Here are some useful tips for home DIY projects and working safely.
- When purchasing DIY hand tools remember you get what you pay for, so pay that bit extra for a good quality tool, in return it will give you many years service and your DIY project will be easier to do.
- Store all your fixings etc in a drawer case, they are relatively inexpensive and aside keeping everything tidy it is so much easier to locate items, there is nothing more annoying than purchasing screws etc and then finding the same ones in the bottom of your toolbox at a later date.
- Take time to plan how you are going to do the job, which tools do you need, list the materials and fixings you need to purchase and are they within your budget.
- Are you capable of doing the job, be honest with yourself as this is one of the reasons a lot of DIY projects end up half-finished.
- Good quality materials are generally easier to work with.
- Use the correct size screwdriver for the screws you are using to avoid the screwdriver slipping off the screw head.
- Woodsaws are available at a very reasonable price nowadays, so if you can afford it, don’t struggle cutting timber with that old rusty one, treat yourself and make the job a lot more enjoyable.
- If you purchase a battery drill, buy one with at least two batteries that have a quick recharge time of no more than one hour. Again as with the DIY hand tools, purchase as good a quality one as you can afford.
- Purchase a tape measure with a wide blade, this reduces the chance of the tape kinking when it is extended for taking a measurement.
- Give yourself plenty of time to carry out your DIY project, a rushed job usually ends up as a botched job.
- Don’t work in a room that is too warm, minor problems can grow if your already working in uncomfortable conditions.
- Keep the work area as tidy as possible and have a couple of small containers handy for any fixings you are using on your DIY project.
- Do your homework, check out the advice and tips readily available from sites such as DavesDIYTips on your DIY project.
The tips below are all with your safety in mind.
- Don’t do any work on gas supplies in your home unless you are qualified to do so i.e. a gas safe qualified plumber or engineer, there are strict regulations in place so you don’t blow yourself or anyone else to kingdom come.
- If you are working on an electrical circuit aside switching off the consumer unit and removing the circuit fuse or miniature circuit breaker, check there is no voltage present with a proper voltage tester or meter, you may only get one chance to get it wrong, also the work may come under the Part P regulations so you need to check what you can and can’t do, if in any doubt whatsoever, use the services of a qualified electrician.
- Always wear the appropriate safety equipment i.e. goggles, gloves, mask, etc.
- Check step ladders and extension ladders are in good condition before using them.
- Don’t over reach from step ladders or extension ladders, make sure ladders are on a firm base and get someone to ‘foot’ the ladder or hold steady the step ladders while you are working off them, it is very easy to over balance.
- Store all paint, solvents etc in a safe container, preferably locked away from children
- Fit an RCCD plug to your extension lead to give you added protection against electric shock, any power tool, lawnmower etc used outside the home should be protected by an RCCD plug or socket, check your consumer unit to see if one is already fitted as is the case with recently built homes.