When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t by observation and planning. That’d be too smart.
Check out more from Mark & Theresa in Professional Deck Builder.
Related Posts
Tool Review: Milwaukee M18 Reciprocating Sawzall 2621-20
‘Sawzall’ is one of those names that has become the de facto word describing an item made by lots of companies, namely the reciprocating saw….
22 Aug 2015
Video: Tips on When to Use Specialty Reciprocating Saws
In this video for This Old House, Mark explains when to use smaller or more specific-use reciprocating saws. These often have unique features that may be…
23 Feb 2014
All About Fences
Three Fences Designing, detailing, and installing fences for looks, quality, and production speed Mark Clement If I said I didn’t like building fences, I’d be…
19 Feb 2011
Mark shares his ‘Lightweight Hammer’ with Professional Deck Builder
If you’re old enough, you remember nailing off decks with fistfuls of hot-dipped-galvanized sixteens. Your bags were loaded with pounds of nails, and your hammer…
26 Mar 2013
Tool review: Diablo 9-inch wood demolition recip saw blade
The Diablo 9-inch nail-embedded wood demolition recip saw blade is relentless in this tool review.
03 Dec 2019
Reciprocating saw tip: Plunge-cut without disaster
This Old House contributor Mark Clement demonstrates how to use the reciprocating saw to cut through a wall. Sometimes pipes or other materials are hidden behind…
26 Jun 2013
FixitUp Find: Bosch 1651K Cordless Recip Saw
When you reach for a reciprocating saw, you can bet whatever’s about to happen ain’t gonna be pretty. Even if it’s just cutting out mis-nailed…
21 Sep 2009
Check Out Mark’s ‘Miter Saw Workstation’ Featured in Professional Deck Builder
Miter-saw set-ups can range from just a couple of sawhorses and a truck bed to something so nitpickingly complicated that I would break it in…
19 Mar 2013
Lightweight Hammer
If you’re old enough, you remember nailing off decks with fistfuls of hot-dipped-galvanized sixteens. Your bags were loaded with pounds of nails, and your hammer…
01 Oct 2011
Aggressive Reciprocating Saw Blade
When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t…
28 Nov 2011
Sub compact Loader: Deck Builder’s Dirty Work
The first sub compact loader I ever used arrived by accident. I’d ordered a full-sized skid steer from the rental yard, but instead the delivery…
04 Jun 2009
Ridgid’s One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Makes Big Moves.
The more I use the Ridgid R3030 one-handed reciprocating (recip) saw, the more I like it—and the more this little fireball is becoming my go-to…
05 Oct 2009
Under-Deck Drainage Systems
Building a deck creates two distinct spaces. Topside, gleaming deck boards and guardrails invite customers to enjoy the outdoors. But if a deck is far…
03 Nov 2008
Skil Recip Saw: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
We tested the Skil recip saw in our remodeling work. Here’s what you should know before you decide if the Skil PWRCORE 20 reciprocating saw is right for you.
18 Apr 2025
What is the best way to remove a steel railing from a concrete stoop?
Hey Mark— I have a steel railing I need to remove from my front stoop. Problem is that the posts are set in the concrete. My…
05 May 2010
