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One of my USB sockets has failed again. This is a MK socket with two USB-A sockets in it. The mains sockets are fine, but the USB sockets seem to fail after about a year. We just use the USB socket for charging phones. Are there any better makes of USB socket? Or am I doing something...

I have a number of mk usb double sockets in use downstairs without issue. However, when we fitted one upstairs, it worked for a while, then the usb stopped charging our phones, or any other device. Thought it was a socket fault, so replaced it with another mk socket, and this one won't work on...

Our electric shower (as above) has stopped working on full power, and will only work on "Eco" mode which looks to be just a medium power. At full power, it often won't come on hot, or if it does, go very hot. I tried replacing the thermal switch, but didn't seem to make a difference. Any...

Next project will be the bathroom. Its small, with a bath with an electric shower over it. The main wall above the bath is lath & plaster, and so when we take the old tiles off, there will likely be little left of the old wall (its a 1900s house). We were looking at a panel for this wall...

Its been brought up a number of times here, so here is the chart of critical care capacity and occupancy: Notice how the capcity increased during the 2nd wave, which obviously impacted on how the NHS was able to perform normal duties. This talk of empty hospitals is nonesense. Video is here:

We have a Veismann combi boiler, installed in about 2014. The wireless thermostat has recently had new batteries, and the boiler serviced a few weeks ago. However, even though we are in summer, and temperatures are in the late teens lower twenties, the heating is still coming on. Eg, we came...

A job I have put off for a few years is to replace our kitchen tap. I finally bought a new one, and it comes with two flexible hoses (M10 x 1/2"BSP). However. they are 300mm long. The old tap has two rigid pipes going to soldered joint about 250mm down from the tap. I can't find a 200mm...

We have a mains operated door bell, with a good quality buttton. The chime unit is in the hall (quite old), and works ok. It is wired up to the mains via a transformer I believe. Mrs Wobs would like a wireless chime so we can take it to the back of the house or in the back garden. Given we...

We are looking at getting our garage extended up to accommodate a campervan, so need a door with an opening of about 7'1". Given that Mrs Wobs is not tall (I'm not that tall either for that matter), we would probably need some electric opening system. What would be best from a security point...

Just changed a battery on the 2008 diesel Ford Focus. I wish I had been able to listen in on the design meeting when Ford was planning the battery location for the Ford Focus (2008). I imagine it would have gone something like this: Designer 1: So we want to fit the battery in the engine...

Fancy a trip down memory lane? Here is a copy of the 1983 Autumn/Winter Argos catalogue: https://issuu.com/retromash/docs/argos-no20-1983-autumnwinter Can't believe how much the hi-fi's are! My Dad's Amstrad was about £175! (TS80Mk2). A truly appaulling piece of kit. If only we could go back...

I have fitted a new syphon to our toilet, and we've had a number of issues with it regarding the flush. I originally had a 9" syphon, and after struggling to get it to work, tried an 8". This is slightly better, but if you flush it at just the wrong speed (ie. how my daughter uses it), it...

... yields promising results it does: http://home.web.cern.ch/about/updates/2015/04/cern-researchers-confirm-existence-force

A friend of ours is looking to get uPVC sash windows installed in their front bay (I know, wood is better, but you can't convince everyone). They have been told that they cannot have the sash in the middle section as it would be wider than 1.3m wide, which would breach regulations, and sag...

As many here appreciate real music, I though I'd start off with a track that is getting a lot of play at Wobs Acres: Mole by One Man Banjo www.youtube.com/watch?v=5buxGxKFCPA This is from a superb compilation album of one man bands...

The Voyager probes are some of the most awesome projects mankind has ever done. Voyager 1 has finally seen a drop off of solar particles: Which corresponds with an notable increase in galactic particles (thought to be from supernovae) Which means it could finally be beyond our...

A common bit of kit for many DIYer, but I've noticed an alarming decline in quality recently. When my dad got one in the late 70s, it was solidly made. He still has it, and works well. When I got one about 10 years ago, it was bigger (the WM825 I think), and had many plastic fittings that...

I'm looking for some detachable hinges. The sort where you can lift them apart when open. Often used on certain cases. Does anyone know where I can get some please?

Having ripped out the bathroom suit, we wish to use the old toilet as a plant pot. Not original I know, but....... I tried to drill a hole in the bottom to improve the drainage, only to find that no drill would make more than just a v shaped hole. The tile drill bit wouldn't do much, or even...

I thinking of getting a MIG welder this year, for making stuff from scrap metal (just a hobbie really). Any tips on what to look out for, in terms of good makes, power requirements, etc. Thicknesses of metal I expect to work on are up to 5mm thick, although none would be for any kind of...