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Posts Tagged ‘safety<’
Mr-Skill often baulks at situations requiring him to drill holes through tiles, simply because it is such a risky task. The alternatives are to use contact adhesive or two-sided tape, neither of which are ideal in the long term. Fred is one of our regular London tilers, and he advises that drilling through tiles is quite straightforward once you know what to do.
Your Choice
Essentially, there are two safe methods of making holes through your tiles. Well, you could add a third if you decide to rather find a tiler and leave the problem to them! The first method is to locate your holes precisely on the grout line that separates one tile from the other. The other way is more nerve-racking, because it involves drilling through the tile-face itself.
A somewhat nervous Mr-Skill says that before you choose one of these two options, make sure you have a spare tile to replace the broken or cracked one should things go wrong. Nothing is more eye-catching than looking at a broken or cracked tile, or having to use a mismatched replacement one.
Decision Time
Should you find that you have no back-up spares, you need to choose between using the grout line, and drilling through your lovely tiles. You could of course elect to get a tiling quote to sort the problem, but that could prove quite expensive when all you need is a couple of holes!
Enter Fred Again!
Fred is against using grout lines for drilling holes, and that is because you have limited space in which to work, and grout is not the ideal medium to hold a plug and screw either. He goes on to say, “Imagine the consequences of the bit jamming in the grout line as you drill. Rather mark up your holes as desired on the tile face itself. Then, you need to test to see that the tiles you plan to drill through don’t have air space where they attach to the wall. A simple tap with your knuckle will soon confirm if there are any hollow gaps to be avoided.” Thanks for the tips, Fred!
Easy Does It
Once your holes are marked (and checked), stick two pieces of magic tape over each marked hole in the form of a cross. This is to stop the tile from crazing as you drill. Gently tap a pointed punch to create a small guide hole for you to drill out further with a new masonry bit. Now drill slowly and make your hole to the desired depth. Once you have drilled through the tile – you should feel this happen – you can safely use the hammer function on your power tool.
Tags: adhesive, cracked tile, depth, drill, drilling, find a tiler, grout, guide, hammer, hole, london tiler, plug, power tool, replacement tile, safety, screw, spare, tap, tile, tiling quote
Posted in Project Advice, Tiling & Flooring | Comments Off
Mr-Skill loves recycling because it avoids over-filling our tips, and it saves on the pocket too, when there is no need to buy new bricks. Assuming your bricks are re-usable after demolishing your old wall, he also suggests that they will make for a rustic and creative effect as you build a new wall. 
All it needs is an investment of time and the application of a little elbow-grease – imagine the feeling of accomplishment when it all comes together. If you don’t have the skills to lay bricks, you can still make a positive contribution by preparing the old bricks for re-use, while you find a bricklayer here on Mr-Skill.
Old for New
Set up a production line in a quiet spot in your yard. Then, examine each broken brick piece and decide which ones to keep, and those destined for the rubble pile. For those that are re-usable, it is a case of tidying up the broken face so that all sides are reasonably flat for the re-building job.
Using a pencil, mark up where you plan to cut out the damaged part of the old brick. Carry your marked line around all four faces to facilitate a flat face for the section you are about to level. Now you can go to work with your chisel, working methodically and safely – don’t forget the goggles and gloves!
Laying out the New Course
If you have decided this bit is not for you, you will have to get a bricklaying quote – remember to ask for some discount because of all the preparation work you have already done. If you are going ahead yourself:
- Spread out the prepared mortar evenly along the foundations of the new wall using a trowel.
- Spread a decent layer of mortar on either side of the brick before laying it on the foundation – you could do this in your hand or once the brick’s laid in position, making sure to anchor the bricks firmly in the mortar.
- Continue along the new brick course until you have completed a row, and so on. One of our London bricklayer chuckles that the beauty of using old bricks is that you can trim them to all sorts of shapes and sizes to fit all the nooks and crannies.
Mr-Skill adds that if you have reached this far without fuss, then you are a natural bricklayer, and you should look to joining up as a member!
Tags: anchor, brick, bricklaying quote, broken, chisel, demolishing, discount, find a bricklayer, foundation, gloves, goggles, investment, london bricklaying, mortar, recycling, rubble, safety, trowel, wall, work
Posted in Bricklaying, Project Advice | Comments Off
A leak anywhere in your roof is more than just an irritation. That is because if the source of the water intrusion is not quickly and smartly fixed, you could soon face problems that are more serious. Most conventional roofs are a latticework of timber beams, brandering and protective membrane over which the tiles align to offer protection from the elements. What starts out as a small leak can turn into something expensive if not quickly fixed.
