Clive, I have a stiff lock but WD40 doesn’t seem to be working. Can I use anything else?

March 31st, 2009

Hi Charlie, a very good question. WD40 doesn’t always work in loosening locks. A more permant solution to stiff locks is using graphite. If you take a pencil and rub it on the key in question, then insert the key, you will usually find that this loosens up the lock.

Hi Clive, What is the best temporary solution to a minor damp problem in my downstairs loo? I live in a basement flat and don’t really want to damp proff the whole room.

December 4th, 2008

Well a temporary solution would be to rub down and paint over the area with a water blocking paint, something oil based usually works, or tile the area. Temporary solutions are unfortunatley  just that and the only way to cure the problem satisfactorily is to damp proof, or in your case I think ‘tank’ the room.

Hi Clive, I’m restoring a fireplace. I’m not going to use it for an open fire so i need to block the chimney to prevent draft and dust entering the room. What’s the best way to do this? Thanks

November 12th, 2008

You’ve essentially got 2 options: 1. invest in one of those inflatable balloons or 2. board off the chimney with timber. Personally, I’d go for the timber option - it’s the old fashioned way, and it will give you a more secure finish (I have heard that the balloons tend to deflate after a year or so). I’d use 18mm MDF board - make a template out of cardboard, cut your MDF to size and hold in place using 2×1″ battons fixed to the inside of the chimney breast. Depending on the size of your breast (as it were), you may struggle to get a drill to the timber at right angle. In which case, I’d use no-nails to fix the batton back. Remember to allow the no nails to go off overnight before fixing up the MDF.

Clive, Whats the best way to make suspended/floating shelves (without any central supports)

November 4th, 2008

The method of constructing floating shelves depends very much upon the span the shelves have to bridge. If it is narrow say 300-500mm you could probably get away with some thick MDF. If the span is more you will want to either use much thicker heavier timber or build a frame for the shelf and clad it with MDF. You can also buy specially made brackets which are two prongs which are attached to the wall and are designed to penetrate into the back of the shelf supporting it in this way. Please call me with your dimensions and I can give you some more specific advice.

When it comes to ground floor extensions, would you recommend all or part glass for the roof?

November 4th, 2008

This all depends on personal preference and budget. Personally I think that the ‘all’ glass option looks best but as is often the way it’s also the more expensive. The whole idea of the side return extension really should be to make your kitchen light and bright while increasing the space, full glass therefore acheives this best.

Hi Clive, Who was better Eddy Cochran or Buddy Holly.

November 4th, 2008

Ahh thats a tricky one. I prefer Eddy but Buddy was certainly more popular overall. My favourite of all is Elvis though. The King.

Hi Clive, I’ve got big gaps in my floorboards, and have heard that filling with sawdust and glue falls through after a year or so. Is there any permenant soloution you would recomend?

November 4th, 2008

Sarah, I use wedging strips. Ask in any timber merchants they should be able to help. They usually come in pine so with a little stain you can get them pretty close to the colour of the boards.

What is the best way to fix a hole too big for a bit of poly filler?

October 29th, 2008

For a big hole, I cut a piece of plaster board, larger than the hole which will just fit through. A small screw put into the board will then help you to pull the plaster board back and with the help of glue (gripfill) fix it inside the hole. The hole will then be shallow and much easier to fill. Another useful tip is to mix a little PVA into your filler then when it dries you shouldn’t be left with the annoying periferal cracxks which you often get.

How do you hold your quiff when on scaffolding?

September 23rd, 2008

I use strong grease, Black and White hair wax is my current favorite, it’s very similar to Vaseline, in fact it contains vaseline.

I tend to moult when I get in the shower. How do I get the water flowing again?

September 23rd, 2008

The water isn’t draining away quickly because your hair is clogging things up I’m afraid. This is straight forward to sort out with one of the ‘off the shelf’ products which dissolves the blockage, after about 15mins the bath will no longer be ankle deep.