Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
How To: Use and maintain a weed eater
In this series of videos, you will learn more about weed eater maintenance. You will learn about various types of weed eaters, and how to clean them and keep them free of dirt, rust, and grass clippings. You'll get tips on changing the spool, as well as tips on handling both gas-powered and electric weed eaters.
How To: Maintain a pressure washer
In this series of videos you'll learn how to properly use and maintain a pressure washer. Expert Matthew Christian shows you various types of pressure washers, how to set up the machine for use, and offers some basic safety tips.
How To: Use a high limb chainsaw
In this how-to video series, learn how to use a high limb chainsaw from building and landscaping expert Matthew Christian. Matthew will teach about using high limb chainsaws with tips such as high limb chainsaw safety tips, how to oil the chain on a chainsaw, and how to store a high limb chainsaw.
How To: Use a cordless nailer
In this how-to video series, learn how to use a cordless nailer from certified building contractor Matthew Christian. Matthew will demonstrate how to load nails in a cordless nailer, how to unjam a cordless nailer, how to change air cartridges and air filters in a cordless nailer, how to properly handle a cordless nailer, how to change the battery in a cordless nailer, how to charge cordless nailer batteries, how to oil cordless nailers, how to flush a cordless nailer.
How To: Adjust the blade on a table saw
In this video you'll learn how to adjust the blade on your table saw for height and for beveled cuts.
How To: Use a hand held power planer
In these video clips you’ll learn everything you need to know about using a hand-held power planer. Part 1 of 16 - How to Use a hand held power planer.
How To: Use weed eaters and push & riding lawn mowers
In this series of expert videos, you will learn more about lawnmower maintenance. You will learn how to start your lawn mower as well as clean it and keep it free of dirt, rust, and grass clippings. Get tips on changing the oil and air filter on your lawnmower. Learn how to mix two-stroke fuel for your mower. Watch as our expert removes gas, foam filters, and dirty spark plugs from a lawnmower. When changing the blades of your lawnmower, use precautionary measures demonstrated in these videos...
How To: Use a finish nailer or brad nailer
In this video series you'll learn how to use a brad nailer from expert Jon Olson. He demonstrates how to lubricate, prepare and load the nail gun, how to deal with a jam, how to set the nail depth and pressure, and basic tool safety. He also shows you how to identify the different parts of the finishing nailer, and how to perform daily maintenance and more.
How To: Use a power screwdriver
In this online video series learn from power tool expert and Industrial Technology teacher Jon Olson as he teaches and demonstrates how to use and maintain the power screwdriver. Learn important power tool tips and techniques such as construction work area safety, electrical safety, how to use the chuck on a power screwdriver; how to use a power screwdriver; tool maintenance; battery tool use and care; how to use the torque adjustment collar; how to drive a screw at an angle; how to use the v...
How To: Cut and bend sheet metal
In this series of video clips, you’ll learn tips and techniques for using various types of metal shears, including how to use hand-held and foot-operated types of metal shears, and how to use a metal press and metal hole punch. Expert Jon Olson offers advice on cutting procedures, the proper clothing and precautions, and advice on maintaining and cleaning metal shears. Jon also covers the electrical requirements for operating an electric shear, the various points of danger when operating the ...
How To: Use a fixed base power router
In this power tool video series, learn how a fixed base power router works. Our expert will demonstrate how to properly use this woodworking tool, including general shop and tool safety tips, what you need to know before making a cut, installing and removing the bit, setting cut depth, and determining the direction of feed for the router.
How To: Use a reciprocating saw
In this instructional video series, learn the proper, safe way to use a reciprocating saw. Our expert will give you tips and techniques for doing metal and wood cutting work in a variety of settings. Demonstrations include important safety guidelines for saw use, choosing the reciprocating saw blade that is right for the job, how to replace a blade, and how to cut wood and metal.
How To: Use a chop saw
A chop (or miter) saw is a power tool used to make accurate cross cuts in wood, plastic, and light metals. It has a fixed blade, attached to a moving arm, that spins over a small worktable. The operator lines up the piece to be cut and drops the saw blade, allowing for quick, easy work. Watch this instructional video series, and decide if the chop saw is a tool you'd like to introduce into your workshop. Lessons include general safety tips, uses for the chop saw, replacing the cutting saw bla...
How To: Be your own locksmith
Jim Koch has worked as a repo man and a locksmith. He gives you an insider's perspective on how to theft-proof your home by setting up surveillance systems and engraving your possessions. He also explains the basic workings of several kinds of locks and how to pick them. So next time you like lose your keys, you'll know exactly how to get in. And how to keep Big and his friends out.
How To: Use and maintain welding equipment
In this video series, our expert Terry Leafty will teach you about safety equipment including hoods, body protection, sleeves, and welding hats before showing you the different types of welders.
How To: Use a sheet metal nibbler
In this series of diy metalworking videos, our sheet metal expert will show you how to use a pneumatic nibbler to punch small holes in metal. A nibbler allows you create a hole in the middle of a sheet without having to cut up to that hole.
