Page 60 – The DIY Life

DIY Designer Mirror

Michael Klements

-

May 31, 2016

A well placed large mirror becomes a feature in a room, giving it depth brightness and a more open feeling. Large mirrors work well at the end of a corridor, behind an item or furniture such as a couch or headboard or over a side console with a vase or tall décor in front of it.

For This Project You’ll Need:

Glass Mirror (To Suite Your Size)
63x19mm (2 ½” x ¾”) Pine (Length To Suite Your Size)
17mm (3/4”) Pine Half Rounds
1 Can Black Spray Paint
1 Pack of Two Part Epoxy
2 Picture Hanging Hooks
Wood Glue
Mitre Box or Electric Mitre Saw
Dremel Multi Tool + Sanding Attachment
Staple Gun – Optional

First measure out the size of the mirror you’d like to make. I used 63x19mm (2 ½” x ¾”) pine wood for the frame. Allow for a 10mm (0.4”) mirror overlap onto the frame for the epoxy to set on.

Cut the pine at 45° with the inside edge (short side) of the sides 20mm (0.8”) shorter than your mirror dimensions using an electric mitre saw or a mitre box and handheld saw. The 20mm (0.8”) will give you 10mm (0.4”) overlap on each side of the frame to epoxy onto the mirror.

Now glue the frame together. A corner clamp comes in handy to press the glued faces together and keep the edges of the frame square. Alternately put glue on the edges, press them together, ensure that they are square and then use a staple gun to staple along the back edge of the joint to keep it together while the glue dries. Do not staple along the front edge as these staples will be visible when the mirror is hanging.

When the frame joints are dry, place the frame over some old newspaper and begin spraying the back of the frame. Pay particular attention to the edges. Although the back of the frame will be against the wall, the inside back edge of the frame which is epoxied onto the glass will be reflected in the mirror and show up as a light brown border right around the mirror and on the edges of the trim.

Once the back of the frame is painted and dry, paint the front of the frame.

The frame can then be attached to the mirror. Lay the frame down front first on a large work surface where you can get around all of the sides. Next lay the mirror face down on top of the frame. Make sure that the mirror is in the centre of the frame. Mix up some two part epoxy and begin epoxying along the edges. There does not need to be a continuous epoxy seam along the entire edge, a dot or line every 5-10cm (0.2”- 0.4”) is sufficient. Make a good epoxy seam along the edges near the corners. Leave the epoxy to cure as indicated on the packaging.

Now turn the mirror over. Use 17mm (3/4”) pine half rounds. Size two rectangles or squares which proportionally fit into your frame. Again, cut the edges at 45° such that they join together neatly to form a frame corner. Spray the back and front of the individual pieces. When the paint is sufficiently dry, epoxy the pieces in their rectangular shape on the mirrored surface. It may help to plot out your design with a permanent marker beforehand so that the sections are aligned and square. Excess epoxy is difficult to get off of the glass afterwards so use it sparingly. Allow the rectangle sections to cure before starting on the straight pieces.

For the straight pieces, measure the distance between the edge of the half rounds and the frame. Add on half of the width of the half round and make a square cut. Use a Dremel sanding tool to round the underside of the straight half round where it meets the rectangular sections such that a neat overlap is formed. Now spray the front and back of the straight edges, allow to dry and then epoxy them in place.

To hang the mirror, screw in two brass or steel picture mounting hooks about two thirds of the way up the back vertical sides of the frame. Do not use picture hanging wire on a very large mirror as the wire places additional side loads on the frame which it is not able to take. The sides of the frame will collapse inwards when the mirror is hung and the glass will break. Alternately picture hanging hooks can be fitted to the vertical sides or the horizontal top edge of the frame.

Using Pop Rivets, Stable & Long Lasting Joints

The Basics

Michael Klements

-

May 30, 2016

0

Using Pop Rivets, Stable & Long Lasting Joints

Pop rivets are useful for joining sheet metal or thin materials together. A well installed pop rivet provides a stable joint and is not easily removed. The primary advantage in using rivets is that a strong and secure joint can be made without access to the rear of the joint, unlike with a bolted joint where you would need access to the nut in order to secure the joint.

What You Need To Install Pop Rivets

Riveting Tongs – Buy Here
Pop Rivets – Buy Here

How To Install Pop Rivets

There are two important dimensions to consider when choosing a pop rivet, the diameter of the rivet section and its length. The rivet should fit snugly in the drilled holes and should protrude through the materials being riveted such that the head of the pin and a small section of the rivet sticks out on the other side.

