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Tools Tools & Materials

Discover a guide to the tools & materials involved with your tools.

S23 E20: Tom Silva explains routers to Kevin O'Connor
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The Basics of Routers

Host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva go over the ins and outs of routers, including the different types, how they work, and the different bits and profiles you can use to create your desired details.
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Best Utility Knives

You can use a utility knife for various household tasks, from opening boxes to installing carpets. Here are the top utility knives on the market.
S23 E16: Nathan Gilbert, Mark McCullough, Lee Gilliam discuss their handiest tools with Kevin O'Connor
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Tool Talk | Scribe Tool, Hearing Protection, Sod Cutter

Every contractor or builder has their favorite trade-specific tool. Host Kevin O’Connor brought master carpenter Nathan Gilbert, mason Mark McCullough, and landscape contractor Lee Gilliam together back at the shop to talk about theirs.
S23 E13: Lee Gilliam, Ross Trethewey, and Heath Eastman discuss useful trade apps with Kevin O'Connor
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Work Smarter Not Harder with These Trade Apps

Host Kevin O’Connor discusses some of the most useful apps that our favorite tradespeople rely on. Join us as we discuss them with master electrician Heath Eastman, landscape contractor Lee Gilliam, and home technology expert Ross Trethewey.
S23 E9: Nathan Gilbert discusses ladders with Kevin O'Connor
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Understanding Common Types of Ladders

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert knows the importance of sturdy, reliable ladders. He helps host Kevin O’Connor understand the different types of ladders, materials, and accessories that homeowners, DIYers, and pros should know about.
S23 E4: Tom Silva teaches Kevin O'Connor about combination squares
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All About Combination Squares

Learn how to use a combination square with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, then see our picks for the best tools available.
Lee Gilliam using a string trimmer to clean up a walkway

All About Attachment Capable String Trimmers

While it may look like an ordinary string trimmer, the unique shaft design allows DIYers to swap in different attachments, turning one machine into a lawn and garden maintenance multitool. Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss Army knife you should stock in your shed.
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All About Multimeters: How To Use, Monitor, and Calibrate

A multimeter is a useful tool that can measure voltage for basic electrical work. Read our guide to learn how to use a multimeter as part of your next do-it-yourself project.
Nathan Gilbert setting up a Dewalt shop vac

Tool Lab | Shop Vacuums

This Old House master carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares his favorite tips for choosing and using shop vacuums.
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­Our Favorite Products Seen at the National Hardware Show 2024

Each year hundreds of manufacturers from around the world fill the halls of the National Hardware Show with a bevy of new innovations and updated products. Tucked between the gadgets and gizmos, some of which you can never imagine buying, are products aimed at making a DIYer’s life easier and less frustrating. We walked every inch of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s 600,000-square-foot hall to find the best products at the show.
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New Home Products to Help You Tackle Your To-do List

Check out the latest tools and home-improvement products to help you tackle your to-do list.
Dewalt 20V Max impact driver kit and Metabo circular table against a grey graph paper background. Lead image for best tools guide.

30 Best Tools (2024 Guide)

It’s good to keep various tools in your home in case you need to make repairs. Here are the best tools to have on hand.
Nathan Gilbert with laser levels

How Do Laser Levels Work?

This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares how laser levels work.
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The 6 Best Pro-Grade Tools at Home Depot

When it comes to tools, contractors look for power, reliability, and helpful details that finish the job faster. Here are a few products that are worth a spot in your truck or workshop.
Delta Sliding Compound Miter Saw and CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw Kit isolated on a yellow grid paper background. Lead image for Best Miter Saws guide.

Best Miter Saws

The best miter saws are the Bosch Sliding Miter Saw, Metabo Miter Saw, Delta Compound Miter Saw, and the CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw.
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Best Angle Finders

In this roundup, our team evaluates the best angle finders on the market to help you find the one that’s right for you.
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New Products to Help Tackle Your Home To-Do List

Take care of the tasks around your home with these handy products.
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9 Must-Have Tools and Home Products for Fall

Here are 9 great tools and home-improvement products to help you tackle your to-do list for the fall.
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5 Tool Storage Ideas of 2024

Without a way to store your tools, they will clutter your garage’s floors, counters, and worktops. To learn more about how to keep your workspace organized, read our review on the best tool storage ideas below.
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Cordless Drills and Drivers Buying Guide

Tool Lab editor Chris Ermides explains how to choose and use cordless drills and drivers.
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All About Hammers

Everything you need to know about the different types of hammers and how to choose one for your next home improvement project.
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Best Laser Levels of 2025 (Tested and Ranked)

Laser levels shoot a beam of light across a wall to help you hang items. Check out our guide on the best laser levels that we tested.
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5 Best Safety Glasses (2024 Guide)

Safety glasses guard your eyes from debris, foreign objects, and noxious fumes. Our guide looks at some of today's best safety glasses.
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Best Shop Vacs

The best shop vacs are the CRAFTSMAN 20-Gallon Shop Vac, Armor All Shop Vac, DEWALT Portable Shop Vac, and the Vacmaster 5-Gallon.
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The 4 Best Chainsaws (2024 Review)

In this review, the This Old House Team researched the five best chainsaws to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
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9 Problem-Solving Home Improvement Products to Try

Check out these cool home upgrades and problem-solving product picks.
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A Quick Guide to Cordless Compact Routers

This Old House editor and host of our Tool Lab video series, Chris Ermides, introduces the latest in routers and provides pointers on how to use them.
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All About the Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low-Angle Block Plane

The No. 102 low-angle block plane has a permanent place in Tom Silva’s tool belt. Here’s why.
A man using a grease gun for a car repair.

How To Load and Use a Grease Gun for Projects in Your Home

Read our guide to learn how to properly load and use a grease gun to keep your tools and machinery running smoothly for longer.
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What to Know About Sliding Compound-Miter Saws

This Old House editor Chris Ermides delivers the lowdown on choosing and using these versatile power players.
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The 5 Best Tool Organizers (2024 Review)

Read our review on the best tool organizers and learn how factors like mobility, type of tool, and material will affect the type of organizer you buy.
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Best Toolboxes (Tested and Ranked)

Keep your tools organized and secure with one of today's best toolboxes. Read our in-depth review to learn which toolbox is right for you.
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Best Hammers of 2024 (Tested and Ranked)

Our team tested and reviewed some of today's best hammers to help you find the perfect model for projects big and small.

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