Owner: Oz DIY Handyman URL:http://www.ozdiyhandyman.com.au/ Join Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:24:24 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A site for Australian handymen and women with tips on home improvement and renovations, power tool reviews, building techniques, energy efficient renovations and simple DIY fixes for around the home. Site statistics:Click here
Set Out Building Site Tip - 3 4 5 method 2008-03-24 00:18:00 A simple DIY tip to determine a 90 degree angle when setting out your building site is the 3,4,5 method
. Basically if you mark out a triangle that has sides measuring 3 feet, 4 feet and 5 feet (or metres) you will end up with a right angle triangle. This is a very simple solution that can be handled by just one handyman, a tape measure and some pegs.NOTE: Keep in mind that the measurements can be multiples of 3,4,5. You can use 6,8 and 10 or 9, 12 and 15 etc. Read more:Building
Home Renovation Cost Guide 2008-03-23 19:35:00 Setting budgets and sticking to them isn't that easy when it comes to spending your hard earned money on "adding value" to your home by renovating.Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has produced a Cost Guide
to help out with budgeting for renovations to your home.Click here to go to the downloads section of their site. This page has links to many different reports and fact sheets. Part 1 of the Cost Guide can be downloaded here, but to receive part 2 you need to register for their free mailing list here on their home page. Read more:Renovation
Oz DIY Handy Women - DIY Woman website 2008-03-23 18:56:00 Here is a site for the Oz DIY Handy
woman around your home. The site specializes in tools designed for women:diywoman® is an innovative range of hardware & garden tools and accessories especially for women. Created for today's woman who wants to Do-It-Herself, the range is shaped, sized and weighted to fit a woman's hand and are high quality tools that are ergonomic, practical and beautiful.Providing an extensive range of both hardware and garden products and tools, diywoman™ covers all basic DIY projects in and around the home, with the hope of providing women the confidence to do-it-themselves.Check out the site here: Read more:website
, Women
Skylight plus Roof Ventilation Together 2008-03-22 00:02:00 Here is a new take on the classic wind powered roof ventilator. The "TurboBeam" incorporates a clear acrylic turbine head that allows light into your attic space. Why use just a standard ventilator when "TurboBeam" does 2 jobs at the same time.This product has been developed by Edmonds. Click here for more info on this product.
Solar Hot Water System for Free 2008-03-22 00:00:00 Here is an interesting offer by an Australian company called "Earth Utility". Earth Utility will install a Solar
Hot Water system, and all you pay is a quarterly Service Fee. Here is an excerpt from the site:With Earth Utility, switching to solar hot water doesn't cost the Earth!'Switch to solar and save up to 30% on your energy bills1 and carbon emissions each year.We offer no upfront purchase or installation costs - an instant savings of $6,000 - $8,000. We supply the entire system (tank, collector and pump) and arrange installation by licensed plumbers.We own and service the system over the contract term with no future maintenance hassles for you.All you pay is a flat fee of Less than $1 a day incl. GSTClick here to go to their site. Read more:System
Correct Pressure on Domestic Water Pump 2008-03-21 23:58:00 I was recently having a problems with the water pressure on our house. We live on 10 acres and have tank water only. The pump seemed to be cutting in and out quite rapidly, and also the sound of water hammer could be heard in our pipes. The pump we have is a Lowara with an 18 litre pressure tank. I was told that the most likely problem was that the pressure has reduced over time and air needs to be added to the pressure tank.My tank needs around 20psi to operate efficiently. So I grabbed a tyre pressure gauge and checked the pressure, but found the pressure was at around 34psi. So it couldn't be the pressure right?Well after spending a lot more time investigating, the problem did end up being the pressure. The problem was that I didn't check the pressure properly. So this is how it should Read more:Correct
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Free Tools for Apprentices 2008-03-17 21:56:00 The Australian Government has an initiative in place to help apprentices with their tool needs by providing tool kits worth up to $800. Also this dollar amount in no way effects any tool allowance that an apprentice is entitled to under their award. I wish this was available when I was an apprentice carpenter.How does the Initiative work?Australian Apprentices who start in an Australian Apprenticeship from 1 July 2005 in an eligible trade occupation experiencing skills needs will receive a tool kit voucher after completing the first three months of their Australian Apprenticeship.The tool kit will be provided to the Australian Apprentice’s employer. The employer will make the kit available to the Australian Apprentice to use and the Australian Apprentice will be entitled to keep the kit Read more:Tools
Must Have Tool Tip - The Water Level 2008-03-17 16:20:00 One of the cheapest and accurate tools that a handyman will own. A water level is simply a length of clear, flexible tubing filled with water. The one I have is 10 metres (32') long with a 10mm (3/8") diameter. This type of level works simply with gravity. You will find that water (due to gravity) will naturally, and acurately level itself. The height of the water at both ends of the tube will always be level - the length of your tube is your only restriction. Warning - you must check that you have no air bubbles at all in the water for acurate levels. NOTE: Here is something I have never heard of... an Electric Water Level (image on right). This seems to work exactly as above but has audible tones to indicate levels. This product is by Zircon Corporation. Click here for more info.
