Tools

Choose the right tools for your next do-it-yourself (DIY) project with expert reviews, buying guides, and step-by-step instructions.

S23 E20: Tom Silva explains routers to Kevin O'Connor

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.

S23 E19: Richard Trethewey, Mauro Henrique, Tom Silva, Kevin O'Connor try to guess what the gray rubber objects are

What Is It? | Rubber Bouncy Cap

We love our “What Is It?” segments, and it’s not just because we’re featuring a new tool or material. We also love hearing what our crew comes up with. When heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey brought small, gray, rubber puck-like objects to the shop, the team’s ideas started to flow.

S23 E18: Nathan Gilbert advises a first-time homeowner

Essential Home Maintenance and Tool Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers

New homeowners are often equally as overwhelmed as they are excited about their new purchase. Not knowing where to start, their home maintenance tasks feel like too much to tackle. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner make sense of her home maintenance with a thorough checklist, as well as a set of tools to get the job done.

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

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

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 E12: Richard Trethewey, Mark McCullough, and Kevin O'Connor try to guess a tool brought in by Tom Silva

What Is It? | Spring Loaded Pointy Tool

When general contractor Tom Silva brought a double-ended, springy, pointy tool to the shop, he wanted to see if the team knew what it was. After a few colorful guesses, Tom tells them the truth.

S23 E9: Nathan Gilbert discusses ladders with Kevin O'Connor

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

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.

S23 E2: What Is It? black, flexible, square, and has a ball attached to the end

What Is It? | Black Inflatable Square

When general contractor Tom Silva brings one of his unique tools to the shop, the crew makes a few guesses at what it might be. Here’s how it went.

How to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw

Allen screws are secure, discrete, and provide plenty of grip—until they don’t. Once they strip, removing them can feel impossible. It helps to know a few tricks. These six tips will show you how to remove a stripped Allen screw with ease.

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.

S22 E20: Mauro Henrique shows Tom Silva a 17-in-1 painter's tool

Tool Talk: The Casts’ New Tool Favorites

Host Kevin O’Connor meets most of the crew back at the shop to talk about their new favorite tools that they’ve recently discovered.

What to Expect at the National Hardware Show (2024)

As hundreds prepare to travel to Las Vegas in preparation for the National Hardware Show, we caught up with a few brands exhibiting to get a sneak peek. Here is a list of items we’re excited about seeing in person.

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.

Portrait of Nathan Gilbert with oscillating multitools.

How To Choose and Use Oscillating Multi-Tools

TOH carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares expert tricks for using and selecting oscillating multi-tools and how to choose the right blades for various projects.

S22 E2: Tom Silva teaches Kevin O'Connor about the various types of levels

How To Choose the Right Level for the Job

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about choosing the right level for the task at hand.

In a well-organized woodshop, a man wearing safety goggles and ear protection expertly operates a compact table saw, showcasing how to choose and use the tool effectively as he cuts a long wooden plank amidst an array of tools hanging on the walls.

Tool Lab: Compact Table Saws

This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert offers advice on choosing and using compact table saws.

S21 E25, Tom Silva demonstrates table saw safety features for Kevin O'Connor

A Simple Guide to Using Table Saws Safely and Effectively

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor the features and techniques required to stay safe when using a table saw.

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.