Shingle Froe Tool

This simple tool might look like it was assembled by cavemen, but it’s actually still in production today and widely available. The shingle froe was introduced by colonial settlers, who used it to split shingles and other types of lumber while building the earliest homes in America. Today, you can use it on any project that requires strong wood panels and boards with straight grain. You’ll need to use a maul to pound the froe’s blade into the wood.

Stanley #1 Odd Jobs Tool

In 1888, Stanley Tools introduced its “Convenient Tool,” the original Odd Jobs, which was later marketed as “Ten Tools In One.” For 47 years, carpenters relied on the versatile metal gadget as a tri-square, spirit level, miter square, scratch awl, rule, marking gauge, mortise gauge, depth gauge and beam compass. It was discontinued in 1935, but some manufacturers, like Garrett Wade and Woodpeckers, still sell modern versions.