Rapidrench - Adjustable Ratchet Socket Spanner 2008-03-17 14:18:00 There have been many new tools released that promise to replace multiple tools in your workshop, but this one - the Crescent Rapidrench - looks like it can do just that. This one tool can (to a certain extent) replace a complete socket set. Here are some spec's:22mm (7/8") adjustable jaw opening to accommodate 38 different bolt/nut sizesR2 RapidRench works on various fasteners and sizesJaw design extends into deep areasTool exceeds ANSI specsComfort grip for reduced stress on handChrome finish for durability and corrosion resistanceReversible ratcheting mechanismI bought one of these a couple of months ago, and must say that it is quite handy to have around. The ratcheting system on my one is a bit tight in one place making it useless once the bolt is a bit looser, so make sure you give Read more:Socket
Oz Logs - I Can't Believe Its Not Timber 2008-03-17 14:12:00 Thinking about a DIY backyard renovation. Here is an alternative to timber sleepers and posts when you are after that natural look to your landscaping.These Australian made "Ozlogs" are made from concrete reinforced with steel, and yet have that natural timber sleeper look about them. No more having to replace your posts or retaining walls due to termite or water damage. Get more info from the Ozlogs website.
Goodbye Old Friend - Makita Cordless 2008-03-16 23:09:00 After many years of faithful service my old cordless drill - a Makita 7.2V - is on its last legs.This drill was given to me by my father, and now the battery no longer holds charge for any length of time. Basically every time I want to use it I need to charge it first, and that gives me a good 15 minutes of use. Soon the battery won't accept any charge at all. So its time to go shopping.I have been recommended a new Bosch model from Bunnings for under $150. I'll let you know what I do end up with and my thoughts on its quality. Read more:Cordless
, Goodbye
Treated Pine - "H" rating 2008-03-16 22:37:00 I needed to purchase some treated pine for 2 different projects. One was for some internal framing, which I wanted to protect against termites, and the other was for a gate post which would be outside and in the ground.After talking with my local timber merchant I found I needed "H2" for the internal and "H4" for the outside gate post.Here is a simplified list of the different "H" ratings and their applications:"H1" : To be used indoors, above the ground. Not resistant to termites."H2" : To be used indoors, above the ground. Resistant to termites."H3" : To be used outside, above the ground. Resistant to termites."H4" : To be used outdoors, in ground or ground contact. Resistant to termites."H5" : To be used outdoors, in ground with water contact. Resistant to termites."H6" : To be used whe
New Australian DIY Handyman site 2008-03-16 22:31:00 Welcome to this new site for the Oz Handyman.I'll be keeping an eye out for any new products and techniques that are released, and also try to write up simple articles on tips and techniques that a tradesman would take for granted. Also suggestions on how to renovate and build using eco friendly and energy efficient products and techniques.Steve Read more:Australian
Oz Book Review - "The Complete Blokes & Sheds" 2008-03-16 20:59:00 Here is a fantastic book called "The Complete Blokes and Sheds
- Stories from the shed". Amazon.com describes it as: The Complete Blokes and Sheds goes to the heart of what's sacred to many Australian men. Like the dunny (outside toilet), the footy game (football), and the meat pie with sauce, the shed has acquired an important place in Australian culture and mythology. It stands as a symbol of the Aussie male's integrity and a testimony to his ability to fix anything with a length of fencing wire, a hammer and a piece of 2 x 4.In this good-humored and affectionate portrayal, author and photographer Mark Thomson peers into the gloom, past the dartboard, the beer fridge, and the piles of timber offcuts, to discover what really goes on between a bloke and his shed!Click here to read an inter
Water Hammer DIY Easy Solution 2008-03-16 19:50:00 Here is an easy solution for the DIY handyman.After having water hammer problems in our pipes for a few weeks, it was time to go looking for a solution. I thought I'd try an easy fix by going to my local Bunnings to see what was available off the shelf. I decided to try these new "Hydroseal Anti-Hammer
