Ep 9. Install Cabinet Hardware, Breaker Trips

In episode 9 of season 21 of Ask This Old House, the team tackles two home improvement projects that homeowners may encounter: installing cabinet hardware and dealing with a tripping breaker.

The first project involves installing hardware on kitchen cabinets. Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor visits a kitchen renovation site where carpenter Nathan Gilbert is helping the homeowners with an affordable update to their cabinets. Gilbert walks viewers through the process of drilling holes for cabinet hardware in a template, then using a drill to attach knobs and pulls. He also shares tips for ensuring the hardware is level and spaced evenly. The team replaces outdated knobs with modern brass hardware, instantly updating the kitchen's look.

The second segment focuses on diagnosing and fixing a tripping circuit breaker. Electrician Heath Eastman visits a homeowner who has been experiencing frequent breaker trips, causing the power to shut off in certain parts of the house. Eastman explains how a circuit breaker works, and why it might trip due to overloaded circuits, short circuits, or ground faults. He uses a multimeter to test the wiring and discovers that a faulty GFCI outlet is the culprit. After replacing the outlet and testing the circuits, the breaker is no longer tripping.

Throughout the episode, the team stresses the importance of safety and caution when working with electricity and power tools. They also emphasize the benefits of making small updates to increase a home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Overall, this episode is a helpful guide for DIY enthusiasts looking to tackle common home improvement projects.