How To: Use a rafter-angle square
This video teaches you how to use the rafter-angle square - also known as a speed square - measuring tool for measuring and drawing angles. Use a rafter-angle square.
How To: Use a combination square
Learn how to use a combination square tool for making measurements and drawing angles. The combination square can also be used for leveling and in plumbing. Use a combination square.
How To: Use a circular saw the right way
Learn how to use a circular saw including basic functions and safety precautions. This tutorial also covers choosing the correct blades, removing and attaching saw blades, and adjusting cutting depth. Use a circular saw the right way.
How To: Use a mason's line
A mason's line is used to keep a wall straight and level while it's being built. Learn how to use a mason's line during construction with this interactive video from Ace Hardware. Use a mason's line.
How To: Clean garden tools
Keep your gardening tools in shape in the off-season by following these tips on tool cleaning and maintenance.
How To: Use a drill press
Tim Carter demonstrates how a drill press will produce a precisely drilled hole. Great instruction shows how a drill press avoids wobble and poorly cut holes.
How To: Buy a rake
Dr. Rick looks at a new type rake. When buying a rake look for something lightweight, something made of aluminum. That way there are no splinters and it is easy to handle. This rake has a nice soft place at the top and at the base where the hand fits, thus fewer blisters. Where it picks up stuff it's curved so when pressure is placed the rake folds back and is effective at moving grass clippings, wood chips or anything else.
How To: Use a table saw for beginners
Do-It-Yourself-her Jackie Taylor rips through a clear and concise explanation of how to use a table saw for all kinds of cuts. A must-see for all beginners!
How To: Use a miter saw
The mighty miter saw manual! Learn how to make straight cuts, bevel cuts and angle cuts, along with safety tips from OodleboxTV power tool diva Jackie Taylor.
How To: Use saw horses
The workhorse in many garages is the sawhorse, but here’s a cool new update on an old classic. Do-It-Yourself-Her Jackie Taylor shows us the tool to help gallop through a number of home projects at a quicker gait.
How To: Unlock a door from the inside with a screwdriver
Have a door in your house that is locked from the inside and your cannot get in. Grab a screw driver and watch this video to find out how to unlock a door inside your home. Unlock a door from the inside with a screwdriver.
How To: Do sleeve welding
This video demonstrates step-by-step how to do sleeve welding. Do sleeve welding.
How To: Add staples to a stapler
This video gives a step by step tutorial on how to add staples to a stapler. I know everyone has picked up a stapler and said " I wish I knew how to put more staples in this."
How To: Cut a lock with bolt cutters
This is a demonstration of how to use bolt cutters to cut off a lock. All of us have at one time lost a key to a lock, well now you can remove the lock with bolt cutters.
How To: Use a table saw the right way
Tim Carter shows how to use a table saw and explains its benefits at a project site. Tim's table saw has wheels on it showing the portability of the table saw.
How To: Install a central vacuum
Tim Carter explains how they work and how a central vac is installed. Tim asks the question why lug around a heavy vacuum when central vacuum systems can do the work for you? Lenghty project, but esy-to-do with Tim's instructions.
How To: Install a metal peg board
Tim Carter gives a few tips on how to install a metal peg board. These steel modular panels have holes like regular pegboard, but it uses these new fantastic pegboard hooks that interlock into vertical slots. So when you put a tool on or take it off, the hooks do not come off. These are great pegboard accessories. These steel peg board panels come in different sizes and they attach directly to your wall. The panels are about 1/2 inch thick and come with their own mounting screws.
How To: Use a circular saw properly
Tim Carter helps you get more out of your circular saws and make better cuts with these helpful tips and tricks. Very informative video shows a better way to avoid splitnering a curve your cuts.
How To: Use a router tool
Tim Carter demonstrates how to use a router and how to change router bits. Great instructional video shows many uses to a router such as creating shelf grooves or ronding off edges on wood.
How To: Use a reverse drill bit
Tim Carter demonstrates how easy it is to remove damaged screws with a reverse drill bit. Quick-and-easy solution for a drilling problem.
How To: Make a mortise cut into wood
Tim Carter demonstrates two common ways to accomplish a mortise cut into a piece of wood. Limited tools and techniques make for an easy job to accomplish.
How To: Use the Arbortech mini grinder
This may be too specific for some, but if you are an Arbortech tool fan or really into wood carving, this video is perfect for you. Watch and learn how to use the Arbortect mini grinder. Use the Arbortech mini grinder.
How To: Use a chalk line marker and tape measure
In this free instructional video series on home and construction tools, learn tips on how to use a chalk line marker and a tape measure. One will allow you to mark a straight line across a variety of surfaces; the other will tell you where that line should go. Our expert will explain some of the basic features of both tools, as well as how to properly and effective use them for any given project.
How To: Use a laser line level and stud finder
In this video series, watch as expert craftsmen Jon Olson teaches how to use and maintain a laser line lever and stud finder tool. Learn some basic safety tips and how to detect metal and wood studs.