• When drilling on a slippery surface, place on a strip of tape, such as masking tape, on the surface to prevent the bit from slipping.
• A strip of masking tape along the cut line will prevent plywood from splitting.
• Dip the tip of screws and nails into a bar of soap. They go in easier, prevent splitting and makes screws easier to remove should you need to.
• Pencil stubs make good plugs for plaster walls. The lead makes it easy to screw into.
• A bit of Talcum powder stops squeaky floorboards and stair treads.
• If your paint brush has dried hard, try boiling it in vinegar.
• Before buying a stove check out the classified ads. Good used stoves can be bought for a fraction of the new price.
• Sanded floors look good, they are hard wearing, and can be decorated with rugs to add a dash of vibrant colour.
• Dry rot in timber can be treated by bruising with petrol. Hint: don’t do this while smoking!
• Saws will not jam so often if you rub both sides of the blade with candle wax.
• Double to the life-span of paintwork on weatherboards by washing it once a year. Washing takes away the grime that degrades the paintwork.