Workshop Tools & Materials

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

S23 E2: What Is It? black, flexible, square, and has a ball attached to the end
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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.
S22 E25: Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, and Zack Dettmore create u-channel drawer storage for drill bits
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How To Organize Tool Storage Drawers

This guide walks through some best practices for organizing tool storage drawers and enhancing your workshop’s efficiency.
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.
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5 Best Welding Tables (2024 Guide)

Welding without a proper table can be unsafe and difficult. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best welding tables on Amazon.
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The 5 Best Wet Vacs (2024 Review)

Wet shop vacuums are an effective machine for cleaning spilled liquids or washing hardwood floors. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best wet vacs on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various retail stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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Best Work Boots (2023 Guide)

If you’re looking for a new pair of work boots to provide you with comfort and support while you knock out your next DIY project, we’re here to help. In this review, we evaluate the best work boots for a range of budgets and purposes.
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5 Best Safety Glasses (2024 Guide)

Safety glasses guard your eyes from debris, foreign objects, and noxious fumes. Our guide looks at some of today's best safety glasses.
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Best Work Gloves of 2024 (Tested and Ranked)

We tested and reviewed five of today's best work gloves to help you protect your hands from scratches, blisters, punctures, and more.
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Should You Buy or DIY Sawhorses?

Sawhorses are great for DIYers and professionals alike, but should you buy one or make your own? Check this guide for all the details.
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Safety Gear Recommendations for DIYers

Most safety gear won’t cost you an arm and a leg, however, a hazardous work environment might. Keeping your body protected must always be your first priority, so it’s imperative that you invest in equipment that ensures that you’re kept safe from potential harm.
Five different drill bits and magnetic nut setters, common household magnets, laid out against a white background.

10 Home Uses for Magnets

Learn 10 creative uses for magnets in everyday tasks and throughout your home, from the kitchen to the yard.
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How To Use a Table Saw Safely and Effectively for Your Projects

Master your table saw with these safety tips and cutting techniques for precise, professional, and safe results every time.
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How to Safely Dispose of Oily Rags

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses the proper disposal techniques for oily rags to prevent spontaneous combustion.
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How to Select and Use Hearing Protection

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor discusses the importance of hearing protection when working around power tools
a tool cart that has chalkboard spray paint added to it

How To Label a Metal Toolbox With Chalkboard Paint

This DIY toolbox label project is perfect for Father’s Day—or any other day you want to help the handy person in your life get organized.