Al Borland is Tim's Tool Time assistant who knows much more about the tools then Tim. He wears only flannel shirts and is definatly a momma's boy. (His mother is the butt of Tim's jokes because she's very heavy.) She has never made appearences and probably never will. (No actress could live up to the description Tim has built of her.) She passed away right before the show's finale.
Al dated Dr. Ilene Markum for several years and they got engaged. On the wedding day, however, both had doubts about the marriage, and decided the love had faded and they'd just be friends.
Al's brother, Cal, has appeared two or three times and looks just like Al. From the beard to the flannel.
Al met a new (very rich) woman, Trudy, on Tool Time and they dated awhile. When Al decided to propose to her, he told his mom first. Her response? A heart attack and died. Tim convinced Al to propose to Trudy anyway and they married in the Taylor's backyard.