DIY | One Space

sadsy

OK,
this is a start I guess.

The ten best home DIY websites

Quote:

Where the amateur handyman(mum) can go online to find information to help with home improvements, complete with video guides

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article6487470.ece

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 8:17am

Louise

Parenting specialist

What a good idea!

I remember when bulb went in my car headlight (when I was first a single parent) it took me ages studying the handbook to figure out how to change it but what a sense of achievement when I did!

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 8:21am

sadsy

Floorboard sanding

Hello,
bec hope you here at some point.

Found this, floor sanding, it look easy! As long as money for hiring machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2-FHKJpy2o

Notice sparks on sander on video, might be that make sure floorboard nails are not sticking up.
Hire centre might not be happy with nail damage! Hire centre usually have advice too.

Ask hire centre about other costs apart from hire.
I was once charged bit extra for resharpening blade on concrete pneumatic drill.

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 8:26am

sadsy

Actually,
everything seems to be on youtube! Loads of diy videos.

I can recommend screwfix to get stuff for home DIY. They have almost everything.
Bit like Argos. Best thing is they are open on saturdays and sundays as I get started then have forgotten something. They will post too (not for free though).

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 8:32am

sadsy

Louise,
be not embarrassed, I had to put my car into garage to change lightbulb!

I couldn't get my hand in, as pipes and things in the way of back cover!

TIP: use clean rubber gloves for handling bulbs, or clean tissue to hold, the oil from your finger on the glass shortens life of bulb filament.

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 8:38am

Louise

Parenting specialist

Thanks Sy, you're right, one of the hardest things was that "not touching the bulb" thing

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 9:10am

Anna

Parenting specialist

Ooh I want to share my DIY knowledge, but don't know where to start :? Maybe I don't really know that much, I am more of a bodge jobber!

When I had my first flat, I paid the next door neighbours brother to wallpaper the baby's room, what a bodge job, I thought from that moment on, if he can do it so can I and I would rather mess it up than pay someone else to!

So when I moved, it took me a couple of years, but I decided to wallpaper daughters next bedroom, oh I loved picking the wallpaper, but didn't think about needing to join the patterns, until I had actually started. :shock:

That was a bit tricky at first, but I soon got the hang of it! (See the pun!!) It is not as difficult as it might seem. If anyone wants wall papering tips come to me, tee hee!!

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 12:33pm

sadsy

Anna,
I will be papering next week, I'll need your advice.

Do I need a pasting table, or could I paste on floor with plastic sheet under it?
Do I need one of those edge roller things? I'm just doing underlay paper, so I can paint after.

I don't know how to remove radiators, can I bodge and just wallpaper as far as can be seen?

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 1:31pm

Louise

Parenting specialist

Well you definitely don't need to remove the radiators, Sy. But Anna will be able to give you some papering tips ;)

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 2:28pm

Anna

Parenting specialist

Well, let me see, I will whip my pencil from behind my ear and reach for my measuring tape from my dungaree pocket!! 8-)

I used an old door balanced on a chest of drawers and a couple of boxes the other end to paste the paper and found this to be quite good. I suppose you could do it on the floor if you have a big enough room? When you have pasted the whole sheet, fold it three quarters of the way so you can carry it to the wall, it makes life so much easier!

Top tip!: Be careful with how much paste you use because that lining paper can rip easily!

I dont remember using an edge roller thingy, I just used a rag!

I am sure that removing the radiator wouldn't be too difficult, you would just have to be well careful in case a pipe broke! I bodged it I'm afraid!

Good luck sy, I am off next week, so I look forward to hearing about it when I get back!

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 3:45pm

sadsy

Repairing holes in ceilings

Part1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pedAiIzFZhM

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w2ac118Fho&NR=1

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZW64rfhNQM&NR=1

Tools from screwfix
Forge Steel Plastering Trowel 13" x 5" £9.45
Plasterers Paper Tape 50mm x 150m £3.50
Plastic Hawk 13" x 13" £8.77
Stanley 99E Retractable Blade Knife £3.86

Drill
If you don't have one, a drill is handy long-term anyhow.
Screwfix offer Bosch 2kg SDS Hammer 240V & Free Drill Driver £99.99 (£100 off)
or
Erbauer ERB1127 1080W Percussion Drill £79.99
or
Direct Power DPB084DRL 750W Percussion Drill £24.99 (have no idea how long it would last!)

Try not to get cordless as a main drill, they not powerful enough for brick or concrete unless you spend mega money. Lots of deals on drills, hopefully come with set of different size/type drill bits, or buy a set? I had good experience with Bosch so far, still using the Bosch drill my brother left me when he emigrated 20 years ago. There are user reviews on Screwfix website for each product. Cool.