O-Ring Tap Valves. And it worked. How easy was that. Also with the "spring" there seems to be no need to over tighten the tap to turn it off. The spring pushes the valve closed with very little pressure needed on the tap handle itself.The Hydroseal is manufactured in Australia by Ryemetal. Click here to go to their website."Hydroseal's anti-hammer valve silences noisy pipe shudder by incorporating a cushioning spring. This spring allows for the gradual opening and closing of the tap. Read more:Solution
DIY Guinea Pig Cage 2008-03-16 19:45:00 I just finished building a cage for my 7 year old daughter who is getting a new Guinea Pig as a pet. I have never seen the type of cage that was necessary so I had to go by a drawing that my daughter did for me. I couldn't find much information on the web for a DIY cage, but there is plenty on cages that you can buy. A cage like this being built with a timber frame, plywood walls and galvanised mesh ends up being quite heavy, so I incorporated 2 wheels (old training wheels from an old bike) on one end and a handle on the other so it will be easy to move around the yard as necessary.It still needs a coat of paint to protect it against the effects of the rain and sun, but the kids can do that bit. My daughter isn't home from school, so I don't know the verdict yet, but here are some pictures
Handyman Tip - Rushing can make the job Take Longer 2008-03-27 17:03:00 Too many times we here stories of the Home Handyman (and professional contractors) rushing to get a job done and causing themselves or others injury. But rushing can also make make your job actually take a lot longer to complete. One thing that is always drummed into your head as an apprentice is:"Measure twice, cut once"A simple philosophy that works on more than one level.How many times have you been in a hurry and only "measured once", and ended up having to cut twice or more? Read more:Rushing
LadderSmart - Ladder Safe 2008-03-27 17:00:00 Here is a great new Australian product that should help prevent some of the usual DIY handyman accidents around the home. It is called Ladder
smart and it has been designed to secure your ladder to the gutter of your house to prevent accidents and falls. It should also protect your gutter from damage that can be caused by your ladder leaning up against it.Laddersmart is a quality ladder safety device that is fitted into the gutter from the ground using a telescopic pole. The ladder is then placed against the device and is effectively locked into place. The Laddersmart device prevents sideways and backwards movement of the ladder assisting in preventing ladder accidents and also protects the gutter from damage caused by ladders leaning directly against it.The unique feature of Laddersmart i
Most Common DIY Handyman Accidents 2008-04-04 05:43:00 Also on the same site as the previous post (Protect Your Power Tools) there is an interesting article reprinted from The Sydney Morning Herald.It states that the 3 most common accidents for weekend DIY Handymen are:1st - The Angle Grinder (80% are eye injuries)2nd - Falls from a ladder3rd - The Power Saw Its really not that hard to put on some safety glasses or gloves. You need to respect your power tools, or they will hurt you.Click here to read the complete article. Read more:Accidents
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Protect Your Power Tools 2008-04-04 05:34:00 "Australian Power Tool Register" can help protect your Power Tools
.They offer a service that will keep track of your serial numbers on a database, which puts them in a position to be able to notify likely buyers such as Pawn Brokers and Second Hand Dealers, in the unlikely event that your tools have been stolen.There is a fee of $45.00 for the first year and $25.00 per year after that.Click here to go to the website for more info. Read more:Protect
Online Tool Stores 2008-04-10 01:50:00 Here are links to 2 stores that I have found where you can purchase your tools online. It does take out the enjoyment of browsing all the sections of your local Bunnings or Home Hardware, but it is handy:Just ToolsJust Tools is Australia's premiere supplier of power tools, hand tools, air tools, nail guns, cordless tools & engineering supplies. Australia Wide Fast Delivery & Guaranteed A1 Customer Service. Australian owned & operated for over 30 years.Tool StoreWe are your online hand tools, air tools, petrol tools and power tool supplier for trades people in Perth, wider Western Australia and Australia by mail order. We are different as we can provide our customers an extended 2 year warranty on our power tool range. Plus we service and repair the tools that we sell on locat
