Hand tools are used often and for many tasks, according to the results of the latest poll on Knots, the online forum on FineWoodworking.Com. Four in 10 respondents say they use chisels a lot, and 1 in 5 respondents say they use hand tools for everything but dimensioning lumber. The graph below gives the details.

A total of 732 people voted in the poll, which closed on March 13, 2008.

One respondent’s reply summed up the feeling of many others about hand tools:

“Hadn’t thought about it much [the use of hand  tools] until the other day when I picked up a hand drill that had been my father’s, and that I used as a boy. I realized that my father had died 24 years ago that day. Looked around the shop to see all the tools that used to be ‘ours.’ Lots of hand planes, many old wooden ones. Chisels, all sharp and ready to use; plus I like the relaxation that comes with simply spending some time sharpening. There is a nice variety of power tools as well. Nothing better to cut a full sheet of plywood than a large table saw with extension tables. Yet still love the serenity of fine-fitting a jewelry box drawer with a hand plane.”

The poll is a an unscientific (but, we hope, entertaining) regular feature of FineWoodworking.Com. You can always find the poll at the bottom of the home page.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

Buy at Lee Valley