Jill loses her job, and decides to go back to school for a masters in psychology. Tim is unhappy about her decision and he wonders what she even saw in him since they both think differently about education.
Harry from the hardware store has a mild heart attack as Tim turns 40. Tim is worried and goes off the deep end about getting healthy. The boys give him a Tool Man figure made out of tools, and Jill gets him a ride on a jet (more power!).
Tim wants to install a central vacuum system and Jill is opposed. She agrees when he promises it will be a fast and small project. Of course, things get out of hand. Tim's brother Marty arrives and tells Tim he is leaving his wife.
When Al buys 20% of Harry's hardware store, he irritates everyone by becoming obsessed with the business, trying to change store policies, promoting the store on Tool Time and spending less time with Ilene.
When Al has to miss a taping of Tool Time, Brad fills in for him; but Randy can't stop making fun of Brad's appearance on the show, and Tim realizes it's because Randy feels that Tim prefers Brad over him.
Mr. Art Leonard, Tim's favorite old metal shop teacher, is invited for an appearance on Tool Time, along with some of his old classmates. Unfortunately, during a taping of the show it becomes clear that the man who inspired a young Tim Taylor to seek more power is losing much of his own when his crippling arthritis is revealed, as well with his bitterness about his condition.
While using the garage to make scenery for Mark's school Christmas pageant, Jill accidentally leaves Tim's hot rod outside during a snowstorm, just a day before he's been asked to display it.
Everyone is stunned when Tim impulsively sells his hot rod to a pizza magnate - especially Brad, who helped him build it, so Tim and Brad try and talk the millionaire into selling it back. Meanwhile, Randy is embarrassed that Jill still goes along with him when shopping for clothes.
After a Detroit magazine selects Al as the city's most eligible bachelor, women begin constantly flirting with him, causing him to lose sight of his priorities and making Ilene jealous. But the reasons for the flirting may not be what they seem.
Tim puts a dance floor in the basement for Randy's birthday party, but he over-waxes it, causing Randy's friend Michelle to sprain her ankle; Randy is embarrassed that Tim is now sending his friends to the hospital.
For a segment on Tool Time, Tim agrees to fix the furnace is Benny's aunt's basement, but disaster strikes when Benny fails to tell him that there are TWO gas leaks in the house. Benny soon wears out his welcome as Tim's house guest, as everyone struggles to repair the aunt's home while she is out of town.
When Tim accidentally exposes himself to his equally naked sister-in-law Nancy, who's using his and Jill's shower, he suggests they keep quiet about the incident. However, Nancy breaks the silence and a more uncomfortable one descends.
Tim accidentally throws dinner into the trash compactor and then drops Jill's ring down the furnace. Tim speaks to two guys on how to talk to women on Tool Time, and he calls Jill an old hen.
Tim & Jill are to double date with Al & Ilene at a play, but first Tim and Al have to sell tickets to a hockey game. Tim & Al get caught scalping the tickets. Wilson watches the boys while Tim and Jill are out.
Tim and the boys visit the hardware store where the boys admire a pocket knife. When Al discovers the knife missing he has to share his suspicions with Tim, who is deeply hurt that one of his sons would steal from close friends.