Australian Home Carpentry - 1950's Book 2008-04-14 02:58:00 I received this old book from my mother-in-law the other day. It is from the 1950's and is really a manual for the DIY Handyman. Chapters cover everything from The Home Workshop, Tools, Joints, Doors, Windows, Floors, Fences, Extensions and Painting.The last page is the most interesting. It includes a set of 15 "Workshop Commandments". Here are 4 of them:1. Thou shalt make an efficient set-out of all work. For a good drawing is like unto a beacon set on a hill.2. Thou shalt arrange that the best-looking timber shall stand in the best place, and the worst shall be hidden away.8. Leave on all thy lines until the end of a job, for the destruction of evidence is the mark of a criminal.15. Thou shalt not sandpaper across grain that will be polished, for this is a sin which cannot be covered, an Read more:Australian
Interesting Sites for the DIY Handyman 2008-04-20 19:11:00 Here are a couple of links to interesting "shed" related sites I find interesting and check out every now and again:Shedworking - A lifestyle guide for shedworkersWe Love Sheds - shedblogAlso a link to a community site that lets readers upload and share images of their favourite room:Normal RoomNormal Room shows you interior design and home furniture from all around the globe. Search our image database and explore the differences and similarities in architecture and home decoration between people in different countries. Read more:Sites
Roof Tile Ventilation System 2008-04-20 19:07:00 Here are some images to a brilliantly simple idea that provides ventilation to the roof cavity. "This vent allows natural effective ventilation removing the hot air trapped in the roof cavity in summer and condensation problems in winter" This product is called the Universal Ventilator System
and was invented in Australia by Kevin Baker. Click here to get more info from his site.
Roof Tile Solar Panels 2008-04-20 19:04:00 Here is a great environmentally friendly building product. Why have solar panels added onto your roof when the actual roof tiles themselves can be the solar panels and collect all the energy you need."instead of having a huge solar panel system fixed to the roof, this new system has actually built the solar panels into roof tiles, which will make the whole process easier and much more secure as the tiles are actually built into the roof instead of on the roof as with conventional solar power systems"Read the full story here on the Green News blog. Read more:Solar
Eco Friendly Solutions for your Renovations 2008-04-21 22:33:00 "Safer Solutions" a website that is designed to raise awareness of Environmental, Health and Safety risks around the home, have released a guide for DIY Renovators.Here is an excerpt their press release:‘Safer Solutions for Safer Renovations
’ is Total Environment Centre’s (TEC) recently released guide to safeguarding a family's health by reducing chemical pollution from home renovations. It is designed to help renovators choose healthier and safer ways to ‘greenovate’ their homes.The ‘Safer Solutions for Safer Renovations’ guide provides renovators with a description of the most common indoor pollutants such as Formaldehyde, PVC and Volatile Organic Compounds, information and advice on safer products and material selection and websites from where chemical free products and ma Read more:Friendly
New "CFL" Lightbulbs - A Simple Explanation 2008-04-24 02:44:00 Here is a great little video showing the benefits of changing from the old style light bulbs to the more energy efficient and eco friendly CFL's. (Compact Flourescent Lightbulb). Read more:Lightbulbs
, Simple
Motorised Roof Ventilation System 2008-05-11 18:20:00 In addition to the first 2 posts on Roof Ventilation:Roof Tile Ventilation System
Sky Light pus Roof VentilationSkydome has a product on the market called "Powervent".Here is some info from their site:Skydome offers a full range of domestic and commercial mechanical ventilation systems from the Twirly and Static roof vents to the market leading Skydome PowerVent Motorised Roof Ventilator.Fitted wit
Timber & Working with Wood Show 2008-05-29 06:00:00 Going to the "Timber & Working With Wood" show with my dad has become a bit of a yearly ritual. There is always lots to see and my personal favourite has to be that big country bloke who has the cross cut sawing race and demonstrates using the old woodworking tools.Here are the dates:Sydney 13-15 JuneCanberra 5-7 SeptemberAdelaide 10-12 OctoberMelbourne 24-26 October(Brisbane has been and gone
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