CONSTRUCTION

HINTS AND TIPS

Some years ago I came across a site which I thought was very useful as it contained detailed construction related information, hints and tips covering subjects such as –

Ponds on a budget

Stone patio secrets revealed

Glass Block – An enlightened experience

and much, much more, some of which are shown below.

Since that time the site appears to have changed somewhat as most of the information, which was originally free to view, now appears to be offered in a DVD format as DIY multitutorials. If you do a lot of construction DIY it may worth taking a look.

To remove stains from a driveway

For fresh stains, apply some baking soda or cat litter (grind cat litter to a powder with a brick), over the stain and rub into the surface – leave over night. Simply sweep up the next morning.

For older or stubborn stains, use carburettor cleaner or industrial degreaser.

To prolong the life of a retractable steel measure

Stretch out the full length of the tape. Wipe clean with a moist cloth, then apply some car wax to the tape. Be sure to buff the wax off. This only takes a few minutes and your tape will roll up easier, longer and keep down rust and corrosion.

Quick Measurements

A six inch piece of old steel tape, cut from a broken retractable tape measure, can be carried in your wallet. This is a very handy tool for checking dimensions at the lumberyard or hardware store.

Another handy use for a broken retractable measure is to cut lengths of say, 10, 20, 30 cms and mount it to your tool box, work table or cutting tables.

If you don’t have a broken retractable tape, you can always use a dollar bill, just remember –

Length = 6 ¼ " – folded = 3 1/8"

Width = 2 5/8" – folded = 1 ¼"

It’s All in your Perspective

When laying out walks and pathways in small yards you can create an illusion that the yard is bigger by narrowing the walkway as it continued into the yard from the house.

In other words, start the walkway at five feet wide and end it at four feet wide (NOTE: decrease the width gradually, one foot per forty feet of length – longer walks would not need the perspective illusion).