 Find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert on Mr-Skill Mr-Skill correctly states that a problem roof left unrepaired could end up as a major roof job or even a replacement. He says you should not take a chance – rather find a roofing expert to come and assess the extent of the problem. Water has a strange habit of running wherever it likes, so quite often the source of the leak may be tricky to locate. Roofing experts are skilled and trained to know all that there is to do with issues in your attic space.
The Challenge
Roof repair is not something you should take on lightly yourself. Apart from working in a confined space, it is also dark and airflow is restricted too. One false move could lead to a serious injury or damage to a ceiling in your home. Looking for the problem is quite in order though, because this will enable you to relay your findings, so that a roofing quote or estimate can follow. However, most experts are going to want to check themselves just to make sure they are quoting correctly.
Check the Roof outside First
Sometimes a leak can be as simple as a cracked or broken tile, and it may be possible to see this from outside your home. You will already have an idea roughly where the leak is in your roof, so a sight check may confirm the problem area without too much trouble.
Climbing on the Roof 
If you feel confident enough to get up on your roof, you will have a chance to observe the leak area from close quarters. Remember to wear non-slip shoes and to position your ladder safely, preferably with someone to hold it for you while you climb up. Fred is one of our regular London roofing experts, and he has been on more roofs than most of us have had hot dinners. He has always been cautious though, and that is because he treads carefully while up on a roof checking for problems.
Tags: brandering, broken roof tile, cracked tile, estimate, find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert, ladder, latticework, leak, london roofing-gutters-and-drainage specialist, membrane, quote, repair, ridge tiles, roof leak, roofing-gutters-and-drainage quote, safety, tile, timber beam, water
Posted in Project Advice, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Posted in Handyman Services on Aug 23
New tools are always a bit of a distraction for the home handyman. You know the feeling, you are just browsing through one of your favourite hardware stores and suddenly, you are attracted to an absolute bargain that is only good for as “long as stocks last”. You simply have to buy it, even though you really don’t have a need! 
Mr-Skill calls it compulsive buying, and the retail stores are fully aware of the power of this emotion – and they know how to cash in on the situation too. If you are like one of our regular London handymen, you’ll be constantly on the lookout for bargains, especially when it comes to new-fangled gadgets and tools, but just exercise a bit of discipline before splurging!
Electric Screwdrivers
These have been on the market for a long time and they are very useful indeed. Offering the option of different screw thread attachments and even screw sizes, these tools can save a lot of time and sweat when you are pushing the clock. The rechargeable batteries have improved since the early days, but if there is one criticism, it is that battery life is still very limited and you cannot replace them cheaply when they fail. If you are not the DIY type you could find a handyman right here now.
Cordless Drills
These are getting better and better as technology improves. The great thing about this tool is that you don’t have to worry about dangling power leads waiting to trip you up. Running time is improving, although a lot depends on what you pay upfront for this beauty. You can even get them with hammer functions too.
Electric Table Saws
This is every woodworker’s dream come true. They are safe – as long as you use them properly – and they cut beautifully. As with all power tools, Mr-Skill always promotes safety first, so remember the eye protection and the gloves, and always make sure you have decent industrial footwear too. A facemask can also prove useful with all that sawdust, and a decent set of earphones will dampen the sound if you are trimming a lot of wood. If woodworking is not your scene, get a handyman quote right here on Mr-Skill.
Jig Saws 
Although we don’t use them all that often, you are sure to miss this useful tool when it comes to intricate cuts in limited space. Always begin sawing from a pre-drilled hole in a straight line towards the opposite hole.
Here at Mr-Skill, we do realise that there are many other fantastic power tools for just about every imaginable application. Those discussed above are the bare minimum and oft-used ally of the enthusiastic home fixer!
Tags: bargains, batteries, cordless screwdriver, DIY, drill holes, find a handyman, hammer, handyman services quote, hardware, jig saw, london handyman, power lead, power tools, protection, recharge, safety, safety gear, sawdust, table saw, tools, trim
Posted in Handyman Services | Comments Off
Gutters are an important consideration for every single home, and perform an important function when it comes to clearing rain water away from your foundations. As the rain drains from the roof, it collects in the gutter channel before discharging through the downspout. Modern gutters come in the form of aluminium or PVC (vinyl), and over time, sagging can occur. Repairs are not difficult provided you have the basic knowhow and some tools. As with all projects, Mr-Skill always puts safety first, so make sure you have a buddy to hold the ladder and pass things to you. 
