Tool Lab

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains everything we need to know about track saws—including their parts, how they work, and how to use one.

Master electrician Heath Eastman explains how pros drill through studs for running wires through wood-framed walls.

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert has the lowdown on choosing and using the right cordless finish nailer to best suit your needs.

Master electrician Heath Eastman walks us through his favorite electrical hand tools that all DIYers should own.

In this Tool Lab video, master electrician Heath Eastman explains everything we’ve wanted to know about today’s power tool batteries.

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert discuses the main features of miter saw blades.

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains how table saw blades work and the different blade types used.

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains everything you need to know about drill drivers, from their history to their modern features.

This Old House electrician Heath Eastman and Tool Lab editor Chris Ermides take a close look at the pros and cons of a unique, one-of-a-kind tool aimed at making electrician’s work easier.

This Old House editor Chris Ermides, host of our Tool Lab video series, looks at a new generation of painting tools.

The Milwaukee second-generation cordless brad nailer shows impressive improvements over its predecessor, making it one of the best cordless finish nailers on the market. 

Having the right hand tools readily accessible for a project can improve your efficiency and the end result. Here’s a look at five not-so-common hand tools to have on hand.

The Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V router packs a lot of punch in a small, well-balanced footprint. See our Tool Lab review to learn more about its features, specs, and performance.

The Metabo HPT 7-¼" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw boasts impressive features and runtime, but it didn’t get all high marks in our testing. Read our in-depth review on the Metabo HPT Miter Saw to see how its features, specs, and pricing stack up.

Eager to learn about the latest tools? Tool Lab is a video series that features unbiased reviews and objective tests of new and noteworthy tools.

A miter saw is a smart tool to have in your workshop. It is often used to cut moldings, baseboards, and trim with accuracy. Read on for tips and tricks for how to safely and accurately cut with a compound-miter saw.