The Hand Tool Companion: The Back-To-Basics Guide for Learning About and Using Hand Tools

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This is a companionable and nicely written book for those with an interest in hand tools, or those who think they might have an interest. Straightforward information and instructions for the use of more than 40 hand tools is combined with 17 woodworking projects, from quite simple to a bit more complex, and information on purchasing lumber, choosing hand tools, and safety precautions. Helpfully illustrated throughout with great drawings of tools and project plans, this book is both interesting and enjoyable to read and page through.

From Library Journal
The authors have written other home improvement books (e.g., Fix It Fast, Fix It Right, LJ 8/91) and a number of magazine articles. Their latest work is an introduction to the various hand tools-as opposed to electric power tools-used for woodworking. The Hamiltons assert that, without power tools, the workspace becomes a place of concentration and peace, more closely attuned to the "nature" of the process. They explain each tool with a brief, alphabetical entry accompanied by an illustration and then detail 24 useful projects for homeowners. The instructions are clear if skimpy. Other guides of this sort, such as Bob Vila's Toolbox (Morrow, 1993), are more comprehensive and are presented in a more upbeat fashion. This one is best for woodworking collections that cover the gamut from basic guides to more advanced, intricate work. (Illustrations not seen.)-Alex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, Pa.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
If you're a woodworker avid to leave the whine and whir of electricity behind you, this isn't your book. If, however, you're a brand-new homeowner and you have to repair a door or fix a window and don't have the bucks to pay someone to do it--this tome's for you. It's a very basic book on hand tools. You won't find an electric cord in it, but since there is a section on the Clifton plane, you will discover some pretty obscure tools. There are paragraphs and illustrations on a putty knife and a Phillips screwdriver to let you know that the Hamiltons aren't aiming over anybody's head. On the other hand, the book's three parts--descriptions of basic hand tools, projects you can complete with hand tools, and objects you can make with them--give enough information so that most anyone can glean something from them. Those who feel fully comfortable around tools might skip this, but neophytes will find it very welcome indeed. Jon Kartman


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The authors have written other home improvement books (e.g., Fix It Fast, Fix It Right, LJ 8/91) and a number of magazine articles. Their latest work is an introduction to the various hand tools-as opposed to electric power tools-used for woodworking. The Hamiltons assert that, without power tools, the workspace becomes a place of concentration and peace, more closely attuned to the "nature" of the process. They explain each tool with a brief, alphabetical entry accompanied by an illustration and then detail 24 useful projects for homeowners. The instructions are clear if skimpy. Other guides of this sort, such as Bob Vila's Toolbox (Morrow, 1993), are more comprehensive and are presented in a more upbeat fashion. This one is best for woodworking collections that cover the gamut from basic guides to more advanced, intricate work. (Illustrations not seen.)-Alex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, Pa.


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