Archives
Reciprocating Saw 101: How to Cut Into a Wall Safely
Use these pro tips to avoid disaster and keep safe when plunge-cutting into a wall with a reciprocating saw.
Jigsaw 101: How to Use the Shoe to Cut a Beveled Curve
Pro tips on cutting curved scribe lines at an angle
What You Need to Know to Make a Plunge Cut Using a Jigsaw
Jigsaws let you cut in the middle of a board—no pilot holes required. Learn how to make plunge cuts safely with expert Mark Clement.
Jigsaw 101: How To Cut Shapes
Jigsaws are valuable for a variety of woodworking projects. Follow these expert tips and step-by-step advice for the best techniques.
How To Use the Speed Setting on a Jigsaw Effectively
Learning how to use your jigsaw's speed setting and controls gives you better results and smoother cuts. Here's everything you need to know.
Jigsaw 101: How to Use the Orbital-Action Setting
Pro tips on setting the blade to cut through different materials
Five No-Fail Palettes for Colorful Kitchens
Drenching a cook space in color can be tricky, but that's no reason to hold back. Here, five winning combos from our pros
14 Supplies to Help You Prepare for a Blizzard
What you need to prepare for a snowstorm so you have the essentials before, during, and after an emergency strikes.
S11 E11: Hand Planes, Cracked Walkway
Tom demonstrates the proper way to use hand planes. The guys ask "What Is It?" Roger helps a homeowner repair a cracked stone walkway.
S34 E11: Window Seat, Stairs, Knee Walls
Roger Cook installs granite steps, and Kevin O’Connor helps Tom Silva build a window seat and MDF doors disguised as wainscoting. Norm Abram works on the treads and newel cap on the stairs. Pine ceiling accents get whitewashed and lacquered.
Updating a Cozy Craftsman
The once beaten-down bungalow, a former student rental, finally found its fixer in an avid DIYer who brought back its charm
Impact Driver 101: How To Choose Between Standard and Slim Batteries
Pro tips on knowing what jobs a driver battery can handle and when you should choose standard or slim batteries.
Impact Driver 101: How to Use the Socket-Drive Adapter
Use your impact driver to drive lag bolts or take on automotive work with this guide to socket drive adapters.
Impact Driver 101: How to Use the Power Selection Switch
Pro tips on matching the power level to the fastener
Impact Driver 101: How to Use the Quick-Change Hex Chuck
Learn how to get the most out of your impact driver's quick-change hex chuck with this guide to swapping out bits.
99 Amazingly Crafted Gingerbread Houses
Browse this collection of the best gingerbread houses that This Old House readers have impressed us with over the years and get inspired for your own holiday construction project.
Impact Driver 101: When To Use an Impact Driver
Learn the differences between impact drivers and cordless drills—and the best uses and applications for both.
Pellet Stoves: A Buyer’s Guide
If you're interested in purchasing a pellet stove for your home, read our comprehensive guide to help you shop more effectively.
S11 E10: Mulch, Natural-Gas Grill
Roger shows a homeowner how to properly mulch his garden beds. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard installs a natural gas line for a barbeque grill.
S34 E10: Swedish Design Details
Tom Silva shows Kevin O’Connor how he’s installing Southern yellow pine board accents in key spots to coordinate with the maple flooring that Norm Abram is installing. Tile is set the master bath, and the roof deck gets PVC porch boards and custom rail.
Home Inspection Nightmares XXVIII
Questionable structural supports, scary wiring, explosives in the attic, and more sketchy building practices found by the home inspectors in The ASHI Reporter
S11 E9: Window Trim, Pool Heater
Tom installs interior window trim. Richard installs a new device that will heat a swimming pool for free using the excess heat produced by a central air conditioner.
S34 E9: Gutters, Range, Fireplace
Kevin O’Connor and Norm Abram find the painters spraying the house a sunny yellow, while Tom Silva trims out the windows. Copper gutters and wood-burning fireplace go in, and homeowner Sally Peterson explores commercial-grade cooking appliances.
Circular Saw 101: How to Make a Straightedge
Need to make straight cuts with a circular saw? See these pro tips on making a board to guide long rip cuts with the grain of wood.
How to Make Perfect Angle Cuts With a Circular Saw
Using a circular saw to make an angular cut is great for tasks such as framing, trimming, and creating custom pieces. The first time can be tough, though. Read our guide to learn how to cut correctly.