‘Measure Twice, Cut Once’ may be a common jobsite saying, but Norm Abram’s book by that name offers his uncommon carpentry tips.
Carpentry tips from the ultimate carpenter? Yes, please. I’ll turn my phone off and listen fully.
Advice from Norm Abram
There is never a time when I would disregard advice from Norm Abram, even advice he wrote 25 years ago, when many of the tools that we use today didn’t exist yet. The practical wisdom of integrity, patience, and diligence is consistent in everything we’ve seen him touch or say.
We had the opportunity to meet and talk with Norm Abram on our radio show (see photo above). I asked him what he does when a friend proudly shows him a home improvement project that isn’t quite right. He told the story of walking around a friend’s home. After they left the home, his wife remarked that he said very little. His reply: “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Wise words that could be shared in today’s world of constant comments and chatter in social media. However much I love social media, I know that Norm’s style isn’t as popular as it should be.
Reading Norm’s book
So I pulled out Norm’s book, “Measure Twice, Cut Once,” from our bookshelf. I was curious what he wrote about 25 years ago. While the tools he describes have changed, the ideas behind his approach to carpentry is strong and extremely relevant today.
I collected some of my favorite snippets from the book. I hope you enjoy them, and that they inspire you to continue to do conscientious work at your home.
Carpentry tips from Norm Abram’s book
“When very precise work is called for, it is best to use the same measuring tool throughout the job.”
“Never measure unless you have no choice.”
“…no two carpenters mark the same, so there are apt to be problems if one person marks and another person cuts.”
“Since I’m right handed I always cut so that the waste piece is to my right.”
“A novice may give the impression that he is trying to accomplish the cut mainly through physical force. But an experienced carpenter lets the saw do the work.”
“The keyhole saw is not designed for finish work. It is a nasty, indispensable little weapon for rough carpentry…”
“Blades that are too dull to cut building materials can still cut someone’s hand…wrap them in pieces of duct tape before discarding.”
”The old trick of rubbing some soap or paraffin onto the thread to reduce the friction before driving the screw is as wise as it is old.”
“…real carpenters don’t leave misfit nails in wood.”
“Dull blades exact a double penalty. They make you work harder, yet the results are still inferior.”
“Just because the frame of a house will eventually be almost entirely obscured by siding, roofing, and finished interior surfaces doesn’t mean that I’m indifferent to how beautifully made it is.”
What are impactful carpentry tips or advice that you’ve received?
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