From Library Journal
Abram, star of TV's New Yankee Workshop and This Old House, is renowned for having more power tools than a well-stocked home center. Regular viewers will therefore be surprised to see that here he deals mainly with hand tools. Abram covers items such as levels, chalk lines, and plumb-bobs, detailing his experiences with them and his preferences. Unlike power tools, these tools aren't exciting, but they're the meat-and-potatoes tools that must be mastered to do good carpentry. This type of information is passed down from generation to generation, and it is in this spirit that Abram dedicates his book to his late father, also a carpenter. Even experienced woodworkers will pick up a tip or two from this book. Given Abram's name recognition, his book will appeal both to woodworkers and to TV viewers. Recommended for all public libraries.-?Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OhioCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this one-of-a-kind treasury of carpentry wisdom, Norm Abram celebrates the tradition of his craft - and hands down the secrets he has learned in more than thirty years as a master carpenter. Norm distills a lifetime of experience into seventy short, simple lessons. From what kind of pencil to use (a thick-leaded carpenter's pencil is best for framing) to drilling an exploratory hole without damaging plumbing or wiring (use a short length of coat-hanger wire rather than a drill bit), here is an indispensable compendium of brass-tacks advice and tried-and-true tricks of the trade. Illustrated with handsome engravings and drawings of hand tools, Measure Twice, Cut Once is the essential guide for anyone who has ever put hammer to nail.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal