Tools Videos
These This Old House videos showcase all of our tools projects, how-tos, and designs.
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How to Use a Drill | Tool Lab
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains everything you need to know about drill drivers, from their history to their modern features.
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.
Tool Lab | Understanding Saw Blades
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains how table saw blades work and the different blade types used.
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 Build a Homemade Track Saw
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates an easy way to make a track for any circular saw
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
How to Use a Chainsaw
Safe and efficient cutting techniques with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and chainsaw expert Tim Ard.
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 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 Maintain Small Engine Gas-Powered Yard Tools
Keeping outdoor power equipment running smoothly with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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.
How to Change a Circular Saw Blade
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the correct, safe way to install a new blade on your portable circular saw
How to Choose and Use a Hammer
Understanding the differences among choices for the carpenter's favorite with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
How to Select and Use a Drill/Driver
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the proper use of a drill/driver
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.
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.
How to Choose and Use Sandpaper
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches the basics of sanding
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 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.
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 to Choose Handsaws
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva walks through the various types of handsaws and gives tips on how to use them.
Testing New Table Saw Technology
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor look at new type of table saw with smartphone technology.
How to Use and Carry a Speed Square
A speed square is a small but versatile tool, here are the many ways you can use it.
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
Generation Next | Building a First Tool Box
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a young fan how to build her first tool box.
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.