Tools How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our tools step-by-step tips & ideas.

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Tools Buying Guide: Types, Tips, and FAQs (2024 Guide)

Every home needs a dedicated set of tools to fix issues or help build new items. Here is everything you need to know when buying tools.
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Tool Lab | Guide to Cordless Finish Nailers

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

Doing it yourself should also mean doing it safely. But for folks without a lot of construction experience, knowing how to keep safe while still making progress on a home renovation or repair can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Keep these simple precautions in mind while tackling your own projects to increase the odds of staying safe and finishing the project.
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How to Sharpen an Axe

Cutting quickly and efficiently with an axe requires a sharp edge. Learn several methods to sharpen your axe with this step-by-step guide.
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How to Drill Through Glass

Learn how to safely drill a hole in glass without chipping, cracking, or shattering it to pieces.
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How to Remove a Stubborn Stripped Bolt

Here are some methods to help you remove a worn, rusty bolt (even if it’s broken!)
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How to Remove Rivets

Once installed, these light-gauge metal fasteners are meant to be permanent, but they can be drilled out when necessary. Read this guide to learn how to remove rivets.
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Buying Guide for Secondhand Tools

Buying secondhand tools can save you money if you know what you’re looking for. Here are some tips on buying used tools that make it worth the hunt.
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3 Ways to Make Multiple Cuts with a Miter Saw

Watch House One editor Jenn Largesse demonstrate three easy ways to make multiple cuts using a miter saw.
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How to Make a DIY Circle Jig for a Router

It can be very difficult to create a perfectly circular cut with a jigsaw. Luckily, there’s another easy way to cut a circle using a router and a simple DIY circle jig. Watch this video to learn how.
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How to Use a Battery-Powered Pneumatic Nailer

Pneumatic Nailers used to require a compressor and hose, and came with a hefty price tag. Now, cordless options make them much more DIY-friendly.
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How to Properly Use a Drill Driver

A drill driver is one of the most widely used tools in DIY, so learning to use it properly is essential. Watch this video for a quick introduction and tips for using a drill by This Old House DIY Expert & House One Editor Jenn Largesse.
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How to Cut a Perfect Jig Circle

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor works with House One maker Jenn Largesse to demonstrate an interesting technique on a trim router.
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How to Remove Rust from Tools

Treat and prevent rust from your tools by following a few simple steps.
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How to Use a Mobile CNC Router

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates a mobile CNC routing machine.
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How to Use a Band Saw

Learn the basics of how to properly use a band saw.
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How to Use a Hole Saw

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basics of using a hole saw.
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How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to sharpen a knife
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How to Use a Table Saw

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva gives a general overview of a table saw and the best techniques to use it safely and effectively
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Marine Craftsmanship

Festool trainer Brian Sedgeley and world-renowned sailor and photographer Onne van der Wal create a navigation panel for a vintage sailboat
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Exploring the Features of A High-End Compound Miter Saw (Festool Kapex KS 120)

Miter saws are an essential tool for most builders and craftsmen. In this episode of Tool School, Norm Abram and Brian Sedgeley demonstrate several useful features of the Kapex KS 120, including the mobile base, extensions, and micro adjustments for the miter, bevel, and depth.
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An Intro to the Domino Joining System (Festool Domino DF 500)

Woodworkers have used loose-tenon joinery for hundreds of years to make strong, accurate miters and other connections. But instead of cutting mortises by hand, the Domino System uses a unique rotating and oscillating bit. In this episode of Tool School, Festool’s Brian Sedgely and Norm Abram use the Domino DF 500 to align and cut mortises of different widths for fast and precise assembly
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A Track Saw Designed for Framing (Festool HK 55)

Builders need to make quick, accurate cross-cuts for framing and many other carpentry projects. In some ways, the Festool HK 55 Carpentry Saw is like a circular saw with a built-in speed square. In this episode of Tool School, expert Brian Sedgeley and builder Jeff Sweenor use the saw to cut the rafters for an 8-pitch roof
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A Jigsaw That’s As Precise as It Is Versatile (Festool Carvex)

Like many builders and woodworkers, Jeff Sweenor often uses a large band saw to make curved cuts. But in this episode of Tool School, Brian Sedgeley from Festool shows Jeff how to achieve the same level of precision with a portable Carvex jigsaw
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Exploring the Features of a High-End Track Saw (Festool TS 55 REQ)

Track saws are more popular than ever on jobsites and in workshops. In this episode of Tool School, Festool trainer Brian Sedgeley and Tom Silva demonstrate how to use several features of the TS 55 track saw to get accurate, splinter-free cuts
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Getting Started with a Chisel

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains basic chiseling techniques
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How to Choose and Use a Jig Saw

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the best uses for a jigsaw and how to choose the right one for the job
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How to Choose a Circular Saw

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor discuss how to choose and use a circular saw.
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How to Do Electrical Projects with Two Tools

Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, explains how two tools are all it takes to do many electrical projects
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How to Select Power-Tool Batteries

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor shares a few tips for getting the most out of your cordless tools.
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How to Choose and Use a Circular Saw

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basic parts, uses, and cuts, of cicular saws
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How to Maintain Small Engine Gas-Powered Yard Tools

Keeping outdoor power equipment running smoothly with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Use a Chainsaw

Safe and efficient cutting techniques with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and chainsaw expert Tim Ard.