Ask This Old House Season 1 Episode 7 Jacking It Up; Chainsaw Smarts

In the seventh episode of the first season of Ask This Old House, titled "Jacking It Up; Chainsaw Smarts," the show's experts take on two challenging home improvement projects.

In the first segment, Roger Cook, the show's landscaping expert, meets with a homeowner who needs to replace a rotting wooden retaining wall in his backyard. To do the job right, Roger will need to jack up a section of the wall and pour a new concrete footing before installing pressure-treated timbers. As Roger explains the process, he also provides tips on how to safely use a hydraulic jack and how to mix and pour concrete for a durable, long-lasting result.

The second segment features Tom Silva, the show's general contractor, teaching a homeowner how to safely operate a chainsaw. Using a battery-powered model for safety reasons, Tom explains the different types of saw blades and their uses, as well as the basic techniques for felling a small tree and cutting it into firewood. He also covers the importance of personal protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and chaps.

Throughout both segments, the experts share their years of experience and offer advice on best practices and safety tips for DIYers looking to take on similar projects. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, there's plenty of useful information to take away from this informative episode of Ask This Old House.