Drill bits
In case anyone not know, use wood drill bits for soft things, masonry drill bits for brick walls, concrete etc. There are also drill bits for metal and another type for ceramic tiles. If you use wood drill bit on brick, drill bit glows red hot and turns into molten blob. All drill bits get very hot when used, even if they not glow, so not to touch with fingers after use. Do not drill directly above or below light switches or power sockets. Mains cables usually run vertically in wall so electrician tell me.

Homebase
Polycell Plaster Repair Polyfilla - 2.5 Litre £11.99
Wood cleats, just 1"x2" wood, smallest amount poss £5?

Plasterboard, ask instore at Homebase or B&Q, could not find on their websites.

If you want to try all the different types of plaster mentioned in youtube video, B&Q and Homebase do them as powder in bags, I thought a readymix might be easier, so consistency of mix not an issue? Also, then you don't have to buy buckets to mix in (£9 for 5 at screwfix) and do all that stirring etc.

By the way, I have not actually done my ceiling holes yet, hehe.

sy

Posted on: July 24, 2009 - 10:36pm

Louise

Parenting specialist

I would just like to add that all mu lights fused last night and my fusebox is the old fashioned type and.....I fixed in a new piece of fuse wire! :ugeek:

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 9:41am

Bubblegum

I hope not something like this : )

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 9:43am

pinkgrapefruit

Thank you so much Sy for your effort in setting this board up!! Thats fab. I am going to tackle the holes in the ceiling first, then decorate my son's room, then think about the floors. I will let you know how it all goes. I'm having some damp proofing done soon and the people doing that need me to remove the radiators or they charge extra so let me know how you get on with that if you try it and I might pluck up the courage to give it a whirl.

I am determined to master this...

Bec x

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 10:01am

sadsy

Louise, you are a marvel!

Would recommend new type of trip switch fusebox, thought old plugin fusewire ones were illegal now?

You would all be much safer with trip switch type box.
Also, I wonder what it was that fused it? They don't fuse for without reason...

If it is rented, I thought was landlord legal requirement to have trip switch?

I worried now.

sy

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 10:05am

sadsy

Ceiling holes

Hello Bec,
the video made it look easy to do holes. My ceiling is not quite the same as video. I need to investigate a bit. I think you'll end up trying the video instruction before me. Plus, I'm scaredy cat.

Make sure you are standing on something steady. No more broken arms on forum!

I will try and find some info on removing radiators tonight. As I have no idea what to do or how they come apart.

huug

sy

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 10:18am

sadsy

Bubblegum,
OMG, is that for real!

sy

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 10:43am

Bubblegum

Lets hope not : )

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 11:30am

Louise

Parenting specialist

It is a house I am buying. It is 30 years old and I have lived here for 19 years. I have a nice neighbour who is an electrician so I have decided to get him to fit a new box :D

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 5:19pm

sadsy

Louise,
I'm so relieved. The new trip switch boxes are so much safer. They can save lives.

When a light bulb blows here, it takes the trip switch out. It's that sensitive. So it really offers alot of protection from faulty appliances and I guess electrocution?

When he fits the trip switch box, it should show up any dodgy appliances. Our old rented place immediately showed up fault with fridge when it was fitted.

It's great you have electrician friend to do this. Feel alot better now. It's so stressful on a forum!

sy

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 5:47pm

sadsy

bec,
I'm too tired to look up radiators tonight.

Will look tomorrow.

sy

Posted on: July 25, 2009 - 10:50pm

sparklinglime

Louise wrote:

I would just like to add that all mu lights fused last night and my fusebox is the old fashioned type and.....I fixed in a new piece of fuse wire! :ugeek:

That's brilliant!

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 12:09am

sparklinglime

Hahaha!! Maybe you coul edit the first post with a disclaimer!!!! Make it funny 8-)

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 12:10am

Louise

Parenting specialist

Glad you have done this, Sy :)

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 9:10am

sparklinglime

sparklinglime wrote:

Hahaha!! Maybe you coul edit the first post with a disclaimer!!!! Make it funny 8-)

tee hee!! I like it!

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 1:01pm

zane26

Luckily my ex was a builder/joiner and he taught me how to do it all(mainly so he didn't have to do it) so i have done it all from building a fence to fixing the front room ceiling after the kids flooded the bathroom. Plastered it and all lol. So the DIY issue of being single is not a problem, mine is the travel i dont drive and with my son's special needs are at the hospital all the time but now it will cost a small fortune on the bus. oh well ...