If you are dealing with a double-storey building, a gutter repair job is best left to the experts – you can find gutter specialist right now on Mr-Skill. They have the correct equipment and know just what to do too. If you have decided to fix the gutter yourself though, you will require a safe ladder, somebody to hold it, a drill, the correct bit, a hammer and some sleeves and spikes to effect the repair.
Position your ladder securely and ascend it to inspect from close up. Don’t forget the buddy to hold the ladder and pass you things. Use a paint brush to clean around the working area.
Calculate the centre of the sagging area, and drill a pilot hole at the top of the gutter. Now, place the sleeve inside the gutter channel and align it with the hole you’ve just drilled, before securing the two profiles together with a screw. Insert the spike by clipping it hard against the back of the gutter. You will need to repeat this process at the other end of the sagging section too.
Strengthening the gutter correctly should remove the sagging section, but you need to check above the gutter to ensure that all profiles align neatly. You can also check that everything is working as it should, by using a hosepipe and high-pressure nozzle to simulate rain on the roof. The water should discharge along the gutter line and flow neatly into the downspout. There should be no leakage or spillage whatsoever. 
One of our regular London gutter experts tells us that water has a strange way of finding the quickest way through. He suggests that you keep your gutters clean and clear regularly. Get a gutter clearing quote right here on Mr-Skill, and rest easy knowing that your house is ready to handle whatever mother nature has to throw at it.
Tags: aluminium gutters, bracket, downspout, drains, find a gutter and drainage expert, foundations, gutter and drainage quote, gutters, home, house, London gutter and drainage expert, profiles, pvc gutters, rain, rain water, safety, sagging gutter, screw, spike, water
Posted in Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Posted in Handyman Services on Aug 06
Drill and Bit Tips
Just about every householder owns a drill, and how very useful is this power tool. Before the invention of the portable electric drill, cutting holes was a laborious exercise that involved using a hand tool such as auger. If the drill itself is important, then the bits that perform the task are vital too, so choosing the correct size and the right bit for the material you’re working with is essential.
Horses for Courses
The material you plan to drill through will indicate which bit you should use for the job.  Twist bits are the most commonly used for most drilling, while steel bits are relatively cheap and suitable for use on softer woods. At the other end of the spectrum we use cobalt-tipped bits for drilling holes in harder metals, such as stainless steel. Get advice from your local hardware store, or better still find a handyman here on Mr-Skill, and get all your drilling work done expertly with minimum fuss.
Understanding Your Options
Use a brad point bit for boring through wood as it deals effectively with stubborn chips as you drill through. For larger holes in wood – say from a half-inch diameter upwards – you should use a spade bit when drilling timber. Always consult your drill maker’s manual for guidelines on drilling through various different materials. Just like any other power tool, drills come in many different choices in terms of quality and performance. Certain drilling jobs may prove challenging for your particular drilling tool, and the manufacturer may impose torque limitations, which in turn could limit the use of some bits.
Correct Drilling Action 
One of our London handymen says that it’s all in the action when operating your drill, and that the slow and steady approach always wins the day. Apart from being potentially dangerous, pushing a drill to its limits is neither good for the tool nor the operator, whereas working in unison will achieve the objective without major stress. Most drills have variable speed settings and a normal drilling function as well as an impact, or hammer setting. More sophisticated equipment usually features a reverse switch for extracting the bit from the drilled hole. Another handy tip is to make sure that your drill is properly straight when in use – otherwise your hole may end up skew.
Last But Not Least
When loading a bit to the chuck, make sure that it is correctly gripped and don’t over-tighten or you may have problems removing the bit when you’re finished. Don’t forget that Mr-Skill has many pre-screened experts ready to assist your every need – get your handyman quote right here!
Tags: chuck, drill, drill bits, drill holes, drill speed, electric drill, expert, find a handyman, handyman, handyman services quote, impact, london handyman, material, metal, power drill, safety, stainless steel, tool, wood, wood chips
Posted in Handyman Services | Comments Off
Posted in Carpentry & Joinery on Aug 03
Biscuit joinery is a modern and effective way of joining two boards together. As one of our London carpenters and joiners explains, “the technique involves the joining of one half of a biscuit (which is pre-shaped) and then wedging and gluing it into a pre-cut recess. The other half slots into a matching recess on the second board. A biscuit jointing machine is what we use to accurately cut the recesses into both boards. This technique is popular in furniture and cabinet making, especially for everyday items such as cupboards and units.”
