DIY Way To Organise Your Small Tools
The key to a successful DIY workshop is organisation and knowing where everything is that you might need. This DIY storage caddy lets you organise all your small tools neatly in storage cases.
Proper Care And Maintenance Of Power Tools
You spend a lot of money on power tools these days so it makes sense to look after them to make sure they last a long time and proper care and maintenance is essential.
Why You Save Money If You Buy A Set Or Cartridge Of Alpen Drill Bits
Did you know that it saves you quite a bit of money to buy sets or cartridges of Alpen drill bits?
How To Drill Through Tiles Without Damaging Them
If you have not used a power drill before read on to discover helpful tips on what you need and how to use it.
How To Use Wood Filler Correctly
As with many things these days, there is a wrong and a right way to use wood filler for your woodworking projects and below are a few helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Is It Cheaper To DIY Or Buy?
When it comes to making your own furniture and decor accessories the question of whether is it better to DIY or buy always pops up and we offer a way to decide for yourself.
Why Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Catch Fire?
I have recently seen quite a bit of social media that focuses on lithium-ion batteries catching fire or exploding but nobody explains the reason for this, hence this article will offer an explanation into why lithium-ion batteries catch fire and how to prevent this.
What Glue or Adhesive Do I Use?
There are all types of glues and adhesives and it is important to know the difference between these so that you use the right one for the task.
Shutterply, Pine Plywood, Veneered Plywood or Marine Plywood - What is the Difference?
What is the difference between shutterply, pine plywood, veneered plywood and marine plywood?
How Do You Know Which Drill To Use For A Specific Project?
With so many different types of drills, how do you know which drill to use for drilling into concrete or hard materials?
How to Make a Template for Decorative Details on Cupboard Doors
A router is the ideal power tool to use to add decorative detailing to cupboard and cabinet doors and in this article, we show how to make a template you can use for repeatable results.
PVC Edgebanding and Contemporary Furniture Design: Aesthetic Considerations
The aesthetic considerations of PVC edgebanding in the context of contemporary furniture design.
Keep Your Cutting Tools Sharp All The Time
Having a system of sharpening all your cutting tools is a way to save money and ensure these are always sharp and ready for use and a wetstone or drill bit sharpener is the perfect solution.
Achieve Accurate Repeatable Results for Kitchen Installations
When it comes to installing kitchen cupboards and cabinets accuracy is essential and this Kreg Hardware Installation Kit gets it right the first time - every time.
Using a Jigsaw to Cut Metal, Plastic, Wood, and More like an Expert
Knowing how to use a Jigsaw properly allows you to cut wood, metal, plastic and more as well as curves and detailing.
Why You Should Purchase Wood Without Knots
When selecting wood for any project, particularly pine and other woods known to have knots, it is important to select pieces that have no visible knots.
How to Cut Steel Roofing Panels, Corrugated Steel and Sheet Metal
The Malco TurboShear cuts sheet metal, corrugated steel and steel roofing panels and is easily and quickly attached to your corded or cordless drill.
Why Alpen Drill Bits Are A Smart Choice
Tools and accessories like everything else sell at different price levels; there is the cheap stuff you know won't last long and the quality brands that have a long lifespan and do the job faster but which would you choose?
Easy Ways to Age Wood and Make It Look Old
Many DIY enthusiasts use SA Pine for their projects because it is affordable and it does lend itself to quite a few different methods if you want it to look aged or old.
Make Furniture on the Cheap with OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
OSB is a board that is manufactured by layering and pressure-treating wood chips to make a strong and affordable board product that has wide applications.
Safety Tips when Using Power Tools that Spin at High Speed
Are power tools dangerous? Yes, but only if you use them incorrectly or do not take the proper safety precautions.
Accurately Install Cabinet Knobs and Handles
Installing cabinet handles and knobs requires accurate measuring and marking but if you do it properly your kitchen cupboard and cabinet doors will look professional.
Easily Cut Curves on Glass Mosaic or Subway Tiles
Cutting straight lines on tiles is tricky but cutting curves can be difficult - unless you use a tile scriber.
How to Open a Stuck or Rusty Padlock
When you have a stuck or rusty padlock you need a quick solution to solve the problem and prevent it from happening in the future.
What is PVC Edge Banding?
PVC edge banding is available in a range of colors and finishes making it a good choice for projects that require a specific color or finish.
Drill Holes in Steel - Any Size of Holes
Drilling holes in steel is not as easy as the experts make it look, but there is one tool accessory - the step drill bit - that makes drilling into steel far easier, even for a beginner DIY enthusiast.
How to be a Homeowner and DIY Expert
Owning a home comes hand-in-hand with having a few DIY skills up your sleeve if you want to keep your investment in tip-top condition.
Stop Damage to Window Frames Caused by Ants
Ants can be destructive little buggers and preventing damage to window frames and door frames caused by ants is something you need to take action on immediately.
Finding The Right Screws For The Job
When you are busy with a project, it can be difficult to find the right screws since locally manufactured solutions leave much to be desired!
What are Soft-Close Hinges and How do you Install Them?
Soft-close hinges on cabinets and cupboards are a luxurious finishing touch at a very low cost, plus they are easy to install and we show you how.
Flipping Furniture for a Monthly Income
Flipping furniture has become not only a fun hobby but also a way to earn extra cash or bring in a monthly income, so here's how to put your DIY skills to good use.
Best Value for Money Clamps for DIY Enthusiasts and Woodworkers
There are all different types of clamps, but which one offers the best value for money?
Can you Apply New Varnish over Existing Varnish?
When you need to touch up or restore a piece of furniture people often wonder if it is possible to apply new varnish over an existing varnish, but can you do this?
Beware of Counterfeits and Cheap Alternatives
Beware counterfeits and cheap alternatives when it comes to your kitchen cupboards (and BICs).
Drill and Driver Tips for Beginner DIY Enthusiasts
There is nothing that beats the feeling of completing your very first DIY project unless you do it the wrong way and end up with a disaster!
DIY Tip: Use Playing Cards as Spacers
When doing DIY projects or making furniture, you often need spacers to fill in gaps around drawers and doors and finding the right thickness can be tricky, but this idea does away with all of that.
DIY Tip: Extend the Life of Power Tool Accessories
Power tools and their related accessories can be expensive and if there is a way to reduce wear and keep accessories sharper for longer it is worth the effort.
What Wood Stain Colour Should I Use?
Choosing the right colour wood stain is as important as choosing the right paint colour only it is hard to change it if you decide it is the wrong colour.
Benefits of Using Kreg Screws for all Your Projects
Kreg supplies the ultimate woodworking screws for every project – with options of Zinc, Blue Cote and Stainless Steel
Don't Nail Cables and Cords - Glue Them!
Hot glue guns have their uses for more than just crafts and are a handy tool to have in your toolkit, especially when fastening cables and cords to walls and around skirting boards.
Tips on Screwdriving, Drilling, Percussion, and Hammer Drilling
Festool offers a guide to drilling and choosing the right drill for the job.
