Now that you've learnt how to mix concrete and work out the different mixes to use for different jobs, you'll need to know how to keep the runny stuff where you want it, right? Simple plank shuttering If you're doing a simple path or hardstanding, perhaps a slab for a [...]
It might be surprising to know that there are many more types of screws and screwdrivers than the classic slot head screw or the Phillips cross head screw. In fact, you would be amazed at how many different types of screws and screwdrivers are out there, although if you’ve ever [...]
In our Simple Concrete Mixing article we gave the minimum details you need to start working with cement around the house and garden. In this article we'll be giving more information about different mixes and what they can be used for. In our beginners' article we kept the mix simple, [...]
The idea of mixing concrete might be one that novice DIY fans might baulk at but it's worth putting some time into it as it's a valuable skill. Being able to mix small amounts of concrete is very handy for repairs to walls and paths in the garden, driveway patches [...]
The time will come when every DIY person will have to reach for the wrecking tools. There's nothing more therapeutic than taking a bolster and lump hammer to a wall that needs to come down! When and Where to Use Wrecking Tools But this article isn’t going to tell you [...]
Many DIY enthusiasts will be familiar with the sinking feeling as a screwdriver slips out. Or maybe you strip the head, it goes round and round without the screw moving and know you're never going to get that screw out without a drill, a saw and a large hammer. Get [...]
There’s a massive difference between basic DIY and being adept at carpentry and joinery but that shouldn’t stop beginners getting a decent toolkit together and tackling simple woodwork jobs at home. It could be as simple as cutting wood to length for a shelf or as complex as boxing in [...]
When you're starting out in DIY you are likely to think that the only thing you need to get right about a screw is the length, apart from that anything will do. But although you can get away with a lot, knowing how to choose the right screw for the [...]
Even if you are a DIY novice it's likely that you will already have some power tools in your tool kit. We'll cover some of the most basic power tools, giving buying tips and usage hints. Cheaper Power Tools Prices of power tools have come down in real terms in [...]
Welcome to our guide to drilling holes in wood, metal and other materials that you will commonly encounter during DIY jobs. We will assume that you are using a power drill and that you have a range of drill bits for use with wood and metal. The Right Drill Bit [...]
Drilling holes in walls is a common task for many DIY jobs. But as many DIY experts will tell you, there are different types of wall and many things that go wrong. This article takes you through the basics so that you can learn without making those mistakes, some of [...]
Cutting straight lines in wood is one of those things that gets easier with practice but there are some hints and tips that can help you start off on the right foot. Cutting with Power Tools This article covers hand saws. You might think that it's easier to cut straight [...]
Decorating tools, as opposed to more general DIY tools, are beginning to become more disposable, but good quality tools can be made to last a lifetime if they are looked after. By decorating tools we're thinking of paint brushes, rollers and trays, kettle, wallpapering brushes, that sort of thing. The [...]
In all aspects of DIY the quality of the final finish will always depend on the amount of preparation that you do. This is no less true with surface preparation before painting or wallpapering. As this site tends toward basic DIY we'll cover just the preparation needed before painting and [...]
There's an old adage used by craftsmen: "measure twice, cut once" and it's good advice for beginners too. To cut, drill and generally make things fit together there are a number of marking and measuring techniques that will help you to make fewer mistakes, saving time and money. The Basic [...]
So you've moved into your first home and things aren't quite right. No problem, just a bit of paint here, some wallpaper there, maybe a few shelves. But if you haven't done any of that before then you're unlikely to have the tools, so your first job will be putting [...]
Keeping tools in good condition, or replacing them before they go beyond the point of use, is definitely good practice. If you're anywhere like the age of the DIYBasics team you will have had this drummed into you at woodwork classes at school, but it probably didn’t really sink in [...]
