Tools Videos
These This Old House videos showcase all of our tools projects, how-tos, and designs.
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
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
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
The Rotex Sander: Multiple Sanders in One (Festool Rotex RO 150)
Not all random orbit sanders are created equal. In this episode of Tool School, Festool expert Brian Sedgeley shows Tom Silva how the two different sanding modes and dust extraction capability of the Rotex RO 150 can achieve great results
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
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the right way to keep a chainsaw sharp.
Getting Started with a Chisel
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains basic chiseling techniques
Understanding Chainsaw Safety Features
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains safety features built into all chain saws
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 a Straight Edge for a Circular Saw
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates some techniques for cutting straight edges with a circular saw.
Viewer Tip | Never Lose a Tape Measure
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares a viewer tip about a good way to never lose a tape measure again.
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.
Future House | 3D Scanning Tool for Tablets
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a 3D scanning tool that attaches to tablets and can quickly measure rooms
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
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 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.
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 to Choose and Use Pliers and Wrenches
Getting tight—and loose—with Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
How to Choose Tools for First Time Gardeners
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada shows off some of her favorite tools to help out first-time gardeners
How to Use a Battery-Powered Chainsaw
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to use a battery-powered chainsaw.
How to Select and Use a Drill/Driver
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the proper use of a drill/driver
How to Choose and Use a Router
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares his insights on the shop's most versatile portable power tool
How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch
Ask This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains how to get the most out of each type of blowtorch
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 Use Ladders Safely
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and TOH TV host Kevin O'Connor show the proper techniques for using all types of ladders
Chainsaw Safety Basics
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to use a chainsaw safely
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 Choose and Use a Circular Saw
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basic parts, uses, and cuts, of cicular saws
How to Choose and Use an Air Compressor
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows discusses what to look for when buying and operating an air compressor
How to Coil an Extension Cord
Tips and tricks for keeping cords untangled and easy access from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor
How to Make a Circular Saw Guide
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor show how to make precise and perfectly straight cuts with a portable circular saw.