
Tools
Choose the right tools for your next do-it-yourself (DIY) project with expert reviews, buying guides, and step-by-step instructions.
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What Is It? | Rubber Bouncy Cap
We love our “What Is It?” segments, and it’s not just because we’re featuring a new tool or material. We also love hearing what our crew comes up with. When heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey brought small, gray, rubber puck-like objects to the shop, the team’s ideas started to flow.
Essential Home Maintenance and Tool Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers
New homeowners are often equally as overwhelmed as they are excited about their new purchase. Not knowing where to start, their home maintenance tasks feel like too much to tackle. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner make sense of her home maintenance with a thorough checklist, as well as a set of tools to get the job done.
Best Utility Knives
You can use a utility knife for various household tasks, from opening boxes to installing carpets. Here are the top utility knives on the market.
Tool Talk | Scribe Tool, Hearing Protection, Sod Cutter
Every contractor or builder has their favorite trade-specific tool. Host Kevin O’Connor brought master carpenter Nathan Gilbert, mason Mark McCullough, and landscape contractor Lee Gilliam together back at the shop to talk about theirs.
Work Smarter Not Harder with These Trade Apps
Host Kevin O’Connor discusses some of the most useful apps that our favorite tradespeople rely on. Join us as we discuss them with master electrician Heath Eastman, landscape contractor Lee Gilliam, and home technology expert Ross Trethewey.
What Is It? | Spring Loaded Pointy Tool
When general contractor Tom Silva brought a double-ended, springy, pointy tool to the shop, he wanted to see if the team knew what it was. After a few colorful guesses, Tom tells them the truth.
Understanding Common Types of Ladders
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert knows the importance of sturdy, reliable ladders. He helps host Kevin O’Connor understand the different types of ladders, materials, and accessories that homeowners, DIYers, and pros should know about.
Best Drills
In this review, our team evaluates the best drills on the market. We look at cordless, corded, heavy-duty, light-duty, and all-around models.
Best Tool Sets
Whether you’re hanging a picture frame in your new home, planting flowers for the spring season, or working on your car, these tool kits will help make your life easier. Keep reading to learn about the best tool sets available on Amazon and your local home center.
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.
How to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw
Allen screws are secure, discrete, and provide plenty of grip—until they don’t. Once they strip, removing them can feel impossible. It helps to know a few tricks. These six tips will show you how to remove a stripped Allen screw with ease.
All About Attachment Capable String Trimmers
While it may look like an ordinary string trimmer, the unique shaft design allows DIYers to swap in different attachments, turning one machine into a lawn and garden maintenance multitool. Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss Army knife you should stock in your shed.
All About Multimeters: How To Use, Monitor, and Calibrate
A multimeter is a useful tool that can measure voltage for basic electrical work. Read our guide to learn how to use a multimeter as part of your next do-it-yourself project.
Best Tool Brands
This guide to the best power tool brands covers top choices for value, performance, cordless tools, corded tools, warranties and more.
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.
Best Drywall Anchors
You can use drywall anchors to hang items from your wall when you can’t find a stud. Here are the best drywall anchors available.
What to Expect at the National Hardware Show (2024)
As hundreds prepare to travel to Las Vegas in preparation for the National Hardware Show, we caught up with a few brands exhibiting to get a sneak peek. Here is a list of items we’re excited about seeing in person.
Tool Lab | Shop Vacuums
This Old House master carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares his favorite tips for choosing and using shop vacuums.
Best Cordless Tools From DeWalt
Check out our roundup of the best DeWalt tools that offer power, performance, and a good value for the price.
Best Drill Bits for Metal
Metal requires specific drill bits you might not already have in your tool collection. Here are our top picks for the best drill bits for metal.
Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
Cordless impact wrenches are maneuverable tools used for automotive repairs, construction work, and more. Here are the top cordless impact wrenches available.
5 Best Battery Chainsaws
Battery chainsaws are quieter and lighter than gas-powered models, making them good for small projects. Here are our top battery chainsaw picks.
Best Table Saws
Table saws are ideal for cutting large materials quickly and precisely. Here are our picks for the best table saws.
Best Electric Screwdrivers
Electric screwdrivers efficiently insert or remove screws from almost any item. Here are the best electric screwdrivers on the market today.
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.
Best Reciprocating Saws
See our guide to the best reciprocating saw for cutting through cut through wood, metal, drywall, or a combination of materials.
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.
Tool Lab: Compact Table Saws
This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert offers advice on choosing and using compact table saws.
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.
Our Favorite Products Seen at the National Hardware Show 2024
Each year hundreds of manufacturers from around the world fill the halls of the National Hardware Show with a bevy of new innovations and updated products. Tucked between the gadgets and gizmos, some of which you can never imagine buying, are products aimed at making a DIYer’s life easier and less frustrating. We walked every inch of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s 600,000-square-foot hall to find the best products at the show.
New Home Products to Help You Tackle Your To-do List
Check out the latest tools and home-improvement products to help you tackle your to-do list.