If you have ever struggled to locate the stop cock valve during a pipe leak you might want to consider installing a Surestop mains water switch.
This great little gadget kind of makes me think -"why the hell didn’t I think of that?”
It works by connecting flexible tubing to a switch which controls the water supply. Surestop claim that it can be installed in less than an hour and requires no batteries or electricity.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Wed 28th November 2007 at 01:13 PM, Filed in DIY Safety
If you’re doing any serious DIY - you will soon find out that the knees come in for real punishment.
These Virtex Knee pads proved really useful during a recent renovation I was doing. Certainly my joints weren’t aching like they usually do after a bit of hard labour.
Features include:
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Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 27th November 2007 at 01:04 PM, Filed in DIY Safety
These gloves might make a suitable replacement for the ubiquitous slippers and pipe Christmas present. As a keen DIY man I know which gift I would prefer!
Although they are fairly self explanatory these gloves do have some features:
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Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 19th October 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in DIY Safety, Tools
1. When using a circular saw it is important to plug into an adapter containing an RCD (Residual Current Device). This device shuts down the saw should the cable be severed.
2. When using the circular saw, make sure that the cable is kept well away from the blade.
3. Unplug the saw when not in use.
4. Ensure that the blade is properly fitted every time you use it.
5. Wear protective goggles.
6. Always change the blade if it appears blunt or out of shape.
7. Always remove the saw from the timber after it has ceased.
8. Make sure that the flex is completely in tact. If it’s wearing down to the copper wire, replace it immediately.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 9th October 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Decor, DIY Safety
Over the last 40 years, manufacturers have endeavoured to reduce the levels of lead in paint. Historically, the use of lead has been blamed for some cases of poisoning which obviously makes removal rather more hazardous.
Nowadays, most paints contain little or no lead and those that do, need to include a warning on the tin.
As most of us are searching for homes to renovate, the real danger lies with unwary DIYers. i.e stripping lead paint.
I would personally recommend wearing a good quality gas mask and to remove the paint using a liquid chemical stripper.
Keep children well away from surfaces containing lead paint.