Make a Caddy Tool Storage Organiser
A well-organised workshop is a pleasure to work in and with good organisation you will know where everything is, and this storage caddy lets you organise all your storage cases.
DIY Tip: How to Magnetise a Screwdriver or Screwbit Holder
This might seem like a strange topic to cover, but you will be amazed at how this tip will save you endless hassles.
Is it Possible to Achieve Perfect Mitre Joints?
When it comes to DIY and woodworking, and sometimes even home improvement, there will be a time when you need to cut mitre joints, but is it even possible to cut the perfect mitre joint?
Which is Better: Silicone Sealant or Acrylic Sealant?
It is sometimes hard to keep track of all the supplies you need for home improvement or home repair, especially with all the advancements in technology so we look at silicone or acrylic sealer and which is the better product.
The Homeowners Essential Toolbox
When you own your own home, a toolkit is essential to perform everyday maintenance and repairs in and around the property.
What You Should Know About Wall Plugs
Wall Plugs and Wall Anchors are essential when hanging or mounting anything onto any type of wall material, but which one is the correct choice?
How to Flush Mount a Keyhole Hanger
In this article, we show you how to flush mount a keyhole hanger for mounting floating shelves or anything else you want to hang on a wall.
Quick Project: An Easy Storage Solution For The Workshop
If your workshop is not organised, chances are there are bits and pieces lying all over the place and it's a nightmare trying to find anything. This easy storage solution will solve at least one problem.
4 Personal Protective Equipment Every Home DIYer Should Own
Having the right personal protective equipment is essential to for your personal safety.
DIY Tip: Use A Paint Rollers For Handy Workshop Storage and Cleaning
Today it's all about recycling and we found a way to use a paint roller handle as a nifty storage solution for paper towels or tapes and paint rollers for cleaning.
Pallet Becomes Handy Workshop Trolley And Other Tips
Moving heavy equipment around the workshop is easy if you take an old wooden pallet and turn it into a handy trolley.
DIY Tip: How To Make Screws Invisible
When you are working with wood and you don't want screw heads to be visible, try this clever trick.
DIY Tip: Make Handy Supports For When Painting, Sealing or Varnishing Projects
When you need to apply paint, sealer or varnish to a project you need to support the workpiece to work all the way around and these handy supports are a nifty idea.
DIY Tip: A Great Way To Organise Your Air Tools
For anyone who uses air tools or a compressor on a regular basis will enjoy making this handy storage and organisation system.
Get DIY Tips On Your Desktop, Tablet Or Phone
Learn to do new DIY jobs, get up to date on new tips and new innovative tools.
DIY Tip: Keep Dremel Accessories Organised
Here's a great way to keep all your mini-tool or Dremel rotary tools accessories organised and easy to find.
Essential Tips For Caring For Wood Furniture
We look at natural waxes and oils that are available for the care and maintenance of wood furniture and kitchen accessories.
We Have 6 Great Tips That Will Make You Love Sanding!
Everyone loves making projects, but the same cannot be said about sanding and, hopefully, this article will make the process a lot easier and less effort.
DIY Tip: Why Do Some Screws Have Square Holes?
Why do some screws have square holes and are these better than normal (pozidriv) screws?
DIY Tip: Make Your Own Strap Clamps
Tie-down straps are a great alternative to strap clamps and they work out cheaper too!
What Is The Difference Between Sealer And Varnish?
In days gone by, varnish was the go-to product for enhancing all your timber and wood, but sealer is now the best way to protect your outdoor timber and wood fittings.
Use A Spray Paint Gun For All Your Painting Projects
Using a paint spray gun for all your painting projects ensures a successful job every time and provides a professional-looking finish that is hard to beat.
DIY Tip: You Should Always Wear A Face Mask When Cutting Or Sanding
If you are working with materials such as chipboard, particleboard, MDF or SupaWood, you need to wear a mask for your own safety.
Why you should use smooth-shank screws
Quite a few DIY enthusiasts don't know the difference between a full-thread screw and a smooth-shank screw and when you would use a smooth-shank screw, so we will enlighten you.
Here Is An Easy Way To Hang A Shelf
When hubby is occupied with other tasks and there's no one else to ask, follow this easy solution for hanging a shelf on your own.
3 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Handyman
If you have never hired a handyman before and are not sure what questions to ask or what you need to know before doing so, here is a list of things to find out before you hire a handyman.
Use These 5 Tips For Better Results When Working With Plywood
We asked Kreg tools to give us 5 tips for better results when working with plywood for your DIY projects.
Why You Should Always Use Wood Glue
Did you know that using wood glue when joining workpieces together creates the strongest joint possible?
When You Own Chisels or Hand Planers Blades, You Should Know How to Sharpen These.
Any woodworker knows, when you use tools with an edge you need to be able to keep them sharp and we offer some tips on sharpening your tools.
4 Woodworking Gadgets That Save You Time
I'm all for gadgets that save you time, particularly if they work, and these 4 woodworking gadgets are ones you might consider adding to your collection.
Kreg offers Helpful Tips for when Working in Tight Spaces
When assembling your project and working in tight spaces, there are a few handy tools and devices you can use to make the job easier.
Make A Japanese Stool With Hand Tools
There is a simplicity in using hand tools rather than power tools and this Japanese stool lets you create a wonderfully unique piece for your home.
How To Cut Perfect Circles In Timber Or Board
There have been plenty of projects I've done, and more than a few that I want to do, that require you to cut perfect circles. But how do you cut a perfect circle in timber or board?
Why Pocket-Hole Joints Are So Strong
What makes pocket-holes joins so strong is all due to the drilling position and using the correct screws.
Which is Better... Q20 or WD-40?
Mention Q20 to someone from the USA and they won't know what you are talking about, but for fellow South Africans, which is better... Q20 or WD-40.
How To Drill Through Steel Without Any Effort
If you have tried to drill through steel before, you know that it can be hard work, but it shouldn't be hard and here's why.
You CAN DO it!
When it comes to home DIY, it is important to decide what projects you can do and which ones you should leave to the professionals.
DIY Tips: Beginner's Tips For Using A Router
If you have invested in a router but still haven't built up the courage to take it out of the box, here are some beginner's tips to give you confidence and get you started on your first router project.
Learn How to Make Drawers without any Difficulty
If you are putting off projects simply due to the fact that there are drawers involved, this article explains how to make drawers for any project - without any difficulty.
How to Cut IBR Sheet or Roofing with Ease
I am busy setting out raised beds for my home vegetable gardens and needed to cut IBR sheeting to fit onto gum poles - using the Malco Shears.
How To Add Edging To Plywood Projects
Plywood has become a popular material for many DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers, but how do you edge plywood board for a finished look?
Dealing with Knots, Cracks and Splits in Pine
Unless you are prepared to fork out a fortune for hardwood, SA pine is more than likely what you will be working with and you need to know how to fix knots so that they don't spoil a project.
DIY Tip: Do I Need a Table Saw?
When you are starting out with DIY or woodworking there are several hand and power tools you need to buy, but do you need to buy a table saw?
