HOME SECURITY

Replace screws with coachbolts

Home security is very important yet it can be one of the last things a lot of people consider when spending their hard earned cash, I have lost count of how many properties I have worked in that are kitted out with all the latest techno gear costing many hundreds of pounds, yet when the conversation with the householder gets around to alarm systems, etc, they think they are an unnecessary expense, this opinion changes quickly of course once they have been burgled, it is a total false economy. Start checking how secure your property is by trying to think like a burglar would, where would he … [Read more...]

WHICH SCREWS DO I USE 1 ?

Choose the appropriate length of screw for the job, if you are fixing a piece of timber to a wall there should be at least 2/3 of the screw in the wall. Does the screw need to have an anti-corrosive coating for exterior work. Will the screw be used as a fixing into hardwood, if so drill a pilot hole so the wood doesn't split and the screw head doesn't shear off (more common with brass screws). A popular screw with both DIYers and professionals is the Phillips or cross head screw. They are ideal for use with battery drill / drivers and if the screw is being driven in by hand there is … [Read more...]

RADIATORS ARE NOT GETTING HOT AT THE TOP

Radiator air bleed key

Tools required :- Radiator bleed key and an old towel or cloth. If you find that the top half of a radiator is not as hot as the bottom, the cause is most likely to be trapped air in the heating system. This can be easily remedied by bleeding the air from the radiator. First of all, turn off the central heating system, you will need a radiator air bleeding key, which are available at  DIY stores such as B & Q, Focus, etc and an old towel or absorbent cloth. Locate the air bleed valve at the top end of the radiator and hold the towel / cloth just beneath … [Read more...]

REPLACING A CEILING ROSE

All diagrams in this post can be 'clicked on' to enlarge and can then be printed out if required. Replacing a ceiling rose is a job that can be carried out by a competent DIYer, but as always if you are not confident use the services of an electrician. Tools required :- Side cutters (snips), an insulated medium size screwdriver, an insulated terminal screwdriver, wire strippers, marker pen and either test lamps or a meter to confirm the electrical supply to the ceiling rose is isolated. Start by switching off the consumer unit and removing the appropriate circuit fuse / miniature … [Read more...]

FITTING A NEW KITCHEN – 6 Finishing the project

Fixing blocks

Fitting the hob and sink unit is fairly straightforward, both come with clips that hold them down tightly to the worktop. Hobs usually have a thin foam or rubber seal around the edge and this is sufficient to keep any liquids out. Only you know whether you are competent enough to reconnect the hob to the electrical supply. I would recommend you use a qualified electrician who will use the correct size / type of cable and connect the hob correctly for safe use. With gas hobs you should use a Gas safe registered  plumber / engineer to connect the hob to the gas supply. Before fitting the … [Read more...]