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Tools Tools & Materials

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

Kevin O'connor and Tom Silva using a band saw to create a cornice

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Band Saw Basics: What It Is and How to Use It Like a Pro 

As one of the most functional tools you can have in your shop, a band saws is invaluable. In this guide, we’ll look at how a band saw works and how you can use one like a pro.
S23 E22: Tom Silva discusses impact drivers and drills with Kevin O'Connor
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When to Use an Impact Driver Versus a Drill

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor the differences between impact drivers and drills before explaining when to use one or the other.
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.
Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Pacific Handy Cutter S4R Safety Cutter, and Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife isolated on a grid paper background

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.
Close-up on an electrician fixing an electrical outlet and measuring the voltage using a multimeter

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.

­Our Favorite Products Seen at the National Hardware Show 2024

Discover the best products at the 2025 National Hardware Show—from top brands to breakthrough inventions, we’ve rounded up standout tools and innovations for home improvement, gardening, and more.
Woman hanging lights with clear duck tape

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.
Three Dewalt tools on a green background

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.
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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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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.
A 17-in-1 painter tool on an orange background.

The Ultimate Tool for Paint: 17-in-1 Painter’s Tool

In this latest version of the 17-in-1 painter’s tool, the knife blade tackles more tasks than ever—and the handle gets put to use, too.
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The Best Metal Cutting Tools

Read this guide to learn about the best metal-cutting tools to have on hand and the best ways to cut sheet metal, pipes, and more.
a c-clamp

How To Choose a Woodworking Clamp

There are lots of different clamps at the store, but which ones are right for your projects? Read our handy guide to find out.
a multi tool

The Best Folding Multi-Tool

Emphasizing one-handed use, this new Leatherman stuffs 21 tools into its 4 1/4 -inch-long, stainless steel handles.
An older and a younger man grilling together on deck in the mountains. Lead image for Father's Day Gift Guide; best father's day gifts.

Father’s Day Gift Guide (2024)

Need that perfect gift for Dad? From grills to power tools to the latest smart tech, our Father's Day Gift Guide has something for everyone.
Two men talking while the one on the left holds a masonry trowel.
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Everything You Need to Know to Choose a Masonry Trowel

There are many different types of masonry trowels out there, so which one should you buy? Learn more on each type from This Old House mason Mark McCullough.
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Testing New Stud Finders

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a new smart stud finder and explains how to use them effectively.

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