The Concept 
The oval-shaped biscuits usually have criss-crossed patterns which assist in anchoring the biscuit into the groove. The glue also causes the biscuit to expand, thereby facilitating an excellent joint. Neat as a pin as they say, but if this is not for you, rather get a carpentry and joiner quote right here.
The Machine 
The jointing machine uses a 100mm diameter tungsten carbide-tipped blade, which presses into the board to a calculated depth. It then cuts out a crescent-shaped slot, into which the biscuit eventually fits. Because the blade spins at high speed, it is important to observe adequate safety measures when in use. To avoid nasty accidents, never angle the machine towards your body.
The Joints
The boards must be marked off accurately where the biscuit joins will follow. Normally, between two and four biscuit joints go into each side to provide a stronger joint. Be quite sure of correct markings before any cutting, as perfect alignment is imperative. Check that the biscuits fit snugly before applying any glue.
The Production Line
It is advisable to first complete all the section work when making cabinets or cupboards – you can then check that everything fits squarely together. Don’t forget to clamp the work pieces firmly during the glue-drying time, and resist the urge to move the piece at this critical stage.
Why Struggle?
Precise work such as this is not within everybody’s capability – if this describes you, Mr-Skill has a number of suitably qualified and experienced experts at your disposal. Why not find your carpenter and joiner right now, and let them do the work for you – there are some good deals on offer too!
Tags: alignment, angle, blade, boards, cabinet, carpentry-and-joinery quote, cupboards, cutting, edge, find a carpenter-and-joiner, glue, high speed, joinery, jointing, London carpenter-and-joiner, markings, matching, measure, safety, units
Posted in Carpentry & Joinery | Comments Off
Last month, Mr-Skill posted a couple of articles on the subject of safety. The first specifically related to electrical safety, while the other talked about general safety awareness. In an on-going effort to get this vital message across, we are going to discuss safety in broad terms here. We’ll cover protective clothing, footwear, headgear, tools and a basic understanding of why we all need to be safety conscious and alert. Before we start, a quick word from our many sponsors – we have several skilled experts right here on Mr-Skill – you can find your qualified electrician right now!
Why We Need Safety
Ever since the early days of the Industrial Revolution, the well-being and protection of workers has been evolving rapidly. To begin with life was cheap, labour inexpensive and in plentiful supply, and observing basic safety was not a priority for factory owners and industrialists. These days, we have comprehensive labour laws to protect everybody in the working environment.
Historically speaking, many horrendous work-place disasters have occurred. Investigations into the causes were always enlightening, but if one good thing did emerge, it was the refinement and enforcement of strict new rules, and the introduction of accountability. Unfortunately, quite a number of workers continue to pay the ultimate price while trying to complete their work at all costs.
Safety Apparel
Clothing
Over the centuries, workplace clothing has evolved with safety in mind. Clothing not only protects the body it is covering, but also prevents burns and lacerations, as well as harmful chemical spills on the skin. Appropriate protective clothing is an important safety consideration across all trades, particularly those with moving machinery.
Head Gear
This includes hardhats, goggles and headphones to protect the head, eyes and ears respectively. Face masks too, are important in many occupations. Mr-Skill would like to remind you of the many signed-up members – for example, you can get your plumbing, heating and gas quotes right here in confidence.
Footwear and Hand Protection
Inadequate foot protection continues to result in grotesque accidents in the work place. Proper safety shoes and boots are an absolute must in many of our trades. Likewise, our hands are the tools of our bodies and need protection under harsh working conditions.
Tools 
Over the years tools have become more sophisticated, often with the user’s safety in mind. Tools include not only equipment we use with our hands, but items that we stand on – ladders and scaffolding for example – and machines that we operate too.
Developing an Understanding
A last word from one of our London general building experts: “These days, training and skills development play a vital role in promoting safety in the workplace. The word ‘workplace’ extends to every place of work, and covers hospitals and care homes, transport, shops, factories, business premises and, yes, including our homes! You can never forget ‘safety’ for a single moment, because if you do, the consequences could prove fatal. Please don’t cut corners or take chances.”
Tags: disasters, ear protection, eye protection, find an electrician, foot protection, gloves, head protection, home, labour laws, london general building expert, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, protective clothing, safety, safety rules, skills development, training, work, work aparrel, work environment, workplace safety
Posted in Electrical Work, General Building, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
Warm, summery weather makes for a good time to be thinking of essential maintenance, before the days start to shorten and the cold weather returns. At first, painting sash windows may seem simple enough, but you do need to observe some basic rules if you want to get the job done properly. One of our London painting and decorating experts is all too familiar with sash windows, and will be offering some words of wisdom as we go along.
