Lead Article
Mixing Quantities With Bricks & Mortar
To work out the correct ratio for mixing quantities of mortar — where it relates to how many cinder blocks one bag of mortar mix will lay — it’s important to realize that the quantities will change significantly depending on the size of brick used. A simple standard, however, would be as follows: 2.5 bags [...]
[continue reading...]Recent Articles
Here are some of our most recent home renovation, building and landscaping articles. There are many more to be found in each section of the site.
Tools
Easy-reach holder: Make a tool holder out of scrap wire mesh. Form the mesh into a ‘channel shape’, leaving a section at the top and bottom for mounting on a wall or stud. A 1/2″ square mesh holds a variety of tools, especially screwdrivers. Holding power: For a convenient spot to store chuck keys, scissors, [...]
How wide is it? Boxed in: If you don’t have a folding rule with a metal extension bar, you can still accurately measure inside a drawer or similar workpiece by using a retractable tape measure and a combination square. Place the square against one corner. Starting at the opposite corner, measure the remaining distance with [...]
Bull’s eye Making the curve: Drilling a hole on a curved surface, such as molding, can be tricky because the bit has a tendency to wander. To keep the bit centred, first use an awl or nail to punch a hole where you plan to drill. Then start drilling the hole with the bit perpendicular [...]
Got it straight? Let your finger do the work: When scribing a straight line near the edge of a board, use your finger as a guide (but only if the edge of the board is straight). Hold the pencil between your thumb and first finger, and rest the tip of your middle finger on the [...]
Chisel it away Hold it straight: To create a neat cut when making a stopped housing, mortise or dovetail joint, the chisel must be held precisely perpendicular to the wood. One way to guide the chisel is to hold a square block tight up against the blade. Or try clamping a board with a straight [...]
Storage For Hardware – Nuts And Nails
Self-identification: Here’s an easy way to label boxes of nails, screws, and other fasteners: just attach a sample of each item to the outside of its box with some glue. You’ll be able to see at a glance what you have in stock and where it is. Recycled labels: If you store screws or other [...]
Home Renovation – Knowing What Is Involved
With the multitude of home improvement reality television shows that have sprung up over the years, it’s no surprise that they have inspired more and more people to hop on the bandwagon and embark on their own home renovation projects. Some of these shows first made their television debut many years ago — and its [...]
Personal Safety And Protection
Take it off: Never watch, ring, neck chain or other piece of jewellery when working with a power tool. Mount a brightcoloured hook over your workbench to hold these items. The hook will remind you to take them off when you come into the workshop, and you’ll always know where you put them. Extended life: [...]
Power-sanding Tips
Snagging stockings: A problem with power sanders is they don’t tell you when the job is done. To test for smoothness, slip an old stocking over your hand and pass it lightly over the work in the direction of the grain. Rough spots will snag the stocking. Creating a flap: To sand the inside of [...]