Choose a rivet with a large enough diameter to secure the load it needs to bear and one who’s length is slightly longer than the total thickness of the materials which you are going to be joining.

Once you have selected a rivet, you need to drill a hole for the rivet to seat in. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet. The rivet should freely slide into the hole but should not be loose.

The rivet is then installed using riveting tongs.

Riveting tongs are used to pull the pin through the rivet and expand its diameter in order to secure the materials. Insert the pin of the rivet into the tongs, the handles should then be compressed until the pin breaks off inside the rivet, leaving the head of the pin in the back end.

The rivet is now installed. Provided the loading is not high enough to deform the rivet, it will remain in place and secure indefinitely. If you have trouble with rivets working loose, it is likely that they are under sized. Replace the rivets with larger diameter ones for a more secure and longer lasting installation.

How To Remove Pop Rivets

Rivets are removed by drilling them out with an electric drill and a metal drill bit. The drill bit should be slightly smaller in diameter than the hole in which the rivet is secured. You only need to drill the head off the rivet, after which the back end of the rivet can be pushed out of the back of the hole.

Wiring A Plug

Michael Klements

-

May 30, 2016

0

Wiring a plug is relatively easy once you have identified the wires by their color. Household plugs around the world have either two or three wires, the two main wires being live and neutral and the third optional wire being the earth wire.

The common wire colors for each of these are:

Earth: Green and yellow striped, green and brown striped or green
Live: Red, brown or white
Neutral: Blue or black

When opening the plug, there are letters marking each of the two or three terminals. These are E for earth (usually at the center top of the top), L for live and N for neutral.

Use a wire stripper to cut off the end of the insulation on the wire to reveal the copper. Twist the copper gently together so that there are no stray strands and then insert the end into the screw terminal. Screw the terminal clamp down onto the exposed copper such that the insulation is not too far exposed. Screw both or all three wires into their respective terminals then screw cable clamp over the main cable insulation. Finally screw or clip the plug back together, depending on the plug type.

Note: Check with you local authorities on the regulations regarding doing your own electrical work. In some areas it is illegal to conduct electrical work in your home without certification.

Hang A Picture Or Mirror

Michael Klements

-

May 27, 2016

1

Hanging pictures, mirrors, even mirrors cut to size and art around your home adds height to each room and gives them a personal touch.

The first decision to make is whether to put in a nail or screw to hang the picture. Both can be used in either masonry or wood and plaster board walls however screws take quite a bit longer to install in masonry walls. The advantage is that a screw in a masonry wall can take a much higher load than a nail. If it’s a small frame or picture then go with a nail, anything heavy or larger than an A1 page should rather be hung with a screw or multiple nails.

What You’ll Need To Hang A Picture or Mirror

For A Nail Mount

Wall Nail (Hilti brand if using picture hanger)
Hilti Picture Hanging Tool
Hammer

For A Screw Mount In Wood

Wood Screw
Screwdriver
Drill & Small Drill Bit (Only for hard wood)

For A Screw Mount In Masonry

Screw & Wall Plug (Sold as a set)
Screwdriver
Drill & Drill Bit (To match wall plug, usually stated on packaging)

How To Hand The Picture Or Mirror

There are usually three methods used on frames and decor to hang, a steel loop or hook on each back side, a wire or string across the back or a single catch or hook in the middle. The single hook and the string method are the easiest to hang because you don’t have to worry about getting the picture straight or centering the picture. The double hooks are usually used on large and heavy mirrors and frames which would not hold on a single nail.

For A Nail Mount

toothpaste on picture hooks — Toothpaste on Picture Hook

If you are using a nail, measure the center of the picture and the height of the hook on the back of the picture and make a mark on the wall. If you need to use two nails then mark both spots and make sure they are level using a digital level or spirit level. An easy way to mark off a hook or multiple hooks hidden behind the frame is to put a dab of toothpaste on the tip of each hook. Place the picture in position on the wall, ensure it is level and then gently press the back onto the wall. The toothpaste will mark the wall where the nails need to be. Now use the Hilti nail tool or your fingers (be careful) to hold the nail and hammer it into place leaving a short head protruding on which to hang the picture.

