Guest Blogger #627, Entry #1498, August 21, 2012
One wants to be able to relax and enjoy the comforts of their own home. However, for many people those tranquil moments are hounded by niggly thoughts of repairs that need fixing and the painful thought of how much those repairs are going to cost. From leaking pipes to refreshing the paintwork, the most cost effective way to put those thoughts to rest is to do-it-yourself. Once you have grasped the basics you will be able to combat most jobs around your home. You won’t need to rely on your local carpenter or handy man any more, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Do you have the right tools for your DIY project?
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Buying the Right Tools
For the majority of straight forward DIY jobs you will need to assemble an ample tool kit, starting with the basics, from your Phillips screwdriver to your level. Like a make-up bag as your skills develop and grow you will want to acquire more advanced tools. Adding power to your toolbox is often a natural progression i.e. anything from the cordless drill to your angel grinder. If you are serious about tackling those DIY jobs then it is advised to buy good quality tools. It’s a good idea to start with measuring tools as they will be needed for most jobs and a steel measuring tape is accurate along with a straight edge, this can be a good way to start off your tool box.
The majority of DIY jobs will require reliable cutting tools, the hand saw, tenon saw and hack saw can be used for most cutting jobs. The only job the saw may struggle with is cutting pipes. For this it’s advised to invest in pipe cutters, it’s the preferred tool now days and is simple to use, it also prevents you from damaging the teeth of your saw. When buying a hand saw it’s important to take into consideration the amount of teeth per 25mm. This decision should be made depending on the hardness of the timber, 8 teeth is the norm for a hand saw and 14 teeth for a tenon saw.
Essential Tools
Ensure you have your DIY essentials
- Tenon Saw
- Claw Hammer
- Cordless Drill
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Tape Measure
- Crescent Wrench
- Socket Wrench
- Level
- Vice Grip
- Needle Nose Pliers
Quick Fix Kits
Although the objective is to fix problems that occur long term, it’s always a good idea to have some quick fix kits in your home ready for any emergency.
Use these tips for DIY ease
Plumbing and burst pipes.
An easy repair kit for copper pipe leaks consists of a strong piece of rubber the thickness of a hose pipe and two jubilee clips. Wrap leaky pipe in duct tape. With a little plumber’s seal on the edges, the fix could last for years.
Repair Moulding and Furniture.
Wood glue is an easy way to repair small breaks or cracks in furniture. Carefully place the broken piece back on, carefully matching the edges. Use a small amount of glue, and wipe away any excess. Fill the cracks with wood putty, and lightly sand, stain or paint to add a natural finish.
Caulk Doors and Windows.
Leaks can be repaired around windows and doors with silicone caulk. It’s recommended to use caulk that matches the surroundings it will be applied to. Apply a thin bead of caulk around the border of the window or door; it’s important to make sure caulk has contact with moulding and wall.
Ensure you’re safe when DIYing your home
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DIY Surroundings
People tend to forget about their surroundings when DIYing it in their homes. Taking small steps to protect the surroundings of your home makes a big difference when it comes to clean-up time. A good idea when painting is to wrap a cloth around the top of the handle of the brush below the bristles. This will absorb any drips and protect your floor. Small steps like this can save you hours in clean up.
This post was written by Olan Ahern, an all-round handy man who works on behalf of The Sash Windows Workshop.
For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.
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I’ve always loved HGTV, and especially the staging shows, but until recently I was afraid it would be too complicated and over my head. Fortunately I have a fantastic husband who isn’t afraid of tackling projects. We’ve already “mostly” remodeled the spare bathroom and guest room, so now it’s onto the rest of the house. Thanks for the tool tips and the cool read!