Ask This Old House

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Season 2 Show Descriptions

Showing results for "Season 2"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #226
Replacing a storm door, identifying a paint mixer and gutter nail driver, and choosing garden tools … more
Episode #225
Corroded copper pipes, old-fashioned sheet metal cutter, and worn-out weather stripping
… more
Episode #224
Track lighting, drywall repair clips, and noisy baseboard heaters… more
Ask This Old House #223
Radiant heat, a cable saw for PVC, and painting aluminum siding… more
Episode #222
Installing curved baseboards, buying wire by the foot, a "Nite Ize Flashlight Friend," and making maple syrup… more
Episode #221
Fixing a steam radiator, a "Molemover" and an invisible nailing kit, and preparing a raised garden bed for winter… more
Episode #220
Installing a programmable thermostat , a snowball maker and garage stopper, and fixing a plaster and lath wall… more
Episode #219
Cutting glass, planting vines, a stud finder and tile spacers, and venting a portable air conditioner… more
Episode #218
Deterring deer, making PVC connections, pipe plugs, and fixing a sagging shower door… more
Episode #217
Wiring for outdoor speakers, a Japanese chalk line, and planting a tree… more
Episode #216
Testing water quality, a duster and downspout diverter, and replacing a damaged floorboard… more
Episode #215
Repairing sliding doors, an electrical cord connector and ellipse marking tool, electric radiant heat, and selecting paint colors… more
Episode #214
Installing a brick walkway, a maple sugaring spile and "Sand Anchor" umbrella holder, and cutting accurate miters… more
Episode #213
Quieting hardwood floors, a garden sieve and heavy-duty twist-tie, and building timber steps… more
Episode #212
Drip irrigation repair, a "Sander Sitter" and "Forearm Forklifts," and fixing a leaky tile in a tub… more
Episode #211
Adding a stairway handrail, a grout saw and tile cutter, and transplanting a rhododendron… more
Episode #210
Installing a chimney liner, a proportioning tool, and a toilet anti-sweat valve… more
Episode #209


Original Air Date: Week of December 4, 2003

Landscape contractor Roger Cook helps homeowner Brian Grace remove poison ivy from his backyard without the use of herbicides. Back in the loft, Roger, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor try to guess "What is it?" Then Tom shows homeowner Dan Nutton how to install cedar shingles and weave an outside corner on his house in Lowell, Massachusetts.



Removing Poison Ivy
Roger shows a homeowner how to carefully remove poison ivy from his backyard.

Where to Find It
When handling poison ivy, Roger suggests wearing long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and eye-protection. Carefully remove the vines and roots and avoid all contact with skin.

If it is not possible to remove all of the poison ivy roots, it may be necessary to use a systemic herbicide such as Round-up brush killer concentrate or Ortho Brush-B-Gon poison ivy killer.After removing the poison ivy, Roger washed his hands with Oak-n-Ivy brand Tecnu outdoor skin cleanser as a precaution. It is manufactured by:
Tec Laboratories, Inc.
800-482-4464

What Is It?
Roger, Richard, Tom, and Kevin examine two unfamiliar objects and try to guess how they're used.

Where to Find It
Tom demonstrated a steel center square, which is used to locate the exact center of round stock. It is available from the GarrettWade Tool Catalog (item #89E04.03):
Garrett Wade
800-221-2942

Kevin demonstrated a "Pencil Leash," which costs about $4. For more information, visit pencilleash.com.

Installing Shingles on an Outside Corner
Tom showed the homeowner how to measure the coursing of the existing shingles and install new cedar shingles an outside corner.

Where to Find It
First, Tom used a story pole to record the coursing of the existing shingles. He removed the shingles with a pitchfork and a pry bar and used rosin paper to separate the sheathing from the new shingles. He then used 4-penny hot dipped galvanized nails to attach the new white cedar shingles. Tom then trimmed each of the shingles on the outside corner with utility knife and a block plane.

All of these materials and tools are available at most lumber yards and home centers.
Episode #208
Installing an engineered wood floor, and replacing a sink's pop-up drain… more
Episode #207
Planting ground cover, and opening stuck windows… more
Episode #206
Installing window trim, landscape camouflage, a "tape dolly," and fixing a kitchen spray hose… more
Episode #205
Installing a drywell, a spray paint shaker and magnetic pickup tool, and adding a shower grip bar… more
Episode #204
Patching drywall, sanding blocks and an antique clapboard gauge, and replacing an aged toilet… more
Episode #203
A slate walk, EZ Lift handles and eye-bolt driver, and repairing a shower stall leak … more
Episode #202
Securing a newel post, a nut splitter and paint scraper, and replacing a water heater… more
Episode #201
Installing a deadbolt, trimming a hedge, and installing an indirect hot water heater… more