Tools Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our tools projects, how-tos, and designs.

Tools

Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Principles of Sanding Wood

Ask This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva, explains why he loves sanding and what goes into a good sanding job.

By Tom Silva

How to Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw

Cutting a straight line through plywood with a circular saw seems easy enough, but it rarely comes out as straight as it feels while you’re making the cut. To get better results, here’s three easy ways to create a guide for your saw.

How to Use a Hole Saw

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basics of using a hole saw.

Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to use a pneumatic nailer.

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.

Comparing Masonry Jointers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers

Testing New Stud Finders

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a new smart stud finder

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

How to Choose and Use Sandpaper

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches the basics of sanding

How to Choose and Use Drill Bits

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the uses for different drill bits

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

Impact Driver 101: When to Use an Impact Driver

Pro tips on choosing between an impact driver and a drill/driver for your next home improvement project.

How to Choose a Finish Nailer | This Old House: Live

With four nail gauge sizes to choose from, one size does not fit all carpentry and woodworking applications. Need to know how to pick the right finish nailer? Watch as This Old House Pro2Pro editor Chris Ermides showcases the differences between the types of finish nailers.

How to Choose and Use Pruners

Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada shares some tips about pruners.

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.

How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to sharpen a knife

How and When to Use a Japanese Pull Saw

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains when and how to use a Japanese pull saw

How to Choose and Use Air Compressors

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how air compressors work

How to Build Sawhorses with Scrap Lumber

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to build sawhorses using leftover materials from the job site

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.

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.

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