Quick Tip: Fill Gaps in Woodworking Projects
There will always be times when you have gaps between joined sections, no matter whether you are a beginner or advanced woodworking enthusiasts, but these can be easily fixed.
How to Apply Wood Stain for a Professional Finish
Using wood stain lets you select a particular wood colour so that your made pieces have a professional finish.
DIY TIP: How to make a Half-Lap Joint with Basic Tools
I have made several projects that use half-lap joints, and a lap joint is a joint that you should know how to do - even if you only have the basic power tools.
What you need to know on cutting and saw blades
MPS Germany is the leading manufacturer of high quality cutting blades and masters in sawing technology and development, supplying the largest range of jigsaw blades internationally
Quick Tip: Save Time When Stripping Back Wood
When you need to remove sealer, varnish or wood stain to reveal the raw wood underneath, here's a quick tip that will save you time.
Quick Fixes You Can Do Around the Home
Nowadays, there are plenty of products for quick fixes around the home, you just have to have the right product for the job on hand.
Tool Tip: What Causes a Circular Saw To Kick Back?
When using a circular saw, do you understand what kick back is and how you can prevent it?
Quick Tip: How to Cut a Straight Line
Cutting a straight line across a piece of board or timber is not an easy task, and the longer the cut the more difficult it becomes, but there is an easy way to cut a perfectly straight line.
What is Rip Cut or Cross Cut?
What is the difference between a rip cut and a cross cut and how do you cut these with a circular saw?
Traditional Joinery Methods
Last week we looked at modern joinery techniques using the latest tools, and in this article we look at traditional joinery methods using a variety of hand and woodworking tools.
What is the Best Value-For-Money Drill Bit?
If you do a lot of drilling jobs, have some home improvement tasks to do, or prefer to buy value-for-money - take a look at the Alpen range of drill bits.
Modern Joinery
We look at tools you can use for joinery that not only enhance the finish on projects, but also make them far easier.
DIY Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Over the years I have discovered more than a few DIY tips and tricks, and continue to find more as new products and tools come onto the market.
Don't take a Risk when Drilling Into Walls
This weekend we were hanging pictures on the staircase wall and had the common sense to use a digital detector before drilling holes... and thank goodness we did!
Transporting your Timber and Board
Transporting your timber and boards is a problem for many home woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, but we've got some tips from the experts at Kreg and Vermont Sales to help you.
Difference between Impact Driver and Impact Drill
When you need to do on site construction projects or tackle DIY handyman jobs, you have a choice between an Impact Driver or Impact Drill - but how are these tools different?
Quick Tip: Mineral Turps or Lacquer Thinners?
There seems to be some confusion about the difference between Mineral Turpentine and Lacquer Thinners and when each product should be used.
Online DIY Tool Tips and Live Videos
Interested to learn more about the latest tools, or perhaps you want to see if this is the right tool for you? Join the DIY community for online tools lips and live videos.
Refinish Wood Furniture
Over time, the finish on wood furniture might need to be restored or refinished and there are ways to repair and restore without having to strip the existing finish.
How to round-off the bottom of legs
When you need to round-off the base of legs and you don't have specialist tools... here's how to do it.
Why you should use Nylon Wall plugs
If you don't want your fittings falling off the wall - only use nylon wall plugs to mount.
Quick Tip: Why use wood stain?
Because most beginner DIY enthusiasts use pine and not hardwood for their projects, wood stain is commonly used to disguise or alter the look of basic pine.
Make a Knock Down Cutting Support
When you need to cut down larger boards, this practical cutting support allows you to set up instantly. Plus it perfectly fits between a Kreg Project Centre and Track Horse.
Quick Tip: Protect fasteners from rust
Whether building a roof for your patio or assembling furniture for outdoors, it is important that the fasteners you choose are protected from rust.
Use your Drill/Driver as a Screwdriver
When you need to use your drill/driver as a screwdriver, we offer some tips on how to do it the right way.
Look after your Power Tool Batteries
Power tools aren't cheap any more, so it makes sense to take care of them and extend their lifespan.
Edging for Laminated Board or Plywood
If you need to finish off the edges of your DIY projects when working with laminated board or plywood, edging strips provide the perfect solution.
Why you should drill a pilot hole
When starting out in DIY, especially when making your own wood or board projects, there may come a time when you ask yourself... is a pilot hole necessary? - and the answer is yes!
How to make your own Crown Moulding
If you have ever wondered how to make your own crown moulding, dado or chair rails, or even custom skirtings, we offer easy advice below that takes you step-by-step through the process.
Is Doing DIY Worth The Hassle Or Should You Employ A Tradesmen
While it's a great idea to cultivate a do-it-yourself lifestyle, you need to also consider the cons.
How to Make your Own Furniture
Being able to make your own furniture is not as difficult as it may seem, in fact, making your own furniture is actually quite easy with a few basic skills.
Safety first when doing DIY
No matter the project, safety always comes first when undertaking any DIY task.
Alpen Long-Life Masonry 5-piece TSS 5 drill bit set
Alpen Long-Life hammer action drill bits are profile milled as with SDS bits and offer a high-performance tungsten carbide drill bit set.
Extra pair of hands
When you are working on your own to assemble DIY projects, the Grip adjustable corner clamp is an extra pair of hands.
Choose the Right Sander for your DIY Projects
Nowadays there is a sander for every project, but finding the right sander helps you get the job done faster and more effectively.
How to make a Jigsaw Cutting Station
When using a jigsaw, one thing that many beginner DIY enthusiasts battle with is cutting a straight edge, and this jigsaw cutting station makes cutting straight a breeze.
Quick Tip: Replace Battery Pack in Cordless Drill / Driver
If you have an older model drill / driver that still has the NiCad battery pack, you can rebuild this by buying your own replacement batteries.
7 DIY Tips for your Mitre Saw
When you invest in a mitre saw you want to be able to get the most out of this tool, so we compiled a list of handy tips to use your mitre saw in ingenious ways.
DIY Tip: Recycle Materials for Workshop Organisation
In this feature we offer 3 great tips for recycling materials to organise your DIY workshop.
Adding New Hardware makes all the Difference
When giving furniture a makeover it makes sense to add new hardware to finish off the project.
Quick Fix: Repair Adjustable Corner Clamp
Having just experienced this fault I'm sharing a tip for a quick fix to repair a Tork Craft Adjustable Corner Clamp.
Best value for money Clamps for DIY enthusiasts
This Saturday at DIY Divas we did a mini test to find the best clamp for our project from a varied selection.
Replace a Lock Block on a door - dutchman style!
If you need to replace the lock block on an interior door, perhaps because you need to install a different style of door handle, here's how to do a dutchman repair.
Understanding sandpaper grits
When it comes to making your own DIY project, sanding has to be the least loved task - but did you know you can save time and money when sanding?
Remove white stains on wood
White stains on wood furniture are unsightly and spoil a treasured piece, but you can remove white stains or rings if you use the proper products.
How to fit Concealed Hinges
I have quite a few guys and gals attending our DIY Divas Workshops ask me for more information on fitting concealed hinges, and I managed to find a very helpful video that explains all!
