This blog is the result of over 20 years of working in building and renovations and a growing career in writing guides, columns and books.
Posted in Buying Guides, Power Tool Reviews on January 18th, 2011 by Julian Cassell – 2 Comments
Buying a mitre saw is a big decision in DIY terms, not only because of the price tag, but also whether you can justify that it will indeed be used enough to pay back that investment. The thing is, the name ‘mitre saw’ sort of suggests you only really need it to form perfect mitred, generally 45 degree, cuts. Yes, of course that is its major selling point, but just in terms of cutting lengths of timber quickly, ‘squarely’, and therefore accurately, a mitre saw is simply an invaluable piece of kit for DIY. read more »
Posted in 'How-to' Guides, Shelving, Curtain Poles, Pictures and Mirrors on January 18th, 2011 by Julian Cassell – Be the first to comment
Simple shelf brackets come in many shapes and sizes. As with most shelving systems, the brackets should have manufacturer’s guidelines relating to how much weight they can support. Most brackets are fixed to the wall using the technique below, where screws are used to secure the brackets to the wall. As always, take great care when fixing into walls so as to avoid cables and pipes that may be buried under the wall surface. read more »
Posted in 'How-to' Guides, Shelving, Curtain Poles, Pictures and Mirrors on January 17th, 2011 by Julian Cassell – Be the first to comment
Floating shelves are normally supplied with manufacturer ‘s guidelines for fitting, but most designs are similar to that shown in the sequence below, where wall brackets are positioned and the shelf simply slides onto these to provide the illusion of no fixings holding the shelf in place. As always, take great care when fixing into walls so as to avoid cables and pipes that may be buried under the wall surface. read more »
Posted in 'How-to' Guides, Doors and Door Security on January 14th, 2011 by Julian Cassell – Be the first to comment
As the name suggests, hinge bolts are fitted on the hinging edge of a door. Hinge bolts are most commonly used on front doors, but they can also, for example, be used on back doors or patios doors. They are normally used in pairs with one slightly below the top hinge and another just above the bottom hinge. They offer excellent additional security to the main locks on a door. read more »
Posted in 'How-to' Guides, Doors and Door Security on January 13th, 2011 by Julian Cassell – Be the first to comment
Mortice door bolts fit in the edge of doors providing an excellent extra security measure. Normally, bolts are positioned on the opening edge of the door – one close to the top of the door and another close to the bottom. They may also be used on the hinging edge. The bolts are key operated from the inside, and cannot be accessed from outside. read more »
