Tools

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

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.

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

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

Like many builders and woodworkers, Jeff Sweenor often uses a large band saw to make curved cuts. But in this episode of Tool School, Brian Sedgeley from Festool shows Jeff how to achieve the same level of precision with a portable Carvex jigsaw

Not all random orbit sanders are created equal. In this episode of Tool School, Festool expert Brian Sedgeley shows Tom Silva how the two different sanding modes and dust extraction capability of the Rotex RO 150 can achieve great results

Track saws are more popular than ever on jobsites and in workshops. In this episode of Tool School, Festool trainer Brian Sedgeley and Tom Silva demonstrate how to use several features of the TS 55 track saw to get accurate, splinter-free cuts

Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows a white plastic tool with a handle -- but what is it?

Watch as Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the right way to sharpen a chainsaw yourself.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains various types of chisels and techniques to help you get the job done right.

Track saws are useful but can be pricey. In this guide and video, we'll share an easy way to make a track for any circular saw.

Struggling to get a straight cut with your circular saw? Tom Silva demonstrates techniques for cutting straight edges with a circular saw.

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook exchange a variety of tools as gifts for Secret Santa

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares a viewer tip about a good way to never lose a tape measure again.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a young fan how to build her first toolbox to store her tools.

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a 3D scanning tool that attaches to tablets and can quickly measure rooms

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the best uses for a jigsaw and how to choose the right one for the job.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva walks through the various types of handsaws and gives tips on how to use them.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor look at new type of table saw with smartphone technology.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor discuss how to choose and use a circular saw.

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook rolls in a puzzling new tool

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook sets the hook and stumps the crew

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows off an innocuous-looking tool that’s a real time-saver

Learn how to use a speed square—expert Tom Silva's favorite tool—and make your own holster to carry it with you on the job.

Learn how to pick the right plier or wrench for your DIY job with Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.

Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, explains how two tools are all it takes to do many electrical projects

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to use a battery-powered chainsaw.

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches you how to pick and use a drill/driver for any project.

The guys from Ask This Old House check out a red plastic cylinder that opens and closes, but What Is It?