Children Using Hand Tools

10/30/2006

If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right.
Mary Kay Ash

In the introduction to his book, Woodshop for Kids: 52 Woodworking Projects Kids Can Build, Jack McKee describes his philosophy about having preschool and elementary school children use carpentry tools:

“Hand tools are perfect for kids. They are safe if used properly, user-friendly, easy to find, and, when compared to power tools, inexpensive. They are quiet (sort of) and allow children to exchange ideas as they work. Useful hand-tool skills can be acquired quickly and used throughout a lifetime. Nevertheless, people inquire about using power tools with kids.

“I can’t imagine that anyone would think of allowing children to use high speed cutting tools like a power saw, circular saw, or router. Would you give them the keys to the car? But what about a battery drill or hand orbital sander? My advice is to help kids develop competence with hand tools before attempting any power tool.

“….The purpose of using a power tool is to do repetitive jobs faster. If you have lots of holes to drill, screws to put in, or boards to sand, power tools are definitely handy. For a few holes or screws or boards, they aren’t much help, not worth the added danger and hassle. It would be like letting a child ride a bike from one end of the house to the other just to get there faster.”

Buy Woodshop for Kids Now
Jack McKees idea-filled book, Woodshop for Kids: 52 Woodworking Projects Kids Can Build is now available from Exchange.

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