Tool Lab

Tool Lab is a series that features unbiased reviews and objective tests of new and noteworthy tools.

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.

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.

How Do Laser Levels Work?

This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares how laser levels work.

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.

How to Drill Into Studs for Electrical Wiring

Master electrician Heath Eastman explains how pros drill through studs for running wires through wood-framed walls.

Cordless Finish Nailers: The Ultimate Guide

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert has the lowdown on choosing and using the right cordless finish nailer to best suit your needs.

Tool Lab | Basic Electrical Tools

Master electrician Heath Eastman walks us through his favorite electrical hand tools that all DIYers should own.

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Cordless Drills and Drivers Buying Guide

Tool Lab editor Chris Ermides explains how to choose and use cordless drills and drivers.

Understanding Battery Voltages | Tool Lab

In this Tool Lab video, master electrician Heath Eastman explains everything we’ve wanted to know about today’s power tool batteries.

A man showing off different types of miter saw blades.

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.

10 Items to Keep in Your Tool Belt

This Old House editor Chris Ermides shares some finds he’s come to rely on in his tool belt.

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.

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A Quick Guide to Cordless Compact Routers

This Old House editor and host of our Tool Lab video series, Chris Ermides, introduces the latest in routers and provides pointers on how to use them.

A man using a DeWalt Cordless Cable Stapler to apply staples to a cable over a block of wood.

Expert Review of the DeWalt Cordless Cable Stapler

This Old House electrician Heath Eastman and Tool Lab editor Chris Ermides take a close look at the pros and cons of this unique tool.

An Easy Guide to Airless Paint Sprayers

This Old House editor Chris Ermides, host of our Tool Lab video series, looks at a new generation of painting tools.

Milwaukee Cordless Brad Nailer: A Powerful and Versatile Tool

Milwaukee's second-gen cordless brad nailer is better than its predecessor, making it one of the best cordless finish nailers on the market.

5 Hand Tools Worth Having in Your Workshop

Having the right hand tools readily accessible for a project can improve your efficiency and the end result. Here’s a look at five not-so-common hand tools to have on hand.

Bosch Compact Cordless Router Review

The Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V router packs a lot of punch in a small, well-balanced footprint. See our Tool Lab review to learn more about its features, specs, and performance.

Metabo HPT: A Powerful, Versatile Compact Miter Saw

The Metabo HPT 7-¼" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw boasts impressive features and runtime, but it didn’t get all high marks in our testing. Read our in-depth review on the Metabo HPT Miter Saw to see how its features, specs, and pricing stack up.