close, constricted areas. This ratchet probably will be enclosed to protect it from fouling with dirt and rust. The chuck should take all sizes of square-shank bits; good ones will also accept 1/8- to1/2-inch round-shank bits, although this is not an absolute necessity for most projects.

Carpenters' levels are made either of wood or of aluminum alloy. Both are good in whatever size you choose. They come in 18- to about 48-inch sizes but the 24- to 28-inch sizes are best for most carpentry work. If you can squeeze out of your budget a 9- to 12-inch torpedo level, you will find it handy for leveling shelves and other narrow or constricted bits of work.