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

Original Air Date: Week of March 29, 2007

Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor how to build a simple workbench. Then Tom and Kevin, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Roger shows Kevin how to tune-up a gas-powered lawn mower. Then, Richard helps quiet a whistling forced-air heating system by installing a "bypass duct."

Building a simple workbench
Tom and Kevin start by visiting a local home center, where they purchase plywood and lumber for a simple workbench. Tom explains that "BC" grade plywood is a good choice because it has one side that is sanded smooth and is relatively inexpensive. They also select 2x4's for the workbench frame, making sure to get the straightest ones they can find.

Where to find it:
For a variety of different workbench plans, visit workbenchplans.com.

3x4 BC-grade plywood, 2x4 lumber, deck screws, and wood glue can be purchased at your local home center.

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

Where to Find It

Roger showed an emergency device that allows people to rescue themselves if they should fall through thin ice.

Pick-of-Life® Ice Awls
angelguardproducts.com
800-325-4832


Lawnmower tune-up

Up in the loft, Roger shows Kevin how to tune up a gas-powered lawnmower. At the end of the mowing season, Roger recommends running the lawnmower until it is emptying of gas so it doesn't become stale and gum up the carburetor. When Spring comes, he recommends changing the oil and replacing it with the type specified by the manufacturer. Roger also recommends checking the air filter and replacing it if it appears dirty as well as replacing the spark plug. Finally, Roger recommends lubricating all the moving parts including the wheels and cables.

Where to Find It?

Lawnmower parts and accessories can be purchased at your local home center or power equipment store.

Quieting a noisy forced hot-air system

Richard helped a homeowner with a noisy forced hot-air heating system. The homeowner complained that when the heat was on upstairs and off downstairs, the system made a loud whistling sound. Richard determined that the system used "motorized zone dampers" to control the flow of air through the ducts servicing both the upstairs and downstairs registers. When the downstairs damper would close, the air pressure inside the open ducts increased, causing the whistling sound. To remedy the situation, Richard installed a "bypass" duct that diverted some of the air from the supply plenum into the return ducts, thereby relieving the pressure. Once the pressure was reduced, the whistling stopped.

Where to Find It

The bypass damper and motorized zone dampers are manufactured by:
Air Purchases
781-273-2050

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

Cedar Clapboards, Chainsaw Etiquette … more

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