Don't hire a dodgy handyman
Finding a good handyman shouldn't be based on glowing reviews on a home-service website.
ProLong Timber-Fill
I have just discovered an alternative to wood filler, and it works far better at filling holes and gaps - ProLong Timber-Fill.
Creating a perfect mitre joint
If, like me, you enjoy making picture frames, achieving a perfect mitre joint can be tricky, so we share some tips on creating an almost perfect mitre joint.
How to use a Tork Craft Strap Clamp
The Tork Craft Strap Clamp makes it easy to hold glued projects together, such as when making picture frames or boxes.
How to change mitre saw blade
When you notice that your mitre saw blade is chipping or ripping along the cut edge, or that the edge is burnt, it's an indication that you need to change the mitre saw blade. Here's how to change the blade on a mitre saw.
Most popular router bits
When starting out with DIY and using a router you can be overwhelmed with choices for routing bits, so we make it easier to choose the routing bits you will use the most.
Quick Tip: Gluing tips and tricks
Here are some gluing tips and tricks you'll want to keep in mind when doing your next DIY or woodworking project.
Edging for plywood projects
When you work with plywood you'll want to add an edging strip to finish off projects and there are a variety of options.
Which drill bit should I use?
When doing DIY projects in and around the home it's important to use the correct drill bit for the job on hand, so we put together some tips on selecting the right drill bit for the task.
Pool noodle hacks for the handyman
Pool noodles can be used for more than just a pool toy. Take a look at how you can use a pool noodle to make your DIY more comfortable.
Kreg System Organiser
The Kreg System Organiser is the perfect unit to store and organise all your Kreg Joinery system parts your Kreg Jig®, Kreg Clamps, Kreg Screws, drill and driver bits, and more.
How to repair a wooden chair
Find easy and simple step-by-step instructions for repairing any style of wooden chair.
Teach your kids DIY
Letting your kids get involved with DIY projects in and around the home is a great way to develop motor skills and an interest in making things on their own.
Straight Cuts with Kreg Rip-Cut
When you need to cut board or large sheets down to size, you want to make long, straight cuts. An easy way to do this is with the Kreg Rip-Cut and Kreg Accu-Cut saw guides.
Quick Tip: Using a hole-saw
Here's a quick tip for when using a hole-saw, to reduce friction and prevent dulling of the cutting edge.
The Drilby Dust Catcher from Tork Craft
If you are doing home improvements or do a fair amount of drilling into walls, the Tork Craft Drilby is an affordable tool to add to your collection.
Quick Tip: Reduce rip-out when routing
When using a router, you want the decorative edges to be as perfect as possible. Here's how to avoid rip-out.
Quick Project: Shelf with cup holders
Made using adjustable wall brackets and shelving, it's easy to customise a plain shelf unit with cup holders to hold accessories and stationery.
Trim boards to size... with ease!
Unless you have a large workshop, using a circular saw can be a bit of a pain. When you need to trim boards down to size the Bosch PKS16 is ideal for a small or large workshop.
Quick Tip: What is neutral cure silicone?
When using neutral cure silicone for projects I'm often asked the difference between neutral cure silicone and other types of silicone.
Update on using homemade wood stain
A couple of weeks ago I showed how to make your own wood stain. In this article I'm using the homemade wood stain on a table for the patio.
Quick Tip: How to mount double roller catches
When you're catching up on home repairs or home maintenance, one area that occasionally requires attention is doors that don't stay closed, hang skew, or loose or broken hinges. We offer some tips on how to mount double-roller catches.
Quick Tip: Protect your furniture
When making furniture for outdoors, bathrooms or laundry room, you want to make sure that any furniture does not come into contact with water. This is especially important for patio furniture, where furniture is left outdoors.
Make your own wood stain
If you enjoy making projects with pine, you will be glad to know that you can make your own wood stain with nothing more than white spirit vinegar and steel wool.
Kreg screws for all projects
Kreg screws are designed with key feature. They have a flat-bottomed head, engineered with a square drive, have a smooth shank, are case-hardened steel and self-tapping.
Eureka Bit Holder
Use a bit holder to make DIY projects easier. The Eureka magnetic screwdriver bit holder allows you to easily and quickly change bits.
Cleanest cut for hardwood and laminate
The Bosch T308BFP jigsaw blades provide the cleanest cut ever when trimming hardwood or laminate countertops.
Quick Tip: Drilling Into Tiles
When you need to drill into wall tiles, you don't want the drill bit to slide around. Here's a handy tip that allows you to drill a hole with precision.
Quick Tip: Cutting Laminates
A jigsaw is only as good as the blade you use, whether you're cutting pine, hardwood, supawood, sheet metal or laminate.
Workshop Storage Ideas
When you spend a lot of time in your workshop - small or large - you want it to be as organised as possible. We offer a selection of nifty storage ideas for an organised workshop.
How to fit drawer runners
When making a chest of drawers, you're going to need to fit drawer runners. Here's how to fit drawer runners the easy way.
TIG Welding in South Africa
TIG welding is a popular welding process that produces high-quality welds. TIG welding is also known as gas tungsten arc welding.
Quick Tip: Wood glue
There are shelves of glues, adhesives and sealers for all types of jobs, but how do you know which is the right one for your specific project?
What is a Forster bit?
When you need to drill holes in doors for concealed or Euro hinges, you use a Forstner bit. These bits are ideal for drilling the perfect size, flat-bottomed holes.
Quick Tip: Drill straight holes
For the novice DIY enthusiasts, drilling perfectly straight holes can be a mission. With this simple jig you can drill straight holes every time.
Nylon wall plugs won't let it fall!
If you've ever mounted something onto a wall with plastic wall plugs, you know there's no guarantee it's going to stay hung for long!
Sharpen Wood Chisels
When you use wood chisels on a regular basis, the blades soon become dull. The MultiSharp Wetstone Chisel Sharpener allows you to keep all your chisels sharp and ready for use.
Why you should use a Countersink Bit
When you're making your own furniture or decor accessories, a countersink bit allows you to disguise screws.
Safety First: Cut and sand SupaWood with care
SupaWood (MDF) contains a low level of Formaldehyde. We offer tips on cutting and sanding SupaWood (MDF) with safety in mind.
Quick Tip: Finishing DIY Furniture
When making your own DIY furniture, you really want it to look as perfect as possible. Here's a quick tip that adds a professional finish for furniture projects.
Quick Tip: Fix defects in pine
When working with pine you have to be very selective about the pieces you buy, but sometimes buying pine with defects is unavoidable. Here's a quick fix for very visible knots in pine.
Quick Tip: Factor in blade thickness
If you cut your own wood to size, it's important to factor in the thickness of the cutting blade.
Quick Tip: Square hole screws
Did you know that the Robertson - or square hole - screw makes woodworking easier? Find out why.
Eureka Tek Roofing Screws
When you need to secure IBR sheet roofing, Eureka Tek self-drill screws are the ideal fastener for securing metal to metal, wood to wood and even metal to wood.
