Nick Starrett shared the woodworking tip featured in this video.
Nick walks through a handful of everyday tools and shows small changes in how they’re used that make big improvements in accuracy and workflow.
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Drill: match the speed and use the clutch
Nick emphasizes using the drill’s speed selector for the right task: one setting for driving fasteners and a higher setting for boring holes. This simple switch keeps bits and screws from overheating and improves control when changing materials.
He also highlights the clutch as a depth and torque control to prevent overdriving or stripping screw heads.
A methodical approach—starting with a lower clutch setting and increasing until the screw seats cleanly—saves material and gives consistent results.
Tape measures: more than just inches
Most tape measures hide helpful features like a removable-hook offset and repeat marks for common framing and sheet layouts.
Learning what those marks mean removes guesswork when measuring inside corners or laying out repetitive framing points.
Using the built-in indicators for common stud and joist spacing speeds up layout work and reduces measuring mistakes, especially when running long panels or marking multiple fastener locations. Treat the tape as a layout tool rather than just a distance checker.
Carpenter’s pencil: shape matters
Carpenter’s pencils are intentionally flat so they won’t roll off slanted surfaces, which matters when working at height or on angled assemblies. That low‑tech feature prevents lost marks and keeps a pencil where it’s needed.
The rectangular lead also gives two useful line widths: a narrow edge for precise scribe lines and a broad face for bolder reference marks. Using the lead’s shape intentionally speeds layout and makes marks easier to follow at the saw or plane.
The jointer: beyond flattening stock
Nick points out that jointers aren’t just for flattening and squaring; they can also perform efficient edge and rabbet work when set up properly.
Taking light passes and adjusting the fence and ledge enables controlled rabbet cuts without switching machines.
Keeping cuts conservative and incremental protects the machine and the workpiece, and using the jointer for these secondary tasks can reduce setup time in the shop. It’s a good example of getting more value from a single tool by learning a few extra techniques.
Cutting non-wood materials with saws
When cutting plastics or thin metals, the tooth geometry on wood blades can cause chipping rather than clean cuts, so Nick suggests using an old blade flipped to present a different cutting action.
That reversed orientation grinds rather than bites, producing smoother edges on non-wood materials.
He includes a clear safety caveat: blades aren’t designed for this purpose, so test on scrap, use appropriate PPE, and accept the risk if choosing this shortcut.
The approach is a practical workaround for one-off jobs but not a replacement for purpose-built blades.
Safety and practical shop habits
Nick reinforces basic safety—eye protection, gloves, and sensible timing for noisy tasks—to protect both the builder and the neighborhood. Scheduling loud metal cutting during the day and using shop shades reduces risk and friction with neighbors.
He also recommends testing unfamiliar setups on scrap before committing to the workpiece and making incremental adjustments instead of aggressive changes. Those small habits prevent mistakes and make the shop a more reliable place to work.
Overall takeaways
The recurring theme is that small adjustments to how tools are used often yield the biggest gains in accuracy and efficiency.
Learning the hidden features of common tools and practicing a few alternative setups turns everyday equipment into more versatile shop partners.
These techniques are adaptable to different shops and projects, and they reward builders who invest a little time in setup and testing.
Applying these ideas keeps projects moving smoothly and cuts down on wasted material.
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