When tackling home improvement or repair projects, having the right tools can make the difference between a smooth job and a frustrating experience. The crew members of This Old House have spent decades honing their craft, working on everything from foundation repairs to finish carpentry. They know exactly which tools are indispensable for various tasks. Whether you are a weekend DIYer or a pro, knowing the tools the pros trust builds a smarter toolkit. Before diving into specific picks, it helps to understand the fundamentals of choosing the right screws and anchors for home projects essential knowledge from this old house, as fasteners work hand in hand with the tools that drive them.
Landscaping Tools Built For Tough Outdoor Work
Roger Cook, longtime landscape contractor for This Old House, depends on a core set of hand tools that can withstand punishing outdoor conditions. His picks focus on durability and ergonomics, because landscaping work involves digging, prying, lifting, and spreading materials day after day. For a broader look at the equipment used across the trades, refer to essential insights on 40 construction tools list with images for building construction.
Landscaping Shovel. Cook’s go-to shovel has a spade head paired with a flexible fiberglass handle. Wood handles can snap when prying up rocks and stumps, so fiberglass offers the strength needed for heavy-duty digging. The handle-to-head connection matters most — all the stress of lifting and prying concentrates at that junction. On quality digging shovels, the socket extends eight to ten inches above the step, with a closed back that is either welded or forged for maximum rigidity.
Mattock. A mattock combines a grub hoe on one side and a pick on the other, making it a versatile tool for preparing flower beds and clearing stubborn roots. The grub hoe has a heavier steel blade than a standard garden hoe, which helps break up compacted soil. The pick end works well for starting holes for new plants and prying out buried stones.
Steel Rake. While Cook usually prefers fiberglass handles, he makes an exception for a wood-handled, level-head steel rake. The steel tines distribute soil and mulch evenly, and the wood handle offers a comfortable grip during extended use. This combination provides better control when grading beds or leveling topsoil.
Hand Cultivator. A combination hand cultivator and mini grub hoe serves double duty for weeding and soil preparation. Quality versions of this tool are forged from a single piece of metal for strength. The hoe end removes deep roots, while the cultivator tines break up soil and pull out smaller weeds.
Plastic Wheelbarrow. A rugged plastic wheelbarrow is lighter than steel, will not rust, and is easier on the back. It can handle heavy loads of soil, mulch, or stone without tipping, making it a fundamental piece of equipment for any landscaping project.
Precision Carpentry Tools For Accurate Results
Norm Abram, master carpenter for This Old House, selects tools that offer precise measurement and clean cuts. Whether he is building custom cabinets or framing a room addition, accuracy is non-negotiable. For new homeowners looking to stock their first tool kit, top 10 essential tools for new homeowners provides a solid starting point that complements Abram’s professional recommendations.
Utility Knife. Abram keeps a retractable utility knife on hand for opening boxes and making light cuts. He recommends a model with a locking mechanism, a safety guard, and a blade that can be changed without a screwdriver. This tool is far safer than using a kitchen knife for workshop tasks.
Compass. A high-quality compass with locking parts is essential for scribing cabinets and trim to fit against imperfect walls. The locking mechanism prevents the compass from shifting during use, which improves accuracy when transferring profiles. This is particularly valuable for achieving seamless fits with crown molding and countertops.
Cordless Drill. Abram prefers a compact 12-volt cordless drill over a bulkier 18-volt version. Modern lithium-ion batteries provide enough power for most home improvement tasks, while the smaller size makes the drill easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Tom Silva, the show’s general contractor, has also moved fully to cordless tools — he notes that plumbers, electricians, and ductwork specialists have all made the same switch.
Combination Square. On job sites, Abram uses a 12-inch combination square for accurate miter cuts and a smaller 4-inch version for furniture work in his shop. Both have steel heads for durability and precision, outperforming plastic or die-cast alternatives. The combination square is essential for checking angles, marking cut lines, and ensuring joints are square.
Miter Saw. A 12-inch compound miter saw is Abram’s choice for precise crosscuts on trim and molding. His preferred model swivels in both directions, tilts for beveling, and includes a built-in laser guide. The dual-laser feature marks both sides of the blade’s cutting path, increasing accuracy for detailed woodworking. Tom Silva advises keeping a trim saw dedicated to fine finish work rather than using it for rough framing cuts.
Plumbing Tools That Save Time And Frustration
Richard Trethewey, plumbing and heating expert for This Old House, recommends a mix of specialty and general-purpose tools. His picks help both DIY homeowners and professional plumbers handle common pipe and fixture jobs. The construction industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, and staying informed with essential insights on top issues faced by construction industries in 2017 and future helps tradespeople anticipate broader trends that affect their work.
