Tools
What Is It? | Flexible Red Plastic Cylinder
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows the guys nothing more than a flexible red plastic cylinder. What is it?
What Is It? | Black Plastic Handles
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows off a cleverly designed wheelbarrow accessory
How To Choose and Use a Blowtorch
Ask This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains how to get the most out of each type of blowtorch.
What Is It? | Wand With Three Probes
The Ask This Old House guys ask "What Is It?" See them guess the use for a long gray wand with three probes and a trigger
How To Clean Your Vacuum
Is your vacuum loud or clogged? Here's how to clean it and get it back in top shape with a tune-up of various parts.
Ask Kevin: How To Select the Right Power Tool Batteries
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains the different kinds of batteries and shares a few tips for getting the most out of your cordless tools.
How To Choose the Right Glue for Your Project
Learn which types of glue work best on wood, foam, cement, and other materials with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How To Choose the Right Ladder and Use it Safely
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor show the proper techniques for using all types of ladders,
How To Label a Metal Toolbox With Chalkboard Paint
This DIY toolbox label project is perfect for Father’s Day—or any other day you want to help the handy person in your life get organized.
Chainsaw Safety Basics
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to use a chainsaw safely
Vintage Cleaning Products
Some vintage cleaning products stood the test of time. In this article, we highlight six tried-and-true cleaning agents still around today.
How To Choose and Use a Hammer
Choosing the right hammer and mastering the proper technique are essential skills for any DIY enthusiast or professional.
How to Choose and Use a Circular Saw
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basic parts, uses, and cuts, of cicular saws
American Hardware Stores: Nuts and Bolts and Baby Scales
Coast to coast, these five mom-and-pop hardware stores are every bit as unique as the communities they serve
All About Garden Hand Tools
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips for using his four favorite gardening tools—five if you count his hands
How To Choose and Use an Air Compressor
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows you what to look for when buying an air compressor, plus shares tips for operating one.
How To Coil an Extension Cord
Tips and tricks for keeping cords untangled from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How to Make a Circular Saw Guide
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor show how to make precise and perfectly straight cuts with a portable circular saw.
How to Choose and Use Pliers
This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, shows off his favorite tools for gripping, twisting, cutting, and pulling.
How to Maintain Small Engine Gas-Powered Yard Tools
This Old House contractor Roger Cook explains the basics of small engines and how to take care of your gas-powered yard equipment
How To Use a Wheelbarrow
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips for loading and lifting a wheelbarrow and keeping the tires in top shape.
How to Use a Chainsaw Safely
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and chainsaw expert Tim Ard show you safe and efficient chainsaw cutting techniques
All About Clamps
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains different types of clamps and the scenarios in which they work best.
Laser Level Reviews
Looking for the best laser level? Our experts tested out 5 types of laser levels and share their favorites with you.
TOH Tested: Portable Table Saws
These rolling workhorses with 10-inch blades have the power to rip plywood and the finesse to cut miters and dadoes. Here are five of the latest models, ranging from high-end pro to bargain DIY.
TOH Tested: Cordless Oscillating Tools
These lightweight variable-speed multitaskers reach into tight spaces to sand, saw, scrape, and grind
TOH Tested: Sliding Compound Miter Saws
These souped-up chop saws ride on rails, giving you the ability to plow through wide stock—we're talking 2×12s!—with ridiculous ease
Pay Less for Home Remodel Supplies
Save big on your next DIY home remodeling project with insider tips and smart shopping strategies for material and supplies.
Reciprocating Saw 101: When to Use Specialty Saws
We break down some pro tips on choosing the right reciprocating saw and when to use specialty saws with this guide and video.
Reciprocating Saw 101: When to Use an Orbital-Action Setting
A reciprocating saw's orbital action setting can improve its cutting performance. Read how to properly use this feature in our step-by-step guide.
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.