Plotting and Planning 
When painting your sash windows, you must factor in the need to close the windows at night. This means planning the exercise carefully, and having all your ducks in a row before you start. You’ll need paint, brushes, roller sets, sandpaper, cleaning rags and materials. Don’t forget a safe ladder to reach the higher windows.
Perhaps you have decided to rather get a painting and decorating quote? Quite wise, you won’t regret it! When buying paint, remember to have a primer coat in case you have to scrape or sand back to the wood. Then there’s the undercoat and top coat which you can apply only when the surface is dry and ready to receive them.
Preparing Your Sash Windows
- Because the two sliding panels overlap, sash windows are quite difficult to work on. Fortunately, their design does allow for reasonably safe painting from the inside. We are assuming that you have already neatly masked off the glass both inside and out, in order to protect from paint over-runs and splashes.
- Pull up the bottom panel to its fully-open position, and then bring the top section down to about halfway open. You can now work on the lower section of the top panel. Don’t forget to remove all flaky and dry paint, going back to the bare wood if necessary. Then apply the primer or undercoat as appropriate.
- Reverse the position of the two panels, leaving a slight gap at the top and bottom this time. You can now complete the preparation and painting of the top rail and the stiles, before tackling the entire lower sash.
- Next, it’s the frame surrounds. Leave sufficient time for the paint to dry on the surfaces so far completed, before closing the sash windows for the night.
- By tomorrow, the painted surfaces should be dry. Pull both sash panels to their lower positions to expose the inner and outer runners. Leave this to dry for a decent time before raising both panels to reveal the lower inner and outer runners.
Mr-Skill Promotes the Easy Life!
We do realise that painting is not everyone’s favourite pursuit, and that is why we have a selection of approved painters and decorators for you to choose from. Find a painting and decorating expert here right now – you could even benefit from some great summer promtions, but do hurry!
Tags: discounts, essential maintenance, find a painter and decorator, glass, london painting-and-decorating expert, masking tape, on promotion, paint, paint splashes, painting and decoratingquote, planning, plotting, preparation, primer, safety, sand paper, sash window, summer weather, top coat, undercoat
Posted in Painting & Decorating | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Jul 30
Here at Mr-Skill, we really take the subject of safety very seriously. Our message goes out to all employers and workers and of course the home handyman, DIY-type too. We firmly believe that by observing some basic down-to-earth safety rules, you can tackle any job without the risk and threat of personal harm. Any injury is one too many, and don’t forget that you can find a general builder right now on Mr-Skill’s website. 
Illustrating the Point
One of our London General Builders found the following interesting report back on the HSE website. HSE stands for the Health and Safety Executive, and is the independent national watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. They are an independent regulator, and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces.
“A Birmingham metal recycling company has been prosecuted after a worker trapped and broke his arm in an unguarded conveyor belt.”
“Two firms have been prosecuted after a worker suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a pipe and fell from a stepladder.”
“A Nottinghamshire die-casting firm has been fined after an employee suffered severe burns when he fell into a furnace.”
“A tour operator and a ship management firm have been fined after workers were exposed to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work on board a cruise ship.”
“A Derbyshire recycling firm has been fined after an employee was crushed in a machine at their depot at Griffon Road, Ilkeston.”
“Two workers were fortunate to escape with only minor injuries when they fell from a school roof in Didsbury, a court has heard.”
“A Bolton fabric manufacturer has been sentenced after one of its employees lost a finger when his hand became trapped by a rotating cog.”
Mr-Skill acknowledges with thanks, the above contribution from the HSE.
A Clear Message
We again remind all readers that before undertaking any job around your home or business, you should always think about safety issues first. If you intend appointing a contractor to do the work for you, make absolutely certain that they are safety conscious and fully compliant with Health and Safety issues at all times.
Mr-Skill has many members ready to provide a general building quote right now. If you are doing the work yourself, don’t cut corners and take chances. Accidents are all too common-place, and can be avoided simply by observing basic safety rules at all times.
Tags: accident, burns, care, compliant, contractor, DIY, find a general builder, general building quote quote, harm, health, Health & Safety Executive, illness, injury, job, London general builder, safety, safety conscious, safety rules, work, workplace deaths
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
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