Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Screwdrivers Scott Cam, the builder from ‘Backyard Blitz’, looked at different types of screwdrivers and their uses. Two main types Scott explained that there are different kinds and sizes of screwdrivers for different jobs. If you choose the wrong one you...
Shifters and Spanners Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, looked at shifters and spanners. Shifters and spanners are made in many different shapes and sizes to deal with specific jobs, but the basic requirement is that the spanner must fit the nut snugly....
Stain Removers and Smelly Fridges – The French Alternative In our segment Jackie French demonstrated how to make a stain remover for clothing, which works like magic on all kinds of stubborn stains including tomato sauce, soy sauce, chocolate, beetroot, curry...
Starting a Tool Kit Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, put together a basic tool kit for the home handyman. When buying tools, always go for the best quality you can afford. Once you have assembled your basic tool kit, you can supplement when necessary by...
Timber Tips Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, warned that hardwood changes colour after about 12 months in the rain, wind and sunlight. This can be a problem if you pay thousands of dollars for timber and build a new deck or fence that changes colour and...
Transforming a House and Garden Don looked at a classic example of a house and garden in urgent need of a makeover. The light, orange-brown colour of the house bricks did not work well with the garden, and the garden had no outdoor living area. Instead, there...
Using a Hammer and Nails Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, looked at different types of nails and their uses, and also demonstrated how to use a hammer correctly. Buy a good hammer Choose a good quality, tradesman’s hammer, with a flat rather than...
Using Handsaws Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, demonstrated how to cut timber using a handsaw. Scott’s cutting remarks 1. Using a square, mark your cutting line on the timber. Scott marked the top and front face – you can also mark the back if...
Low Maintenance Timber Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, stressed the importance of choosing treated pine for jobs in the backyard. There are different ratings of treated pine, ranging from Hazard Level Code 1 (H1) which indicates the lowest level of...
Nicholas Martino and his father, Mario, have been importing ceramics, glassware, ironware, antiques and furniture from North Africa and the Middle East for the last 20 years. Don visited their showroom in Mortdale, and talked to Nic about using Moroccan artefacts in...