How to Ship Woodworking Tools

A wood plane tool is used to smooth edges on woodworking projects.

Woodworking is the art of carving, manipulating, cutting, sawing and attaching wood together to create diverse creations. The tools used by wood carvers or carpenters are extremely important, as each one serves a specific purpose. Woodworkers accumulate a large variety of tools and occasionally are required to replace old tools. If you are in need of shipping woodworking tools, you will need to use good, sturdy packaging to ensure your tools arrive in good shape.

Things You'll Need

• Fiberboard or wooden box
• Tape
• Packing list
• Cushioning material (Styrofoam)
• Labels
• Drill
• Screws

Instructions

1. Create a packing list, including all items that are going to be shipped. Type the packing list and keep the document nearby. Remember to make the list as detailed as possible, listing the name, brand and quantity of each item being shipped. The packing list will be used by the receiving party to confirm the contents of the shipment.

2. Pack tools into appropriate packaging. Generally, there are two types of woodworking tools: small, hand-held tools (such as chisels) and heavy, oversized power tools (such as table saws). If you are shipping only lightweight, hand-held tools, a fiberboard box will suffice. For heavy tools, you will need a wooden box or shipping crate.

3. Wrap the tools in newspaper individually to prevent metal edges from poking through the box, if you are shipping only hand-held tools. Insert the packing list last, close the box and tape it shut. Attach a label with your name and address, as well as the name and address of the person receiving the tools.

4. Obtain a wooden box for shipping, if you are shipping heavy, electric tools. Line the surface of the box with Styrofoam to keep the tools from moving around during shipping and handling. Insert the tools and use additional Styrofoam pieces to fill in any loose areas inside the wooden box. Ensure that the tools are snug in the wooden box, add the packing list and screw the lid of the box shut. Attach a label with the shipper and buyer information to the exterior of the wooden box.

5. Take the box to a shipping center, such as UPS, FedEx or USPS. Obtain a tracking number to follow the shipment and purchase insurance to cover the cost of the tools being sent. Pay for the shipment and use the tracking number to go online and confirm the delivery status.

References

• Old and Sold: Tools Used in Carpentry
• USPS: Prepare packages