Search results

I'm looking for the most robust method of screwing the newel post to the stretcher. Would it be better to drill a large pilot hole through the side of the newel post so that screw threads only grip the stretcher, thereby pulling the post closer to the stretcher? Or pilot drill through both so...

My front garden slopes down towards the highway. I would like to build a retaining wall and dig the garden out to create a PIC driveway. I understand that creating a non-permeable driveway greater 5²m would require planning permission. As the footprint of my car itself is over 8²m I've recently...

I'm about to fit new doors which are 35mm thick. I like the chunky appearance of some firedoor hinges which are 100mm x 76mm. Will these hinges fit a 35mm thick door - or be too big?

I need to fit new architrave and half newel post finial to the wall (neither are fixed yet). I've done a rough cut on some architrave and it seems it will over-hang / cover the top of the finial a lot. Is this the best / right way to fit these items?

I'm about to fit a single-sheet glazed balustrade with wooden handrail on the landing. I've temporarily fitted the half newel post to the wall, but can't find how to attach the handrail to the half newel. Any suggestions or links please?

I need at least 6 insulated plasterboard panels, but can't understand why they're so expensive compared to the sum of their parts. For example: 1. Gyproc Thermaline Tapered edge Plasterboard, (L)2.4m (W)1.2m (T)22mm £65 (B&Q) x 6 = TOTAL £390 vs. 1. Gyproc Standard Tapered edge...

Does anyone make triangular shaped pv panels? I couldn't find any, but surely there would be a huge market for them as they could utilise the limited space on hipped roof semis far more efficiently?

I have an occupancy sensor controlling the lights in the hall, and another controlling the lights on the landing. This has worked well for over 10 years. I'm now building a glass balustrade with LED lighting in the handrail on stairs and landing. I would like this to be controlled by both...

A few years ago they removed Quest HD from our Freeview transmission here in the West Midlands. So I started using a satellite system to pick up Quest HD, just to watch Aussie Gold Hunters / Outback Opal Hunters (every Monday, 9pm). Unfortunately about a couple of months ago I could no longer...

Usual problem - I bought a set of LED downlighters, and a dimmer switch - but the dimmer doesn't reduce the light level! The dimmer switch is a BG Nexus 200W Grid Dimmer (SKU: RBNDTR) - Trailing Edge. The LEDs are 6 x 6W flat panel. Neither seller nor product packaging state compatibility...

I'm about to put up a new ceiling and would like to fit LED strip tape around the edge, about 25cm from the wall. The strip tape will sit behind a silicone diffuser such as eBay item https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266101406404 The diffuser has a depth of 8mm, so I'm thinking of using 9.5mm...

I have six Aico smoke alarms interconnected with 4-core cable. I would now like to add the Aico alarm control / test switch (Ei1529RC). https://www.aico.co.uk/product/ei1529rc-hard-wired-alarm-control-switch/ Would 3094Y cable (4-core 0.75mm²) be sufficient?

I'm replacing the ceiling in the hall. Since I removed the old ceiling there's a lot of electrical cables dangling which will be in the way when I put up the new ceiling. I could cable-clip them to the joist sides, but I don't like that idea because it will make it difficult in the future for...

I'm going to install one of those stair lighting systems where a controller illuminates each step, about ½ second apart, once triggered by a PIR sensor. The controller will be powered by a 24v transformer, and I'll be installing a mains switch for it. Which circuit should this be connected to -...

I'm in the middle of renovating the hall and stairs, and I'm planning to fit picture lights. Q1. I will chase the walls down from the ceiling, install wiring and cover with metal protective channels. How should I terminate the cable at this stage? I assume I don't need some sort of round metal...

I'd like to fit this vertical radiator closer to the corner, but would need to leave a gap for the valve so there isn't really enough room. Is there a compact double-elbow solution for mounting the radiator valves under the radiator, so I can move it closer to the corner? The 10mm Speedfit...

In a hallway where the lighting will usually be controlled by an IR occupancy sensor, I would like a 3-position switch. The switch will allow the lights to be controlled by the sensor, permanently on, or permanently off. As far as I can see the only solution is a "2-way & off" grid switch. Is...

I've just completed a full renovation on an empty flat. The last job to do was connect the gas hob. It was the last job because it's taken months to find a gas engineer to quote for the job (others stopped responding when I asked about providing an invoice, or confirming their Gas Safety...

Hi all, I was planting a tree in my front garden yesterday and put the pickaxe straight through the buried Virgin Media cable, probably on the first strike. It was only buried 4 inches below the surface. Quickly repaired with satellite cable connectors however, it's got me thinking about my...

I have a four gang switch with no access to Neutral but would like to fit a neon indicator for one switch. Is there a good reason why the neon should not be connected between Live & Earth, as although it doesn't trip the RCD it just doesn't feel right.