For A Screw Mount In Wood

If you are using a screw on a wood and plaster board wall, you need to make sure you a screwing it into a wooden support column behind the plaster board. Tap the wall lightly along its length and you will hear hollow and dull sounding sections. The dull sections are the wooden beams. Alternatively there may be nail heads slightly visible along the wooden sections. Screw the screw into the wood until just a portion of the head remains on which to hang the picture. If you are screwing a screw directly into a very hard wood, it may be necessary to drill a small pilot hole into the wood first to guide the screw.

For A Screw Mount In Masonry

If you are using a screw on a masonry wall, you’ll need to make off where the screws are going to be. Now you’ll need to use a pack of masonry wall screws with plastic or wooden wall plugs. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the plug, the recommended drill bit size is usually written on the packaging. Drill a hole in the wall as deep as the screw is long. Now insert the wall plug and then screw the screw into the plug, leaving a portion of the screw sticking out on which to hang the picture. Here is a “how to” guide on installing screws in a brick or concrete wall.

Finally, hang the picture up on your newly installed nails or screws.

Screws in a Concrete or Masonry Wall

The Basics

Michael Klements

-

May 27, 2016

3

Using screws to hang or mount pictures, shelves and your TV on a brick or concrete wall is the best and most secure way to attach them however some preparation work is required.

You’ll need an electric drill (preferably an impact or hammer drill), a masonry drill bit (see our drill bit selection guide) and a set of screws and plastic or wooden wall plugs.

First mark the position of your holes to be drilled with a pencil or marker. If you have a vacuum cleaner then it is easiest to get someone to hold the vacuum pipe underneath the hole while you are drilling to collect the concrete dust. The other option is to make a paper collection envelope and tape it just underneath the hole to catch the dust as shown below.

Now drill the hole. Mark off on the drill bit the depth which you need to drill to, about one and a half times the length of the wall plug. Some electric drills have a depth stopper or depth gauge installed on them.

Next press the wall plug into the hole. The plug should fit snugly and may require a light tap with the back of a screw driver or a hammer. The end of the wall plug should be flush with the wall.

Now you can screw the screw into the plug. If you are hanging a shelf or bracket then the screw will go through the bracket and then into the wall plug. As the screw is screwed into the wall plug, it expands to fill the hole and the tight fit ensures that it cannot be pulled back out of the wall proving a solid anchor on which to hang heavy items.

Which Drill Bit To Use

The Basics

Michael Klements

-

May 26, 2016

2

There are four primary types of drill bits which you will use around the house, they are used for drilling into metals, wood, brick or concrete and finally glass.

Metal drill bits, also known as HSS or twist bits are probably the most common and versatile. They can be used to drill holes in a wide range of metals and through wood. In some cases they can be used to drill into masonry surfaces however it is not advised as it usually damages the drill bit beyond repair.

The second type is a wood or brad point bit. The end of this drill bit features a sharp point which is used to drill a small pilot hole to keep the remainder of the drill bit centered when drilling. This drill bit can only be used for wood materials.

Masonry drill bits have two or four characteristic flutes on their end. The flutes assist in chiseling away at brick or concrete materials. This drill bit can only be used for masonry materials like brick, concrete or cement.

The last type of bit you may use around your house is a glass drill bit. This drill bit looks a bit like an arrow and doesn’t have the spiral pattern down the shaft like the other three. These bits usually have sharp diamond blade tips which cut through the surface of glass or glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles.

How To Fix a Dripping Tap or Faucet

Michael Klements

-

May 26, 2016

0

A leaking or dripping tap or faucet is a nuisance; it wastes water, looks unsightly and the continuous dripping can be a really annoying sound. Fortunately, it is usually one of the easiest and cheapest things to fix. The problem is almost always the washer or in the case of single level mixer taps, the cartridge.

If you’re just looking for a quick fix, have a look at these hacks to temporarily stop the sound of a dripping tap.

Before starting, make sure the water supply to the tap is off. This can be done through your home’s main water supply shutoff valve or in some kitchens and bathrooms an isolator which is fitted where the flexible pipe to the tap is joined to the piping in the wall.

Note: In some areas it is illegal to carry out unlicensed plumbing and if there is a fault, your insurance might not pay out. Check with your local authorities before carrying out any plumbing repairs on your home.