Quick Tip: DIY Edge Finder
When you are new to DIY, or are installing shelves in a project, it's easy to drill pilot holes in the wrong place. We show you how to make a nifty jig that makes finding edges easy.
Hire your power tools
Not everyone has a workshop full of every imaginable power tool, or the budget to be able to buy them. If you're tackling a home improvement or renovation - hire the power tools you need.
Covers & Caps for Screws
When making beds or large pieces of furniture you need to disguise screws. Screw caps and covers are the perfect way to hide screws.
Which wood glue do I use?
In my home workshop I have 3 different glues that I use for my DIY furniture projects. Here's some advice on choosing the right wood glue for your next DIY project.
Install concealed hinges
Follow these instructions for easy mounting of Euro, concealed or pot hinges on kitchen cabinets, closet doors or made furniture.
Colour coded for convenience
Now it's even easier to find the right drill bit for your project, with the Eureka colour-coded packaging.
Choose the right screw
With so many different types of screws to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the right one, especially if you are a beginner DIY enthusiast. We offer a few types on choosing the right screw.
DIY safety tips everyone should know
As you become more competent at DIY projects, you're also more casual about safety. While DIY should be enjoyable, let's not forget about a safety when using woodworking and power tools.
Fixman Tool Cabinets and Chests
Fixman Tools has over twenty years experience in the automotive, industrial, construction and DIY markets. Offering a range of over 2000 products, Fixman Tools supplies tool sets, trolleys, cabinets, tool chests and work benches.
Quick Tip: DIY strap clamp
Here's an easy and affordable way to make your own strap clamps for projects. These clamps are great for clamping glued projects.
Storing timber
As a living, breathing organism - even after being cut - timber has to be maintained for its lifetime, especially in our harsh South African climate. Here are a few points to note when caring for timber.
Wall-mounted hardware organiser
It's not always easy to keep screws, hardware and small items organised. This wall-mounted hardware organiser is a 30-minute project that will help keep your workshop or workspace clutter free.
Sharpen it!
DMT has sharpening products for almost everything that needs to be sharpened, and sharpening can also be done by anyone in the home. From scissors and kitchen knives to workshop tools - all can be sharpened easily with the right DMT stone.
If I had a hammer...
While we women like to think we're just as good as men when it comes to DIY... we have our limits! So, when you're doing projects that require the use of a hammer, such as tapping in panel pins or wire nails, invest in hammer that is specifically designed for women.
Plastic vs. Nylon wall plugs
A topic that we discuss regularly at our DIY Divas workshops is the use of plastic or nylon wall plugs for mounting or hanging items on brick walls - why they are different and why it's better to use nylon wall plugs.
MPS jigsaw blades
MPS Blades are leading producers of high quality cutting - the masters in sawing technology - with long lasting blades for all types of cutting machinery
Tork Craft bi-metal hole saw
Cut into aluminium, copper, mild steel (sheet metal), stainless steel (sheet metal), zinc, wood, and PVC with ease using a Tork Craft bi-metal hole saw.
Quick Tip: Find the centre
Use this handy homemade tool to accurately determine the centre of a square or circular work piece.
Kreg cabinet hardware jig
Another innovation from Kreg - the cabinet hardware jig removes the guesswork by allowing you to drill straight, accurately positioned holes every time, so that every piece of hardware is positioned correctly and consistently.
Kreg launches concealed hinge jig and hinge bit
The Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig and 35mm Hinge Bit makes it easy to install concealed and Euro cabinet door hinges for doors. The Concealed Hinge Jig and Bit provides accurate, consistent drilling using a drill / driver.
Easy drilling for Euro hinges
DIY drilling for Euro or concealed hinges is easy with the new Tork Craft CUP1100 Hinge Jig from Vermont Sales.
Rawlplug anchoring and fixing systems
Rawlplug is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialist anchoring and fixing systems, with over 90 years of industry experience.
Adjustable corner clamps
If you are working on your own, adjustable corner clamps are like an extra pair of hands.
Drill stop sets
When you are drilling repeat holes in timber, board or walls, drill stops can be fitted to your drill bit for accurate drilling every time.
Drawer front clamps from Tork Craft
Thanks to Tork Craft, these handy drawer front clamps will save you aggravation, time and offers 100% accuracy. Simply clamp, adjust, fasten and you're done.
Sharpen drill bits
When you use your drill bits regularly, they soon become dull. Rather than have to replace dull bits you can now invest in a self-powered drill bit sharpening system and save some money.
Drill bit measuring plate
Here's the perfect accessory for every DIY workshop. The Tork Craft Measuring Plate takes the guess work out of any drilling and allows you to select drill bits, screw and bolt sizing, wall plugs.
Choose and use a pockethole jig
If you own a Kreg Pockethole Jig but haven't yet put it to use, we offer a few tips and tricks for using this amazing tool to best advantage and for professional jointing of projects.
Safety first
When doing your own home maintenance, repairs or projects, using safety gear is essential. Here are four items you should already have in your toolbox or workshop.
Pro-Tech router bits
Pro-Tech router bits have been used by carpenters and woodworkers for almost 30 years. Not only are their router bits sharper than other cutters, they are also very affordable and excellent quality and are available in a wide range of routing profiles.
Easy French cleat without a mitre saw
Not everyone owns a mitre saw, so we look at a way to make a modified French cleat if you don't have a mitre saw and need to hang heavy items.
Quick Tip: Remove labels easily
Every home should have a can of WD-40 and I think I just found another use to add to the over 2000 uses. You can use WD-40 to remove labels from wood without affecting the finish. You can also use it to remove sticky labels from other items as well.
Gloves for all uses, from workshop to garden and more
Gloves are essential for projects in the workshop, such as when handling wood, grinding and cutting. You should also wear gloves when working in the garden. And gloves are a must for racing and riding enthusiasts.
Remove rust safely with citric acid
Citric acid is one of the easiest, safest, and least abrasive ways to remove surface rust from old steel tools and accessories.
When to DIY or buy
I'm an avid DIY fanatic who loves to make decor accessories and furniture. But I don't make everything I own - I have come to know my limits and what I can and cannot make on my own. So when do you DIY or buy?
Easy corner clamp jig
When you are working on your own to make furniture or projects, it's always handy to have a trick or two up your sleeve. This handy corner clamp jig is one of those!
Tips for working with pallets
When working with reclaimed timber pallets you have to not only inspect and select the right pallets, you have to exercise caution when breaking these down. Here are some tips to keep you safe and make the job easier.
Quick Tip: Filling screw holes with wood filler
If you have ever filled a screw hole with wood filler, and especially in SupaWood / MDF, you will know that the wood filler cracks or even falls out. Here's a quick tip to ensure holes stay filled and prevent cracks.
Keep your power tools in tip-top condition
You invest a lot of money in power tools, so it makes sense that you look after them. Keeping them cleaned and lubricated is essential. Here are some tips to help you look after your power tools.
Oil door and gate locks with ease
Ever tried getting just a tiny amount of oil into the workings of a lock or some other confined space and given up – or put so much in that it overflowed all over the place?
