Our Favorite Tools

The Honest Carpenter Blog

Homeowners and DIYers need quality advice on a wide range of topics—and THE HONEST CARPENTER blog is here to help! Our articles and videos address everything from basic construction and real estate knowledge, to DIY projects and modern remodeling techniques. We update frequently, so join our newsletter and check back in often!

Join Our Newsletter

Circular Saw Blade – how to safely change one

Circular Saw Blade – how to safely change one

by Ross James | Dec 3, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: blade, circular saw, and circular saw blade.

Drill vs Driver – two tools, different uses

Drill vs Driver – two tools, different uses

by Ross James | Nov 22, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: cordless drill, drill, driver, and impact driver.

French Cleat – Hang heavy objects securely!

French Cleat – Hang heavy objects securely!

by Ross James | Nov 19, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: cleat and French cleat.

Door latch – mine doesn’t!

Door latch – mine doesn’t!

by Ross James | Nov 16, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: door, door hinge, door latch, hinge, and latch.

Drywall Anchors? Mounting Plates Are Much Stronger!

Drywall Anchors? Mounting Plates Are Much Stronger!

by Ross James | Nov 15, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: anchors, drywall anchors, and mounting plates.

Painter’s Tool – most useful tool ever?

Painter’s Tool – most useful tool ever?

by Ross James | Nov 13, 2021 | Categories: Blog. Tags: 5-in-one and painters tool.

I love my 25′ Stanley Powerlock – best ever!

I love my 25′ Stanley Powerlock – best ever!

by Ross James | Oct 22, 2021 | Categories: Blog.

What is a normal height for countertops?

What is a normal height for countertops?

by Ethan Daniel James | Dec 7, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

My deck stair treads are rotting! Can I replace them?

My deck stair treads are rotting! Can I replace them?

by Ethan Daniel James | Jul 23, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Cross lap joints – how do I cut them?

Cross lap joints – how do I cut them?

by Ethan Daniel James | Jun 2, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Our Friends Across The Pond…The NYMR!

Our Friends Across The Pond…The NYMR!

by Ethan Daniel James | May 25, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Step ladder tips – here are 6 great ones!

Step ladder tips – here are 6 great ones!

by Ethan Daniel James | May 19, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Don’t mess up your circular saw! Here’s a tip!

Don’t mess up your circular saw! Here’s a tip!

by Ethan Daniel James | May 14, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

I need a lattice screen! How do I build one to hide my garbage cans?

I need a lattice screen! How do I build one to hide my garbage cans?

by Ethan Daniel James | May 9, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Can you paint treated wood? Yep, we show you how!

Can you paint treated wood? Yep, we show you how!

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 27, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

I need some planter boxes! – how do I build them?

I need some planter boxes! – how do I build them?

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 21, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

I need to remove pop rivets – how do I do that?

I need to remove pop rivets – how do I do that?

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 1, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

What the heck is an oscillating multi-tool?!

What the heck is an oscillating multi-tool?!

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 1, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

My brickmould door trim is rotted! How do I repair it?

My brickmould door trim is rotted! How do I repair it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 1, 2019 | Categories: Blog. Tags: brickmould, rot, trim, and windows.

My deck boards are rotted! – how do I replace them?

My deck boards are rotted! – how do I replace them?

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 30, 2019 | Categories: Blog.

Trim work – know quality when you see it!

Trim work – know quality when you see it!

by Ethan Daniel James | Nov 18, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Bad contractors – 5 ways they cheat you!

Bad contractors – 5 ways they cheat you!

by Ethan Daniel James | Oct 15, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

My fence is falling over – how do I fix it?

My fence is falling over – how do I fix it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Aug 20, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Contractor, carpenter, woodworker – what the heck’s the difference?

Contractor, carpenter, woodworker – what the heck’s the difference?

by Ethan Daniel James | Aug 19, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Craftsman window trim – it’s easy!

Craftsman window trim – it’s easy!

by Ethan Daniel James | Aug 8, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Storm door closer – how do I replace it?

Storm door closer – how do I replace it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Jul 29, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Porch columns – how to (carefully) replace them!

Porch columns – how to (carefully) replace them!

by Ethan Daniel James | Jul 2, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Bondo – it’s great for patching damaged wood!

Bondo – it’s great for patching damaged wood!

by Ethan Daniel James | Jun 25, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Deck Nails – Are Yours Coming Loose?

Deck Nails – Are Yours Coming Loose?

by Ethan Daniel James | Jun 14, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Kitchen cabinets – how do I secure them?

Kitchen cabinets – how do I secure them?

by Ethan Daniel James | Jun 4, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Railing posts – how do I set them securely?

Railing posts – how do I set them securely?

by Ethan Daniel James | May 6, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Sink cabinet water damage repair

Sink cabinet water damage repair

by Ethan Daniel James | May 6, 2018 | Categories: Blog. Tags: cabinet, plywood, repair, and sink.

Pre-drilling – how to control your drill depth

Pre-drilling – how to control your drill depth

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 30, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Stair angle – two tips for finding stair pitch

Stair angle – two tips for finding stair pitch

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 16, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

My fascia boards are rotted! What do I do?

My fascia boards are rotted! What do I do?

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 8, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Plumbers damaged my floor framing! Can I repair it?

Plumbers damaged my floor framing! Can I repair it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Apr 2, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

My old door knob is loose! How do I tighten it?

My old door knob is loose! How do I tighten it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 25, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

House footings – how deep should they be?

House footings – how deep should they be?

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 11, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

A one-hour drywall mud patch!

A one-hour drywall mud patch!

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 11, 2018 | Categories: Blog. Tags: drywall, mud, and repair.

Finding a stud in a finished wall – 5 tips!

Finding a stud in a finished wall – 5 tips!

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 5, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Reclaimed door – I upcycled it into a table!

Reclaimed door – I upcycled it into a table!

by Ethan Daniel James | Mar 4, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Wood rot – how do I test for it?

Wood rot – how do I test for it?

by Ethan Daniel James | Feb 2, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Welcome to a blog by an actual carpenter!

Welcome to a blog by an actual carpenter!

by Ethan Daniel James | Jan 31, 2018 | Categories: Blog.

Subscribe On Youtube

About Ethan

Paypal Donation