Basin Wrench. A long-handled basin wrench is invaluable for reaching sink fittings in tight spaces under a vanity. The long handle provides leverage, and the spring-loaded jaw grips fasteners from awkward angles. Trethewey sums it up simply: it will save your knuckles from getting scraped up.
Tubing Cutter. A mini tubing cutter is essential for working in confined areas. This compact tool delivers clean, precise cuts through metal or plastic pipes, even when you have limited room to swing a hacksaw. It is ideal for under-sink work, behind washing machines, and around water heaters.
Water Pump Pliers. Every homeowner should own a pair of water pump pliers. The adjustable jaws fit pipes of any diameter, and the nonslip teeth provide plenty of torque for loosening rusted-on nuts or tightening compression fittings. This tool is versatile enough to handle most plumbing repairs and many other mechanical tasks around the house.
Multi-Tip Screwdriver. An 11-in-1 multi-tip screwdriver eliminates the need to carry a handful of individual drivers. One tool handles Phillips, slotted, square drive, and Torx fasteners. This saves space in your toolbox and speeds up any job that involves switching between fastener types.
Cordless Drill. Trethewey frequently uses a cordless drill for tasks that require more power than a manual screwdriver. From installing faucet fixtures to drilling pilot holes for pipe hangers, a drill offers the versatility needed for plumbing and heating projects. The cordless format is especially useful in basements and crawl spaces where outlets are scarce.
General Contractor Essentials For Daily Projects
Tom Silva, general contractor for This Old House, has refined his tool selections through decades of hands-on experience. His recommendations emphasize practicality and efficiency. Understanding how tools contribute to larger building goals is important — essential guide to top 6 energy efficient high rise buildings in the world explores how proper construction methods and the right equipment lead to better built environments.
Tool Belt. Silva always wears a tool belt on the job. A good belt is easy to adjust, with pockets that are comfortable to reach into. He made his own by grafting the leather pouches from a store-bought belt onto an old seat belt — a testament to the value of customization. Items you use often should be effortless to retrieve and store.
Hammer. Silva recommends a wood-handled, straight-claw hammer for most tasks. A 16-ounce hammer offers plenty of heft without being too heavy, and the wood handle vibrates less than metal or plastic, which is easier on hands and arms over a full day of framing or demolition.
Measuring Tape. Silva keeps both 12-foot and 16-foot tape measures on hand. He prefers models that lock securely when extended. Having multiple lengths gives you flexibility in different measuring situations and improves accuracy across a variety of tasks.
Speed Square. A speed square is invaluable for marking cut lines and checking angles. It also serves as a guide for quick and accurate saw cuts. Silva clips his speed square to his tool belt using a dedicated holder, keeping it within reach at all times.
Multitool. A compact multitool equipped with pliers, screwdrivers, and files is handy for tight spots and quick repairs. Its versatility makes it a key addition to any tool collection, whether you are on a job site or working around the house.
Building A Versatile Tool Collection Wisely
Beyond the specific picks from each crew member, a few additional tools deserve a place in every home workshop. A quality level ensures straight lines and proper alignment for everything from hanging pictures to installing cabinets. A putty knife helps apply and smooth filler, scrape paint, and can even serve as a makeshift pry bar in a pinch. The overriding principle is to invest in tools that serve multiple purposes and hold up to regular use. For deeper insight into how the quality of your indoor environment relates to the materials and methods used in construction, review how to build a healthy house essential strategies for indoor air quality and wellness.
| Tool Category | Expert | Top Pick | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping | Roger Cook | Landscaping Shovel | Fiberglass handle with welded socket |
| Landscaping | Roger Cook | Mattock | Combines grub hoe and pick |
| Carpentry | Norm Abram | Miter Saw | 12-inch compound with laser guide |
| Carpentry | Norm Abram | Combination Square | Steel head for precision marking |
| Plumbing | Richard Trethewey | Water Pump Pliers | Adjustable jaws with nonslip teeth |
| Plumbing | Richard Trethewey | Basin Wrench | Long handle for tight spaces |
| General | Tom Silva | 16-oz Hammer | Wood handle, straight claw |
| General | Tom Silva | Multitool | Pliers, screwdrivers, files |
Building a tool collection does not happen overnight. Start with the essentials that match the projects you actually do. If you maintain a garden, begin with Cook’s landscaping picks. If you are installing trim or building furniture, invest in Abram’s carpentry tools first. Add specialty items like plumbing wrenches only when the job calls for them. This approach keeps your toolbox lean, affordable, and practical. For professionals looking to expand their inventory further, essential construction tools every professional should know identification and usage guide offers a comprehensive reference for identifying and using a wider range of equipment.
The common thread across all four This Old House pros is the same: choose tools built to last, prioritize comfort and safety, and never compromise on the features that improve accuracy. A tool that fits your hand and suits your trade will serve you well for decades.