Ask This Old House TV

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

Original Air Date: Week of February 19

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to install a programmable thermostat to reduce his heating bills. Back in the loft, Richard, general contractor Tom Silva, landscape contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor try to guess "What is it?" Then Tom helps a homeowner repair a cracked plaster and lath wall in her daughter's bedroom.



Installing a Programmable Thermostat
The homeowner had four separate heating zones controlled by four manual thermostats, making it difficult to adjust the temperature settings on a daily basis. Richard showed him how to replace each of the manual thermostats with a battery-operated programmable model.

Where to Find It
The homeowner selected a Honeywell 5-1-1 day programmable thermostat, model #CT3500A. It is manufactured by:
Honeywell Inc.
800-468-1502

Also shown were the Honeywell 5-2 day programmable thermostat (model #CT3200A) and the Lux "Smart Temp" programmable thermostat (model #TX500), manufactured by:
Lux Products Corp.

What Is It?
Tom, Roger, Richard, and Kevin examined two unusual items and tried to guess how they are used.

Where to Find It
Roger demonstrated a "Sno-baller" snowball maker, available from Restoration Hardware and manufactured by Sagebrush Industries Inc., Springfield, MO.

Richard demonstrated a ball that hangs on a string from the garage door or ceiling to signal a driver where to stop:
Universal Perfect Stop, GPS-5 manufactured by The Genie Company
800-354-3643

Repairing a Plaster and Lath Wall
Tom explained to the homeowner that the small crack in the plaster wall of her daughter's bedroom was a result of the natural settling of the house, rather than a major structural problem. Together, they removed the cracked plaster (exposing the lath underneath) and replaced the plaster with a large drywall patch. Tom then demonstrated the proper way to tape the seams and apply joint compound.

Where to Find It
Tom attached the ⅜-inch wallboard using 1¼-inch drywall screws. He used a self-feeding drywall screw gun manufactured by:
Senco Products, Inc.
800-543-4596

He used the following materials to complete the job:
ProForm all-purpose ready-mix joint compound manufactured by National Gypsum Company
704-365-7300

Hyde Tools drywall hawk and trowels
800-872-4933

WallSpan drywall joint tape manufactured by: CCX Fiberglass Products
800-828-5329

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

Removing poison ivy, a steel center square and pencil leash, and shingling an outside corner… more

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