Fixing A Washer Type Dripping Tap Or Faucet

If the tap is shrouded by a cover, unscrew this first with a wrench or by hand.
Next remove the tap handle, this is attached by a screw underneath the handle or in some cases by a screw under the hot or cold symbol.
Now take the screw in part of the tap out, this is best done with a wrench fitted around the tap body. Use newspaper, a cloth or some masking tape on the tap surface to prevent the wrench from scratching the chrome finish.
Once the tap has been taken apart, you should see a number of rubber seals and o-rings. Take any worn ones off and then go to your local hardware or plumbing store and find exact replacements.
Refit the new seals and o-rings and then reverse the process to put the tap back together again.

Fixing A Cartridge Type Mixer Tap Or Faucet

In the case of a mixer type tape, when the tap is taken apart, a cartridge should come out underneath the mixer head. If there is just dirt or scale in the cartridge then it is sometimes possible to clean out however it usually requires replacement. Find a replacement at your local plumbing store, they may have to order it from the tap manufacturer.

Finally turn the fixed tap to the off position and then turn the main supply back on. If the tap is still leaking then it may require re-seating in the area where the washer sits. This is best done by a plumber but most hardware stores stock re-seating kits with instructions on the packaging on how to do the repair.

Share This Guide:

Secure A Loose Shower Head, An Easy Fix

Michael Klements

-

May 26, 2016

5

Often pipes and shower heads which run through walls or tiles are installed incorrectly or eventually work themselves loose. The hole drilled for them to run through is too big and they continually vibrate due to the water running through them. This is an easy way to secure the pipe or shower head and keep it from moving. The expansion foam is also flexible so it allows some movement of the pipe due to thermal expansion.

If your shower head is starting to look old or dated, you may want to consider replacing it, follow our easy guide to replacing a shower head.

If your shower door is leaking or leaving puddles on your bathroom floor, have a look at this guide on how to replace your shower door seals.

What You Will Need To Secure The Shower Head or Pipe

Expansion Foam (The DIY in a can type is perfect) – Buy Here
Masking Tape – Buy Here
Screwdriver or Pliers – Buy Plumbing Pliers Here

When buying the expansion foam for this repair, buy the smallest one possible. This job doesn’t require much foam and the left over foam doesn’t keep well. Also make sure that you get one with a small length of pipe after the nozzle, this is used to direct the foam into the joint.

How To Secure The Loose Shower Head

Pull the trim ring away from the wall, you may need to use pliers or a screwdriver to loosen it. The shower head or pipe should now be protruding through a hole in the wall. Often this hole is cut too big or has become too big through the movement of the shower head. Apply some masking tape to the wall around the hole to catch any excess expansion foam. Insert the expansion foam pipe into the hole around the pipe and squirt so that a ring of expansion foam forms around the pipe. The ring should surround the pipe entirely and should protrude a bit from the wall to provide additional support.

Wait for the expansion foam to cure before trimming the excess away. Only trim away what is necessary to fit the trim ring back on, the more foam you leave behind, the better the support will be. Push the trim ring back into place and the pipe or shower head should now be secure and movement free.

Was this helpful? Have you used any other method to secure a loose pipe or shower head? Let us know in the comments section below.

10 Essential Tools For Beginner DIY’ers

Michael Klements

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May 25, 2016

2

Cordless Impact Drill

A cordless drill is a versatile tool that is designed for drilling holes and driving screws however with its key-less three jaw chuck it can also be used to drive a rotary sander, wire brush, hole saw and some grinding attachments. They also generally come with a torque limiting clutch which allows you to accurately control the torque applied to screws.

Digital or Spirit Level

A level is essential for hanging pictures or mirrors, painting straight lines, leveling slabs and decks as well as correcting drainage problems. A digital level usually has a display which reads out an angular measurement and is far more accurate than a spirit level’s bubble position.

Hammer

A claw hammer is useful not only for hammering nails into wood, walls or concrete but also for chipping or chiseling, tapping out hinge pins and removing unwanted nails.

Measuring Tape

A good quality measuring tape is an inexpensive tool which will save you hours of frustration on your DIY projects. Look for one which is at least 5m (16’) and has a multi-purpose end catch which is suitable for hooking over wall and counter ends as well as nail and screw heads.

Hilti Picture Hanger

Anyone who has tried hammering a nail into a brick or plaster wall knows that it is easier said than done. A Hilti hanging tool grips the nail firmly, keeps it straight and gives you a much larger surface to aim for which helps keep your walls from being damaged and saves your fingers.

