June 15, 2023 David Frane is a freelance editor and a good buddy of ours. Formerly, he was the editor of Tools of the Trade magazine and website. He lives in Northern California.
July 11, 2024 What Happens When You Crash a Work Van? Do not be a dummy, make sure your tools are solidly secured, and put some protection between you and them—in case they ain't. Tools Safety Video Treats video
April 21, 2022 Updated: July 26, 2023 Placing a Stem Wall and Footing in a Single Pour In California This old-school stem wall foundation method kills two birds with one stone Concrete & Masonry YouTube video
January 27, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Man vs. Robot in Hole Drilling Contest For simple repetitive tasks, it’s hard to beat a machine. Tools Video Treats video
December 18, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 This Robot Sets Tile Twice as Fast as a Human And it can spread mortar too! Tile, Flooring, Drywall Video Treats video
September 19, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 National Hardware Show Highlights: Spill-Proof Gas Can A better mousetrap that actually catches mice. Or at least pours gas without getting your hands gassy Tools Video video
August 26, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Why Does Cosmos Build a Big Table Saw? Because he can! Tools Video Treats video
July 31, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 3-Coat Stucco Retrofit A plastering contractor upgrades an ugly exterior in Northern California. Siding & Exterior Trim YouTube video
July 15, 2017 Updated: August 15, 2023 Installing Sill Plates and Floor Beams in a Japanese Timber Frame Construction methods differ from country to country but are especially different in Japan. Framing Video Treats video
July 13, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 How to Lift Heavy Loads with a Nail Gun and 2x4s I’m kicking myself for not already knowing this amazingly simple trick! Framing YouTube video
July 1, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Building a Stem Wall Foundation in Japan Some familiar and not-so-familiar techniques for building concrete foundations. Concrete & Masonry Video Treats video
June 26, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Tips and Tricks for Framing Stairs Old-school framing meets new-age materials. Framing YouTube video
June 19, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 An Ingenious Rolling Parts Rack This vehicle-mounted storage system extends from either side of the van. Tools YouTube video
June 18, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Timothy Wilmots’ System Workbench This incredible bench is more than just a work table; it’s an essential tool in the shop. Tools Video Treats video
June 5, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 How to Form Place and Finish Concrete Stairs A split riser allows you to remove the forms without damaging wet concrete. Concrete & Masonry YouTube video
June 3, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Homebuilding in Australia Circa 1946 This old school training film shows some familiar and unfamiliar construction methods once used down under. Video Treats video
May 29, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 An Incredibly Well Organized Work Van With a place for everything and everything in its place. Tools YouTube video
May 22, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Retrofitting a Hardy Frame Shear Panel Here’s how to stiffen walls that are too narrow to resist the force exerted by high winds and earthquakes. Framing YouTube video
May 20, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 A Robotic Layout Machine This Roomba-like device can navigate a room and print complicated layout on the floor. Framing Video Treats video
May 15, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Replacing Windows in Germany It takes unusual tools and techniques to replace European-style windows in masonry walls. Photos photos
May 8, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Why a Cedar Roof Needs a Cold Roof System Use skip sheathing and a ventilation space to extend the life of the shingles Roofing YouTube video
May 4, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Seismic Retrofit: Soft-Story Construction in Berkeley, Calif Tie the walls to the foundation, the floor to the walls, and add shear strength for lateral support Framing Video video
April 17, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 A Home-Made Multi-Function Tool Cart A woodworker in Belgium goes Festool one better by devising a wheeled folding bench that works with their products. Tools YouTube video
September 27, 2016 Updated: June 15, 2023 New Clothing Options for Tomorrow's Jobsites? Work wear worthy of combat and cool clothing—just in time for climate change! Tools Photos photos
September 21, 2016 Updated: June 15, 2023 Power Tools and Some Extra Bits from the National Hardware Show A better multi-tool, superior sandpaper, and some tidbits you may not have seen yet ... Tools Photos photos
September 6, 2016 Updated: June 15, 2023 Hand Tool Picks from the #NationalHardwareShow The continuing saga of a year's worth of tools reviewed in a weekend: demo, digging, door-setting, and deep-detection Tools Demolition Photos photos