A holder to keep bits safe and dry
This simple drill-bit storage pipe will keep your drill bits free of moisture, and safe from damage, and is easy to make using PVC pipe and fittings.
Cutting manual mitre joints
We may be taking a step back in time here, but there are still plenty of DIY enthusiasts who still use a handsaw for cutting. Here's how to cut 45-degrees mitres to make a variety of projects, including a basic frame bed for a child's bedroom.
Quick tip for using wood filler
Wood filler is an easy and permanent way to cover up screws in wood. There are a few tips and tricks that should know that will help in a professionally finished project.
How to achieve perfectly rounded corners... every time
When you are making your own furniture you want perfection... or as close to it as possible. Here is a tip on how to achieve perfectly rounded corners for all your projects.
Easy way to use a plug cutter
Plug cutters are handy to have if you love working with wood. But if you don't want to go to the expense of buying a drill press, here's a nifty way to make your own plugs without a drill press.
Countersink for professional finish
A countersink bit is essential when joining projects with screws. A countersink bit allows the screw to be driven below the surface of board products to allow for a variety of finishing options.
How to achieve successful DIY projects
Even a beginner DIY enthusiast can create perfect projects. It is important to note that no project is free of flaws but there are tips and techniques that you can apply to create a project that looks perfect.
Save on sandpaper
When investing in a sander the DIY Divas recommend that you have an Orbital sander for large areas, and a Random Orbit sander for fine sanding and finishing. Here's a great way to save money on consumables, such as sanding pads.
DIY Divas workshops Jan / Feb 2016
Start the year off by signing up for a DIY Divas workshop in Joburg or Cape Town.
Drill straight holes into walls
Even the most experienced DIYer can struggle to drill perfectly horizontal holes in walls, but beginners struggle even more. Here's a tip to make drilling straight holes easier.
Recycle plastic bottles into dust and drip collectors
When drilling into or painting ceilings mess and drips are inevitable. Now you can recycle a plastic bottle into dust and drip collectors.
Safe fitting of lights and fans to ceilings
When fitting new lights fixtures, smoke detectors, security alarms or fans to a ceiling, it is safer to use the proper fixings to ensure fittings are secure and won't fall down.
Invest in a pipe cutter
Pipe cutters are handy to have when you need to cut pipe to length. Vermont Sales offer a range of pipe cutters that you can find at hardware stores around the country.
Buying a staple gun
When undertaking any type of upholstery project you will want to equip yourself with a staple gun. Nowadays there are various types of staple guns on the market, ranging from the heavy-duty manual staple gun, to a pneumatic or air staple gun.
Make your own pockethole plugs
Using the patented pockethole jig and accessories the pockethole system creates an angled slot for a strong and sturdy joining method. While the kits do come with a few pockethole plugs, more than this and you will need to buy additional plugs.
Any easy and lasting way to repair chips and dents in wood
Epoxy putty for wood - QuikWood - allows you to instantly repair chips and dents, or even rebuilding broken or missing pieces on detailed wood furniture.
Make a mitre box
If you need to cut moulding or trim, a mitre box allows you to easily line up and trim sections to size. Here's how to make a simple mitre box for your workshop.
DIY workshops for kids and teens
The DIY Divas will be hosting DIY Workshops for Kids and Teens during the October school holidays. If you have a DIY wunderkind in your family... send them along!
What is the best way to join wood for DIY furniture projects?
Traditional carpentry has it's place if you are looking to make heirloom furniture, but for most DIY enthusiasts we want to use materials that are readily available and fit in with our modern lifestyle.
Dremel Workshop
If you enjoy arts and crafts and crafty DIY projects you won't want to miss the Dremel Tools workshop this coming Saturday at DIY Divas in Randpark Ridge.
Intro to using a router
The DIY Divas in Randpark Ridge will be hosting a Router Workshop for beginners. Designed as an introduction to using a Router, the workshop will include tips and tricks for using a router for furniture and decor projects.
Tips on using a hole saw
There comes a time when you need to drill circular holes in a project if you want to add design features. We provide some tips on how to use a hole saw.
Recycle a tin into a tool kit
Quite a few smaller tools comes in tins these days, and it seems a waste to throw these away. I turned my empty Bosch Tacker tin into a handy tool kit.
Sand sensibly and save time and money
For many DIY enthusiasts and amateur woodworkers sanding is probably the least enjoyed part of any project. But if you do it right, you can spend less time sanding and save money on sanding paper or pads.
Making furniture with a Kreg Pockethole Jig
Most amateur DIY woodworking enthusiasts generally have most of the latest tools and machines but are always on the lookout for that one tool that is so clever is actually makes projects easier - the Kreg Pockethole Jig is one of those tools.
Alpen drill bit sets
When you are tackling home repair, home maintenance or home improvements projects you don't want inferior quality accessories to let you down while. Quality accessories might cost you more, but at the end of the day they actually save you money.
Simple picture frame clamp holder
Making your own picture frames allows you the freedom to create custom picture frames for a home. This simple picture frame clamp holder makes the project even easier.
Make perfect mitre joints
Mitre joints are handy for a variety of projects, but getting them perfect every time can be a challenge. We offer some tips on achieving accurate mitre joints that match up nicely.
Make your own decorative doors
Being able to use a router to make decorative kitchen cabinet doors allows you to replace old cabinet doors with do-it-yourself doors in any size or design.
Wax candle finish for wood
Using candle wax to protect your small wood projects is an easy way to apply a water resistant finish that looks gorgeous - and only costs the price of a wax candle!
What you should know about MDF or SupaWood
It's affordable and easy to work with, but there are safety precautions that need to be in place when working with SupaWood or MDF.
Use the full potential of a drill/driver
More than just a combination screwdriver and drill, you can use a drill / driver for so many home DIY projects and tasks by using various and accessories that enhance what a drill / driver can do.
Eclipse FLAT table bases
Summer is definitely here and South Africans will be spending more time outdoors. If you haven't already made yourself a garden table you might be interested in the new range of FLAT table bases from Eclipse.
How to make a DIY shelf unit
Use meranti to make a simple yet practical wall-mounted shelf unit. For this shelf we show you two methods of joining the boards together; using a biscuit jointer or using a Kreg pockethole jig.
Easy way to install drawer runners
Mounting drawer runners can be tricky if you don't get the measurements right. I recently posted easy DIY tips for mounting metal drawer sides on runners and in this feature you will discover an easy way to mount ball-bearing drawer runners.
How to separate ball-bearing drawer runners
Drawer runners are essential if you are making furniture that incorporates drawers. There are various types of drawer runners, but the ball-bearing ones offer smooth opening and closing and are easy to fit.
Over 2000 uses forWD-40
Around this time of year and as part of my annual home maintenance regimen I like to grab a can of WD-40 and go around the house, spraying essential components to protect them from damage by moisture and rust.
Make your own easy way to clamp corners
When you are making picture frames or projects that require corner clamping, these homemade frame clamps allow you to do away with straps and large clamps.
