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