Tools Videos

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

S23 E4: Tom Silva teaches Kevin O'Connor about combination squares
Play

Filed under:

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
Play

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

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

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

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.
6DD67FA2_564E_4A16_92B5_ED4E362A8E4A_2400x1350
Play

Celebrating 20 Years of What Is It?

This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada stumps the guys with a contraption they’ve never seen before—even after celebrating 20 years of "What Is It?"
ToolLab_02112022BOC_1782jpg
Play

How to Select and Use a Track Saw Safely and Effectively

Track saws combine the precision of a table saw with the portability of a circular saw. Learn how to correctly use one in our step-by-step guide.
ASK_2028_hammers03
Play

All About Hammers

Everything you need to know about the different types of hammers and how to choose one for your next home improvement project.
A man showing off different types of miter saw blades.
Play

What To Know About Miter Saw Blades and How to Choose Them

Learn all about miter saw blade types, components, and more in this guide to choose the best blade for your next DIY project.
ToolLab_09102021BOC_1254_2400x1350
Play

All About Saw Blades | Tool Lab

Learn all about different saw blade types, components, and characteristics in this guide to choose the right blade for your next DIY project.
ASK_2010_FirstWorkshop_SF_Stills_Export01
Play

How To Set Up a First-Time Workshop

Looking to set up a small workshop? Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a young woodworker set up her first workshop.
ToolLab_09102021BOC_0581
Play

How To Use a Drill | Tool Lab

Does your next DIY project require a drill and some pilot holes? Here's everything you need to know about how to use a drill.
sanding2_1917_SF
Play

Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Principles of Sanding Wood

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

What to Know About Sliding Compound-Miter Saws

This Old House editor Chris Ermides delivers the lowdown on choosing and using these versatile power players.
How_to_Make_a_Guide_for_a_Circular_Saw_by_House_One___IMAGE
Play

Circular Saw Guide: 3 Easy Methods for Straight Cuts

Here are three simple methods you can use to get perfectly straight lines with a circular saw. Your DIY projects will thank you.
House One, circle router jig
Play

How to Make a DIY Circle Jig for a Router

A router and a simple DIY circle jig can make cutting perfect circles a piece of cake. Watch this video to learn how.
House One's Jenn Largesse gives a pneumatic nailer tutorial
Play

How To Use a Pneumatic Nailer

Are you interested in adding a pneumatic nailer to your toolbox? Here's everything you need to know about these handy tools.
Screen_Shot_2020_05_28_at_1.51.55_PM
Play

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

Need to know how to pick the right finish nailer? This Old House editor Chris Ermides shows us the differences between nailer types.
cut_circles
Play

How To Cut a Perfect Circle With a Router

Learn how to make your own Ryobi router circle jig from House One maker Jenn Largesse with our step-by-step guide.
cnc_router
Play

How To Use a Mobile CNC Router and the Benefits of Doing so

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows how to set up a mobile CNC router and explains the benefits.
hole_saw
Play

How To Use a Hole Saw

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basics of using a hole saw to make efficient circular cuts.
clean1723_tablesaw
Play

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.
clean1723_studfinder
Play

Testing New Stud Finders

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a new smart stud finder and explains how to use them effectively.
XCoBEtPz_1721_pruners
Play

How To Choose and Use Pruners

Discover tips for choosing and using pruners, including the best types for your garden needs and how to apply precision in your pruning tasks.
jointer_1920
Play

Comparing Masonry Jointers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers along with other tips and tricks.
japanesesaw_1920
Play

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 for precise woodworking and cutting tasks.
Two men looking at drill bits.
Play

How To Choose and Use Drill Bits for Your Home Projects

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the uses for different drill bits and gives expert insights for beginners and pros.
sawhorse
Play

How To Build Sawhorses with Scrap Lumber, Step by Step

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

Tool Recommendations for New Homeowners

Listen in as our general contracting, plumbing and heating, and landscaping experts discuss tools that make good gifts for new homeowners.
sandpaper
Play

How To Choose and Use Sandpaper

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches the basics of sanding, from choosing the right grit to proper technique.
kapex_1
Play

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.
df500_3
Play

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
hk55_3
Play

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