How to remove stripped screws
I recently posted a feature on how to dress up a plain hollow-core door. In the feature I didn't include the fact that the screws in the door were completely stripped and impossible to remove. So for anyone who encounters this problem, here's how to remove stripped screws...
Fix up loose bathroom fittings
When you buy fittings and shelves, these usually come with plastic wall plugs and screws for mounting. The first thing you need to do is throw these away because they are useless! Use them and sooner or later (most probably sooner), the fittings will start to come lose.
Seal gaps around wooden windows and doors
Gaps in and around window and door frames should be sealed as soon as any cracks or opening in the joints occurs. Failure to fill in these gaps will result in moisture gaining access to the wood and leading to wood rot and eventual disintegration of the wood.
Where to buy timber and board
I get a lot of readers asking me where is the best place to buy timber and board products. While Builders Warehouse offers a range of timber and board and has branches around the country, there are other suppliers that offer a more extensive range.
Know your handsaws
While power tools may have made the handsaw obsolete, there is still a place in the home workshop for this hand tool, especially for cutting timber and if you don't own a jigsaw or circular saw.
How to mount and overlay hinge
When making doors out of 16mm SupaWood you have to take into consideration the weight of the finished doors. If you are building a largish cabinet, the doors will be heavy and require heavy-duty hinges rather than standard butt hinges. Using an overlay hinge is the answer.
Drill porcelain tile with ease
Glass and tile drill bits are the answer to drilling holes in glass and tile, but minor chips are inevitable. The new Alpen Keramo Extreme glass and tile bit is designed to drill holes in extremely hard porcelain tiles up to Mohs/Ritz hardness 9, as well as glass and ceramic tiles.
How to... Shop for a drill/driver
Buying your first set of power tools can be intimidating. If you don't know exactly what you want, you could end up with something you don't need or that won't do the job.
Choosing the right screw for the job
Selecting the right screws for your project can be confusing, especially when instructions start referring to pan head, round head, drywall and chipboard screws. Here on Home-Dzine we try to keep it simple and use screws that you will find at your local Builders Warehouse.
DIY is on the increase
More people are realising that do-it-yourself is not just a way to knock a hole in the wall. Attendance at DIY Divas is a sure indication that enthusiasts are looking to empower themselves with the skills.
How to use a screwdriver bit properly
We have seen more than a few beginner DIY enthusiasts who attend our DIY Divas and DIY Guys workshops. One common problem that seems to occur over and over is using a screwdriver bit in a cordless screwdriver or drill/driver.
Tips for using an electric planer
Using an electric planer allows you to shave, trim and easily remove excess wood for edges. You can use an electric planer for cutting doors to size, levelling uneven floorboard or planks and removing saw roughness.
Tool tips for DIY Divas & DIY Guys
The do-it-yourself trend continues to grow throughout South Africa as DIY Divas and DIY Guys realise the benefits of having the knowledge and basic skills to tackle home improvement, maintenance and repairs, and be able to make your own furniture and accessories.
Stylish storage for living spaces
As far as affordable furniture goes, Ikea definitely offers the widest range of options for living room storage. Unfortunately we can't buy Ikea furniture here in SA, but that doesn't mean you can't grab your tools and make your own stylish storage furniture.
How to paint handles and hardware
When you restore, upcycle, repurpose or make your own furniture, you want to be able to paint handles and hardware to match the finished project. Plus, you can't always find what you need in the stores, so it helps to know that you can - and how to - paint handles and hardware.
How to use a spirit level
No DIYer or Home Handyman should ever be without a spirit level - small or large. A spirit level is used for determining horizontal and vertical levels and can be used on a variety of DIY projects in and around the home.
What is a plumb bob and how do I use it?
When taking on DIY projects such as tiling walls, fitting cabinets, installing door and window frames, or any project where you need to determine the level of a vertical surface, you will need to use a plumb bob - or laser level.
Use roofing washers on bathroom & outdoor furniture
Using SupaWood for bathroom furniture allows you much more scope when designing cabinets for a bathroom. But SupaWood is super-absorbent and should not be placed on a bathroom floor. To overcome this I add roofing washers to the bottom of my bathroom furniture.
How often should I clean my tools ?
At our DIY Divas workshops we often get asked how power tools and hand tools should be cleaned. Not only does regularly cleaning your tools extend their life, it also allows you the opportunity to ensure they remain free from rust (if they have metal parts) and apply lubricant.
What are cam or locking screws?
You will normally find cam screws on furniture designed to be shipped as flat-pack or where some assembly is required. Cam or locking screws are 2-part screws where the cam is fitted in one piece and the screw in a piece to be joined to this piece.
Clever tips and tricks for DIY
There are always a few tips and tricks that you can put to good use - whatever DIY project you may be tackling. Here are just a few clever tricks I have learned along the way...
DIY Slow Downs
Three Common Mishaps That Can Delay Your Home DIY Project.
Garage Organization
Innovative Storage Ideas To Help You Keep Your Garage Organized
10 Necessary Products for A Complete DIYer
This review encompasses the ten necessary products that are required for the complete DIYer.
Are Power Tools Dangerous?
I have said it before and will say it again, power tools are not dangerous - it is the person using them that is the danger!
DIY Projects You Can Attempt in Your Free Time
Taking care of DIY projects around the house would be a good place to start filling your spare time.
How to Attach a Socket to an Impact Wrench
Impact sockets are frequently used with tools like impact wrenches, impact drills, and impact drivers.
How To Buy And Replace Your Carbon Brushes
Learn what carbon brushes are, what they are used for and when to replace them.
The easy way to get spray paint off your hands
One thing I hate about spray painting is the fact that my hands are always covered with paint. A couple of years back I discovered that WD-40 is great for removing spray paint from hands.
Magnetise a screwdriver bit or screw
When you're tackling a DIY project on your own you want to make things as easy as possible. If you don't have a magnetised holder for your screwdriver bit it's easy to make your own magnetised bit, so that holding screws on the tip of the bit doesn't become an infuriating task.
Injury prevention tips for DIYers
When you finally get round to that home improvement or DIY project you've been planning for a while, you'll be eager to get the job done quickly. Injuries, even small ones, can delay your project so it's important to take steps to prevent injury.
What is a French cleat?
A French cleat is a way to hang heavy items onto walls. A single piece of wood is split in two at a 45-degree angle. Alternatively, two pieces of wood are cut at 45-degree angles to fit one on top of the other. Use a French cleat for mounting shelves and bookcases on a wall.
Make your own legs or feet for furniture
You only need a few pieces of PAR pine to make your own legs or feet for furniture. By making your own legs or feet you can design your own style to match a style or be a unique feature for furniture. I normally use 44 x 44mm or 50 x 50mm PAR pine for my pieces.
New Pattex 'Air Pulse' product range
I'm a big fan of No More Nails and have used the product successfully for varied project. Now a new packaging has arrived and it makes No More Nails even easier to use in and around the home.
How to use a plug cutter
Plug cutters can be used to make your own plugs for filling counterbored or countersunk holes in wood. The biggest advantage of using a plug cutter is that you can get a matching plug by using scraps from the same project.