Dremel Rotary Tool

A Dremel rotary tool is the most versatile tool you will use. A quick look at one of their stands at a hardware store reveals the multitude of attachments and accessories they supply. Some of its uses include sanding, grinding, engraving, etching, cutting, polishing, brushing, sharpening blades, removing grout etc. There are also a range of attachments useful for turning your tool into a drill press, grinder or plunge router.

Orbital Sander

Sanding anything larger than an A4 page by hand is extremely labour intensive. An orbital sander removes the hard work involved in refurbishing old furniture, doing preparation work for painting and for wood work. Look for one with hook and loop sand paper attachments as this makes switching between different grits and replacing worn out paper quick and easy.

Miter Box

Save piles of wasted scrap wood and hours of measuring with a good quality miter box and hand saw. A miter box comes with pre-made slots in which the saw fits in order to quickly cut off planks of wood at 90°, 45° and often 22.5° as well.

Screw Driver Set

Screw drivers are essential for taking things apart, assembling kit furniture as well as hanging up pictures, shelves and accessories. Sacrifice quantity for quality and rather purchase a smaller set of 4 to 6 good quality screw drivers instead of a set of 20 or more cheap ones. Good quality screw drivers are made of a high quality tool steel with hardened tips to prolong the life of the tool. Most top brands offer a lifetime guarantee on their screw drivers.

Staple Gun

An industrial stapler is a must have for any upholstery job. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to re-cover a bar stool or an ottoman with just a pair of scissors and a staple gun. Hidden staples are also useful when gluing furniture or frames together to hold the wood until the glue dries. Additionally round staples can be used to neatly fix electric cables to skirting boards or dry wall.

Homemade Gnocchi

Michael Klements

-

May 24, 2016

1

This Gnocchi recipe is really quick to make for a family of four and doesn’t take the whole day to prepare. This recipe also keeps well in the freezer for up to four months.

Makes about 4 servings. Preparation time 25-35mins, Cooking time 5mins.

You Will Need:

1 Cup of Mashed Potato (2 Medium Potatoes)
2 Cups of Wheat Flour
1 Large Egg
Pinch of Salt

Peel and chop the potatoes into quarters. Cover in boiling water and boil over a high heat for 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain the water and mash with a potato masher or electric beater for a creamier consistency. Make sure there are no lumps in the mashed potato.

Measure one cup of mashed potato and add this to the flour, salt and egg in a mixing bowl. Combine the ingredients and knead into a firm ball of dough. Divide the dough into 6 smaller portions. Roll each portion out into long rolls on a floured surface.

Cut the roll into equal portions, round the edges and gently press a fork onto the gnocchi surface. The groove pattern allows the gnocchi to hold the sauce better.

The gnocchi can be frozen for three to four months or kept in the refrigerator for a week before cooking. Be sure to flour the individual pieces well before freezing so that they do not stick together.

To cook the gnocchi, bring a large pot of water to the boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Drop the gnocchi into the water about a cup at a time. They float to the surface when they are cooked so collect them from the surface of the water with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander.

Serve with a tomato and basil, Gorgonzola cheese, basil pesto or Bolognese pasta sauce. Here is a quick recipe for a tomato and basil pasta sauce.

The DIY LifeTech & Electronics

The DIY LifeTech & Electronics

DIY Designer Mirror

Using Pop Rivets, Stable & Long Lasting Joints

What You Need To Install Pop Rivets

How To Install Pop Rivets

How To Remove Pop Rivets

Wiring A Plug

Note: Check with you local authorities on the regulations regarding doing your own electrical work. In some areas it is illegal to conduct electrical work in your home without certification.

Hang A Picture Or Mirror

What You’ll Need To Hang A Picture or Mirror

For A Nail Mount

For A Screw Mount In Wood

For A Screw Mount In Masonry

How To Hand The Picture Or Mirror

For A Nail Mount

For A Screw Mount In Wood

For A Screw Mount In Masonry

Screws in a Concrete or Masonry Wall

Which Drill Bit To Use

How To Fix a Dripping Tap or Faucet

Fixing A Washer Type Dripping Tap Or Faucet

Fixing A Cartridge Type Mixer Tap Or Faucet

Secure A Loose Shower Head, An Easy Fix

What You Will Need To Secure The Shower Head or Pipe

How To Secure The Loose Shower Head

10 Essential Tools For Beginner DIY’ers

Homemade Gnocchi

The DIY LifeTech & Electronics

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