A Quick Guide to Reading a Tape Measure
Eventually one of your jobs around the home will require measuring, so you will need to know how to read a tape measure. While not all measuring requires cutting, there is an old saying “measure...
A Guide to Drilling Into Ceramic Tiles
Don’t worry if you find yourself needing to drill into ceramic tiles to attach an accessory in the bathroom, laundry or kitchen; the required hole(s) can be drilled with a normal masonry drill bit. Before...
A Quick Guide to Using a Spirit Level
A spirit level is an essential tool for making sure whatever you are constructing or installing is straight and/or level. It can be used for both horizontal and vertical jobs i.e. for posts and walls...
A Quick Guide to Checking if Your Spirit Level is Accurate
When using a spirit level it is important to remember that it is a precision instrument and can become inaccurate if it is treated roughly or accidentally dropped. Before purchasing a level you can use...
A Quick Guide to Choosing and Using a Ladder
Whether it’s washing the windows, cleaning the gutters or painting, one of the first tools you need is a ladder. For general use around the home a ladder should last a lifetime, so you need...
A Guide to Managing Black Portuguese Millipedes
The black Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, is a native of Portugal and was accidentally introduced to Australia, first appearing in South Australia in 1953. They have since invaded all the southern mainland states. They are...
A Guide to Removing and Replacing a Broken Ceramic Tile
If you have a ceramic tile that has been cracked or broken, don’t despair, this is a job that the handyperson can easily do (provided you have a spare tile). The level of difficulty is...
A Guide to Controlling Ants
About the Lifecycle Ants are social insects and live in colonies. Usually there are 3 distinct castes: workers, queens and males. Some species also have “soldiers”. Eggs are laid by the queen, then develop into...
A Guide to Living Greener – Disposing of Used/Broken Energy Saving Lamps
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFLs is not only better for the environment but will also save you money. It should be noted however, that energy-saving CFLs do contain small quantities...
A Guide to Living Greener – Cleaning Your Oven
The best way to keep your oven clean is by practising prevention. You can do this by wiping up spills as soon as you can after they happen, and if you are able, line the...