What is a caulking gun and how do I use it?
When using cartridge tubes of product, be it for applying adhesive or filling and sealing gaps, the best way to apply these products is by using a caulking gun.
Drill holes in glass, mirror or tile
I receive numerous enquiries about how to drill holes in mirror, glass and tiles, and the Divas and Guys that attend our DIY Divas workshops are amazed at how easy it actually is to drill a hole in mirror, glass or tile. The secret is using the right accessory.
How to drill a hole into masonry or brick walls
When you need to drill a hole into masonry or brick walls you need to make sure you get it right the first time, or you will end up with holes that need to be filled in. Drilling a hole into a masonry or brick wall is easy if you have the right tools and supplies that you need.
Which hinge should I use?
Walk into your local Builders Warehouse store and you might find it difficult to find the hinges you need for a project. It's hard to know what hinges are best, and they're not always where they should be on the shelves.
History of the common screw
One topic I love to discuss in our DIY Divas workshops is on how the screw has evolved over the years. Think back to when the only screw used was a slotted screw. Thank goodness we have moved on from then!
Make safety glasses from plastic bottles
I came across this idea on Make. It's another great way to repurpose and recycle plastic bottles into a safety shield or safety glasses for when using an angle grinder or cutting metal and tile, etc.
How to hang a picture... like a real man!
This post is by Dale in Joburg - on iDale - and is aptly named... How to hang frames like a real man! Thanks for this Dale, but you should know that women do this job just as well as real men!
Go green in the workshop
With everybody trying to do 'their bit' to help the planet, you can easily make a few changes to the way you work in the workshop and save yourself some cash while making a difference.
How to fill screw and pocketholes
Not only does a pockethole jig creates strong joints, it also allows you to hide the holes on the inside - or underneath - so that joints are out of sight.
Easier, simpler DIY
DIY does not have to be a daunting task, but the problem with many projects is that they are viewed in their entirety rather than as do-able smaller tasks.
If DIY was as easy as it is on TV
Our homes would be resplendent mansions, adorned in granite, hardwood, marble and gleaming chrome fixtures. And here’s the secret: sure, anyone can do it - if you take the time to plan!
Easy way to sand moulding and trim
With a few special tools and good sandpaper you can smooth wood easily and quickly with first-class results. Often even better than with a power sander.
The easy way to drill for shelf pins
When building a bookcase or shelving unit, there will be a time when you want to have adjustable shelves. The easiest way to mount adjustable shelves is to use shelf pins and we show you a trick for drilling the holes.
How to use a wood chisel
A wood chisel is a handy tool to have in your workshop. While you might not use it very often, there will be times when you need to carve out for a recessed door hinge, or mark a straight line when using a Dremel Trio.
How to use a spade bit
Used as an attachment in a drill/driver or impact drill, the spade bit is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 10mm up to 40mm in width.
How to use a countersink bit
A countersink bit is an attachment that fits into a drill/driver and is used to drill a depression that allows a screw to be hidden from view, especially when drilling into hard board products and hardwoods.
Remove paint or varnish for hardware and handles
Removing old paint or varnish often reveals preserved metalwork and functioning hardware, although the removal techniques depend on the project, budget and facilities.
How to use wood glue
Here are a few tips to help you use wood glue properly and avoid sticky situations!
Measure twice - cut once
There have been many times when I could kick myself for not measuring properly. A few millimetres here and there can make a big difference when you start to assemble a cut project.
Know what adhesive or glue to use
Choosing the right adhesive or glue is important for permanent sticking and bonding. Using the wrong adhesive can also damage or even destroy a project, so it helps to know what adhesives are available and what each type of adhesive is used for.
Know the different drill bits
To drill a hole in any material, the correct type of drill bit must be used. For basic requirements, a set of high-speed steel twist drills and some masonry bits will probably be sufficient for the average handyman.
Cutting corners
When making picture frames, installing cornice or crown moulding, fitting skirting, dado or chair rails, you need to be able to cut angled corners. There are various methods of doing this.
Sanding tips
Sanding small, detailed areas or large flat surfaces, make sure you do it right for an ultra smooth and professional finish for all your projects.
How to use a mitre box
The trick to cutting a perfect mitre angle in a mitre box is correctly measuring and marking for your cuts.
Make your own trestles
Trestles are easy to make as a DIY projects and great to have around the house. Use them as table support for indoors or outdoors, or use them in the workshop.
Cut out with a jigsaw
Practice your cutting skills with this simple bench project. You can use as a potting bench - as in this project - or use for storage in any room in the home.
Li-Ion vs NiCad
As the new standard for portable power in consumer devices, Li-Ion batteries produce twice the capacity of energy as NiCad batteries but weigh 20%-35% less.
Using the right screw
If there is one topic that is guaranteed to get the Divas giggling at our workshops, it's when we talk about screwing! But how do you know which screw is the right one?
How to use a Forstner bit
Forstner bits are a good choice when you need to produce flat bottomed holes. They are also the only drill bits that can drill overlapping holes.
8 Tips for DIY Divas
You don't always need to have a man around when it comes to remodelling and improving your home. The DIY Divas have more than a few tips up their sleeves to help you tackle do-it-yourself projects on your own.
Which drill bit?
With so many different makes and types of drill bits to choose from, it can be confusing to know which one you need for the project at hand. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of drill bits.
How to remove a stripped screw
If a screw bit is not seated properly in the grooves of the screw head, you end up with stripped screws that are almost impossible to remove.
How to use a hole saw
Using a hole saw for the first time can be a bit scary, but if you do it properly and follow safety guidelines it's fairly easy after that.
How to use a spade bit
Used as an attachment in a drill/driver or impact drill, the spade bit is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 10mm up to 40mm in width.
Safe use of ladders
Too many accidents happen when ladders aren't used correctly... Don't be another statistic!
How to use dowel centres
If you don't own a dowelling jig, dowel centres are used to match up drilled holes to accept dowels for joining wood together.
How to cut a circle
If you are really a DIY addict, one of these days you're going to have to cut out a perfect circle in timber and board. It's not that difficult and here's a quick and easy trick that I learn't to do the job in a jiffy!
Get confident with power tools
If you already have power tools but lack confidence, or are itching to go out and buy power tools but lack the knowledge to use them, start practising with a few small projects and you will soon be up and running.
Know your screw bits
It helps to know the basic screw drive systems in order to choose the right screw bit for the screws that you are using.
Start off in DIY
Planning to do some home improvements? You're going to need safety gear and a few basic tools to start.
Space to work
Craft & DIY projects can be really satisfying if you don't hurt yourself or anyone else while getting the job done. One of the best ways to protect yourself from injuries is to reduce the unexpected element in your projects.
Glue tips
Laying down a uniform film of glue that's just the right thickness can be tough. The bigger the surface, the harder it is to get the glue uniform, and apply it quickly.
Clamp it
Clamps are essential tools for any DIY-er. They can hold adjoining pieces of a project in position until glue has dried, they act like an extra pair of hands, and they come in various styles.