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 6:54pm

sadsy

wow zane26!
fantastic to have you here!

Bec has holes in ceiling, if you have any tips for her?
I have holes in ceiling too, can you help me! :lol:

I've posted 3 videos from youtube of ceiling repairs. Do you think they are clear enough?

If you would like to post a "How to..." in DIY can you put a big heading on your post so users can quickly see if their task is mentioned somewhere?

Bus is pants way of travelling when it's rush hour. Hope you get a seat. Is it learning to drive that's holding you back? Or running costs?

So glad you are with us!

Huug for you

sy

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 7:25pm

sparklinglime

zane26 wrote:

Luckily my ex was a builder/joiner and he taught me how to do it all(mainly so he didn't have to do it) so i have done it all from building a fence to fixing the front room ceiling after the kids flooded the bathroom. Plastered it and all lol. So the DIY issue of being single is not a problem, mine is the travel i dont drive and with my son's special needs are at the hospital all the time but now it will cost a small fortune on the bus. oh well ...

Are you able to claim travel expenses though if the appointments are at the hospital?

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 7:35pm

sadsy

Changing a radiator (with and without emptying it)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PytKMYFIQ

OK, this requires a kit, which I can't find anywhere, also if you have thermostatic valves, they need to be capped, as they open and close by themselves according to room temperature!

This one drains the radiator, but doesn't tell you how to top up the central heating system (cos there's missing water from the now empty radiator that's been put back).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Y8CqQvKBU&feature=fvw
Help me anyone?

sy

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 7:48pm

zane26

never really looked into claiming expenses back as ex always drove.

and i cant drive took lessions but then had a death close to me and seemed to put them off after that now it's been 3 yrs lol

How big are the holes in the ceiling? We all can get small hardly noticable ones that will fill fine with filler but if they bigger it could be a problem with the plaster and i'd re-do the ceiling if u get more and more.

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 7:55pm

pinkgrapefruit

oh more advice - fab!

the holes in my ceiling are where previous light fittings were positioned. Just one hole in each bedroom, a circle about 7cm diameter...

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 8:05pm

sadsy

Hello zane26,
My holes are where a cupboard wall was knocked down.

My ex knocked most of it down, she is small, but packs a big hit with club hammer, hehe. Quite frightening really. :o I only went downstairs for a cup of tea, next minute it was down. Like opening jars, I started it off...my poor dented pride! :?

Ceiling has unplastered channel where bricks were, plus 3-5" holes here and there along channel.

huug

sy

Posted on: July 26, 2009 - 8:35pm

zane26

sadsy wrote:

Hello zane26,
My holes are where a cupboard wall was knocked down.

My ex knocked most of it down, she is small, but packs a big hit with club hammer, hehe. Quite frightening really. :o I only went downstairs for a cup of tea, next minute it was down. Like opening jars, I started it off...my poor dented pride! :?

Ceiling has unplastered channel where bricks were, plus 3-5" holes here and there along channel.

huug

sy

lol i do that ex would go to work and come home and i'd knocked a wall down. You will need to skimm it. Plaster over gaps/holes but only thinly hence skimm lol be good as new in no time then just paint after it dried(colour gets lighter once dried)

Posted on: July 27, 2009 - 7:15pm

zane26

Bec wrote:

oh more advice - fab!

the holes in my ceiling are where previous light fittings were positioned. Just one hole in each bedroom, a circle about 7cm diameter...

Okay all u need is a filler. Buy powered filler make up so it quite thick apply with a wallpaper scrapper filling the hole then skimm over the surface for a flat finish once dried sand and paint. :D

Posted on: July 27, 2009 - 7:17pm

pinkgrapefruit

Thanks Zane, will let you know how I get on x

Posted on: July 28, 2009 - 7:16pm

sadsy

Hello Zane26,

What is this skimming I keep hearing about?

sy

Posted on: July 28, 2009 - 7:21pm

zane26

Skimming is basically where you plaster the walls with a very thin layer of plaster hence skimming. When the walls don't quite need a full plastering but has too much minor damage to just use filler. Just let me know what and when u need need me to do it can pay me in cream cakes(just not my cakes ;) ) :lol:

Posted on: July 31, 2009 - 5:21pm

sadsy

Zane26,
You know, I might just skim that bit of the ceiling. After chipping away the curved up lip where they plastered to the wall edge thats gone.

Also, if you offer to come and plaster, careful, I might say yes! :lol: What type of cream cake do you like?

