Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 5"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #526

Building a Workbench and What Is It?… more

Episode #525

Lawn Mowing and Edging Basics, What is it?, Repairing and maintaining electric water heaters, Repairing a broken stair tread … more

Episode #524

Replacing a damaged mailbox post,Repointing Brickwork … more

Episode #523

Installing a new radiator/towel bar warmer, What is it?, Controlling crabgrass … more

Episode #522

Replacing a corroded shut-off valve with a "compression" fitting, What is it?, Selecting and planting "climbing" roses … more

Episode #521

Installing composite decking with hidden fasteners, Quieting a noisy steam radiator… more

Episode #520

Replacing a Shub, What is it?, Installing a roof-mounted attic fan… more

Episode #519

Refinishing cast-iron radiators, Installing a standby electric generator… more

Episode #518

Patching a damaged vinyl floor, What is it?, Repairing a leaking in-ground sprinkler system… more

Episode #517

Shopping for and installing wall-to-wall carpet, What is it?, Table saw safety… more

Episode #516

Removing an overgrown Juniper bush, Coiling an extension cord, Replacing a pop-up assembly in a pedestal sink … more

Episode #515

Clearing clogged drains, What is it?, Install Kitchen Cabinets… more

Episode #514

Prune a willow tree, fix a hot-water heater… more

Episode #513

Mulching, Sash Balancers … more

Episode #512

Shower Valve, Recycling Batteries … more

Episode #511

Original Air Date: Week of December 16, 2006

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor how to replace damaged cedar clapboards on the exterior of a house. Then Kevin and Tom, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger and chainsaw expert Tim Ard show a homeowner how to fell trees safely using a chainsaw.

Replacing damaged clapboard siding
Tom and Kevin head outside the barn to repair some cedar clapboard siding on an old house. Tom shows some nails that have popped out because they weren't digging into the wood sheathing beneath, so he pulls them out and replaces them with new stainless steel ring-shank nails driven in at an angle for better holding power. Tom also shows Kevin some individual clapboards in need of replacement.

What is it?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking product.

Where to Find It
Tom shows a two-wheeled dolly used for easily transporting long extension ladders.

Ladder Dolly (model HD02)
Manufacturer: American Innovations Corp.
888-912-9888

Felling Trees Safely
Roger and chainsaw safety expert Tim Ard show a homeowner how to fell trees in his backyard. First, Tim shows the proper apparel, which includes head, ear and eye protection. Tim also shows special pants called "chaps," which contain ballistic nylon that protects legs against accidental contact with the chainsaw. Roger also recommends sturdy boots and gloves. Tim shows the saw's safety features, which include a throttle interlock, chain catch, and chain brake. Roger starts the chainsaw by setting it on the ground and placing his foot in the rear handle to help hold it in place during start-up. Before cutting down a tree, it is important to identify nearby obstacles, including overhead wires and trees, and also plan an escape route. Tim explains how to check which way the tree is leaning and where to make the cut. He shows how to make an open-faced notch so the tree will fall in the desired direction. He then makes a hinge cut on the back side of the tree, causing it to fall. Once the tree is on the ground, Roger and Tim then show how to safely remove the limbs and cut the tree into smaller sections. Tim shows how to use plastic wedges when making some cuts. This will keep the wood from binding on the chainsaw's blade, which can cause the saw to kick back toward the operator.

Where to Find It
Roger was joined by a chainsaw safety expert.
Tim Ard
Forest Applications Training, Inc.
P.O. Box 1048
Hiram, GA 30141
770-459-3791

The chainsaws used by Tim and Roger were provided by:
Husqvarna
704-597-5000

Episode #510

Kitchen Backsplash, Installing Sod … more

Episode #509

Child safety, What is It?, Installing a sump pump… more

Episode #508

Maintaining stone countertops, what is it?, Installing a chain link fence… more

Episode #507

Home Energy Audit, what is it?, Removing a toilet seat with corroded bolts… more

Episode #506

Rebuilding a small exterior deck and stairs.… more

Episode #505

Planting flower bulbs in fall, making straight rip cuts with a circular saw, what is it?… more

Episode #504

Installing garage storage cabinets, What is it?, Installing a ceiling fan… more

Episode #503

Installing a new shower base, Installing a rain barrel… more

Episode #502

Replacing a clogged faucet aerator, Selecting houseplants, Quieting a squeaky subfloor under carpet… more

Episode #501

Repairing a bathroom door, planting a bamboo privacy screen, what is it?… more