Has PigletJohn written a book yet?

[AdventuringAbout]

If not, what's the best "how to" book to learn general DIY skills? I am getting too old to rely on the kindness of relatives (and my FIL is getting a bit creaky to reasonably be asked for the bigger jobs!). I am a single parent and also want DD to learn to be confident about this stuff later on.

I am moderately practical (flat pack holds no fears) but want to learn about all jobs involving drills, such as putting up shelves and rails, as well as finding out about general house maintenance I should have been doing for years

Any recommendations?

On a related note, what are the "must haves" in a basic toolkit?

[MrsFlorrick]

Yes please Pigletjohn would come in very handy!!

[DontEvenPoint]

The Readers Digest DIY Manual is very good. TBH I just google most things! YouTube has been particularly useful on a number of occasions, it really helps to see what you need to do not just read about it!

[roneik]

Some say he was demented escapee from a secure mental health facility
Others say he has testicles the size of lorry wheels
From deep north out of the mist he came
SEER OF THE CRASH RONEIK


You tube and a bit of common sense and some tools

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I have a book called "100 things you don't need a man for" which is quite good

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I have a book called "100 things you don't need a man for" which is quite good

[roneik]

I had a wife that blew the house up cooking an egg
I mean it would be understandable if I had requested toast with it.she could of just burnt the place down

[AdventuringAbout]

Will check out that book, thanks Curtains. I would prefer a book as a starting point, although I'm sure sometimes the youtube demos are useful if you have a laptop smaller than a mini metro

[PigletInABlanketJohn]

The Readers Digest book is very good. Take it to bed and familiarise yourselves with the chapter before you start a job, and you will get a grasp of the background. It also tells you about tools you need. There used to be some "Which" books but I don't know if they are still published.

You can get a large set of assorted screwdrivers, and a long plastic toolbox to keep them in, at DIY sheds, supermarkets and Screwfix. Only buy them if they are made of Chrome Vanadium steel (same with spanners). No other steel is as good for tools. Individual screwdrivers are far more use than interchangeable tips. Never use a screwdriver to open a tin. The correct tool is a spoon handle.

[sillymillyb]

B&q used to do a book on DIY which was fab. Had lots of pictures and step by step instructions

[AdventuringAbout]

OK, two votes for Reader's Digest, and an important point about spoon handles Thank you!

[sillymillyb]

B&q's book really was rather good too.... Honest

[ElphabaTheGreen]

Second vote here for the B&Q book. We used it all the time before we just started paying other people to do our DIY because we hated it so much

[AdventuringAbout]

OK, not ignoring you promise! Will diligently check out the B&Q offering too.

[ElphabaTheGreen]

I personally think they should fashion the end of paintbrushes into something to prise paint tin lids off with i.e. flat head screwdriver shape.

If it hasn't already been done yet, that idea is Copyright ElphabaTheGreen*

*Real name available upon request and presentation of large cheque

[roneik]

It's all about having a go and research. Long before the internet I tackled plumbing and kitchen fitting. You just need to use what god gave you a brain. If you take the attitude you are not capable you will never achieve anything

Most stuff around the house is within anyone's capabilities if they put their minds to work

There is so much in the way of clever tools and the internet you have to be a dummy if you cannot do most tasks
You don't need long winded posts on how to change a light bulb or paint a wall , you just need to use some common sense and a bit of research

[roneik]

Yeah well that went down well True though we are breeding dumb arses on masse

[magimedi]

"Measure twice, cut once" - was the most invaluable piece of info I was ever given!

[DeckTheHell]

Get a torx 20 screwdriver (used for opening up the backs of appliances). I got one recently and now wonder how I managed for years without one.

[AdventuringAbout]

Thanks Roneik - I admire the "get on and do" fearless attitude! I can see you learn well from Internet tutorials; I learn better from books, but am sure I will get there. I don't want tonnes of expensive kit, but for example have just bought pliers and a spirit level because my random collection of inherited tools didn't include those. I want to do some research and learning before I tackle new things, mainly to try and avoid the high cost of too much trial and error.

[hereandtherex]

I like books about building and building related stuff. Amazon is your friend:

www.amazon.co.uk/Housebuilders-Bible-10-Mark-Brinkley/dp/190595946X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419335456&sr=8-1&keywords=builders%20bible&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Even though I have no plans on ever doing any majorish building work, its good to know what the stuff is called. And helpful to spot a barely literate labourer masquerading as a builder.

Like most skills, the basic building blocks of, well, building, require many hours of practice + aptitude. You have to be realistic - most people outside of the building trade will never lay enough bricks, or plaster enough walls to be good a it. Unless you are moving house every 5 years and doing massive refurbs, it will always work out better to get a professional in - providing you can find one.

Even the simplest, lowest skilled work, painting + decorating, is worth paying for as the average P+D has all the kit and knows where to buy paint in bulk at wholesale prices.

[roneik]

DeckTheHell, those torx are handy on recent cars, I recently change an air filter on a mini for someone and it was held in place with six torx screws.
I have so many tools, but they have paid for themselves dozens of times over down the years.

As for paying to decorate , once you have the kit most of it lasts years if you look after it.
There is a lot of satisfaction, and money saving doing things for yourself.

[PigletJohn]

this is something to do with woodwork? I went to Latin classes instead.

You will want a circular saw. Or you can get saw tables where the blade comes up from underneath. Three-fingers Malone had one. You will need a bench of the same height next to it to accommodate large pieces.

[roneik]

I have a sliding mitre saw that has a good wide cross cut ability. Might have to turn the wood around and 2 cuts to achieve the 2 ft cut
Cheapest solution is to buy a hand held power saw, and clamp baton to the top of ply for the saw to follow your requirements.



2 g cramps required