I have a whole kitchen that is brick walls that needs plastering, or boarding. I have a tiling float thing. It always goes rusty. I could buy one just for plastering. Could I plaster a wall :idea: ?

thanks
sy

Posted on: July 31, 2009 - 5:56pm

zane26

If you plaster straight onto a wall finish wont be a smooth. I'd plaster boad the wall tape the joining edges then plaster.

I like choc ecliars :D

Posted on: July 31, 2009 - 6:20pm

sadsy

Chocolate eclairs,
I know the perfect place!

If you go to Geneva, accidentally come out the swiss side exit. There a coffee and cake shop.

I had the best ever eclair there. Real chocolate, beautiful pastry and cream filling with hint of some spirit of some kind. It was delicious. i find sainsbury's ones a bit like cardboard sometimes.

How do I attach the boards to the wall? What tape is it? I need step by step.

hug

sy

Posted on: July 31, 2009 - 6:38pm

zane26

plaster boards put up with dry line screws. Cut to size using stanley knife. Tapes gaps with joint tape. All found in your local B&Q

mmmmm sounds yummy when you buying me one :lol: asda ones are okay cream a little cheap though

Posted on: July 31, 2009 - 6:51pm

pinkgrapefruit

DIY HELP please!!!

I have a problem and wish I was more practical and a bit braver on the DIY front! I was away for a couple of days this week and when I came back I noticed that an overflow pipe was dripping, it seemed to come out of the loft. I used some water and thankfully the dripping stopped so I just filed it away in my mind to deal with before I go away another time. However this morning when I woke up I looked out of window and it was dripping again. I know I can't ignore this so I went up into the loft. It is coming from the cold water tank up there, filling too much and hence forcing water down the overflow. Don't want it to keep dripping down the outside wall tho. From my limited knowledge I'm guessing its a problem with the ballcock - what do I do??

Do I:-

a) phone a plumber and pay out to get it fixed even tho I'm trying to save some cash these days
b) ring my ex and ask him to help - altho this is not an option that is at all attractive to me, he would love feeling important, I would hate that I had to ask him
c) do it myself - do I just need to fiddle with the existing ball cock or do I need a new one? Anyone else tackled this problem singlehandedly?? Is it easy to buy the right sized thingy at the shop and is it easy to fit or do I risk causing more damage??

I really want to get braver DIY-speaking - do you think I should try?

Bec x

Posted on: August 16, 2009 - 7:17pm

Pansy

sorry Bec, I havn't got a clue!

Pansy

Posted on: August 16, 2009 - 8:43pm

sadsy

Bec,
there is a similar arrangement to toilets. A ball shaped float that goes up and down with level of the water. When i goes up, it pushes on a little valve rod that cuts off water supply. It is usually at the opposite end to the floating ball. Often it is adjustable with flat screw slot on end and a nut to lock it off when it's in the right distance to switch off water. Sometimes the adjustment lock not gets loose and it gradually adjusts itself so that it never quite closes off the water supply to the tank.

There's an overflow pipe for when there's too much water in the tank and this is what you've seen.

if I had bit more time I'd get weblink, but I'm getting kicked out of mum's now. hehe.

sy

Posted on: August 16, 2009 - 11:00pm

Louise

Parenting specialist

I do think that sounds like a plumber job. However, it is at least not an emergency. Have you got any "handyman" services locally? you know, that do odd jobs? might be cheaper than a plumber, and also ask your neighbours if they know anyone. My own experience of this sort of thing is that I don't like the thought that workmen might overcharge me cos they think (know!) that I don't know what I am talking about. I would suggest you don't ask your ex; you never know what can of worms that might open up :?

Posted on: August 17, 2009 - 7:31am

Anna

Parenting specialist

Hi bec, I agree with Louise, plumbers will charge a fortune, local handymen can usually do pretty much anything......no........not that sadsy ...(although maybe if you want!)

Sadsy has given some comprehensive information, also look at the link below and maybe there will be further tips:

http://www.videojug.com/search?keywords=fix+overflow+pipe

Keep us informed, wont you :)

Posted on: August 17, 2009 - 11:51am

sadsy

Well bec,
it's worth a look with a torch before getting plumber. Push the ballcock up and down and see if it cuts the water off. It may just need a slight adjustment with flatblade screwdriver on the little adjusting thing that the lever pushes on to cut water off.

Worth a look before paying £60.

Have a look and be careful in the loft. Make sure another adult knows you are up there.

sy

Posted on: August 17, 2009 - 10:04pm

sadsy

Oh where is zane26?
I miss her.

sy

Posted on: August 24, 2009 - 10:19pm

sparklinglime

All I need now is a ladder designed for people with wonky legs...

Posted on: September 9, 2010 - 8:20am