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.
Storage
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 [...]
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, [...]
Instant order: Get your workshop shipshape quickly by storing everything you can in same-sized cardboard boxes. Cut off the tops, label the boxes by general categories, such as ‘brackets’ or’sandpaper’, and arrange them alphabetically on shelves. Identical boxes measuring 12″ (300 mm) or so in height, width and depth work well. Storage firms and office [...]
Buckle up: When it’s lime to store a ladder, don’t just lean it against the wall — it can easily fall over. A better way is to attach an old leather belt to the wall and wrap it around the ladder’s top step. Or mount a stetepladder vetically on a pair of pegs securely fastened [...]
Sanding Basics
Handling the paper Curling clues: Abrasive paper will curl up and crack if it’s left lying around. To keep the paper from curling, place a weight on it. Or store the paper in the freezer so that heat and humidity won’t affect the adhesive holding the abrasive to the paper. Flexing paper: Abrasive paper is [...]
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 [...]
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: [...]
Handy Hand Tool Storage Ideas
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, [...]
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 [...]
