fast fixes

MAKE THIS WEEKEND THE ONE TO TACKLE THAT QUICK JOB YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO DO FOR AGES!

Words KYLIE JACKES

We’ve all got them: annoying chores around the house that we keep putting off. But armed with the right tools and equipment, actually doing them can be surprisingly swift and gratifying. Here’s our advice on 10 tasks you can DIY this weekend.

Get lines in order

Clotheslines get a lot of use and, over time, the cords may loosen or wear, but the good news is the solutions are simple. Replacement cord is available off the shelf in store, says Damien Cunliffe at Daytek. “And parts can be sourced through the Special Orders Desk.”

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Installing or relocating an existing clothesline is a straightforward job. For wall-mounted models, use a hammer drill and masonry bit to fit the brackets to brick with masonry screws. If your fold-down line is freestanding, it’s a case of either setting the posts of an in-ground model in foundation holes filled with aggregate and concrete, or fixing the posts’ base plates onto a concrete patio with the recommended fasteners. Follow the manufacturer’s manual – especially safety instructions.

Renew silicone

Replacing cracked and discoloured silicone around the bath, shower, mirrors and sink will instantly refresh a bathroom, says Bunnings magazine contributor and DIY specialist Natasha Dickins (@LittleRedIndustries). “This is an easy job even for DIY novices. Scrape out as much existing silicone as possible, then apply a thick layer of silicone remover and leave it for a few hours, before cleaning off with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits,” explains Natasha. “Apply new silicone with a caulking gun or, even easier, use an all-in-one sealant product with attached applicator.”

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Sort out the pantry

Dealing with a disorganised pantry can seem like an overwhelming chore, but the benefits of doing it are huge.

Professional organiser Bonnie Black says it can result in less food wastage and make cooking quicker and easier. For a complete pantry overhaul, she suggests setting aside half a day to pull out all the contents so items can be categorised, containerised and reshelved according to frequency of use. “Good organisation systems include a carousel for sauces, oils and vinegars, tiered shelving for cans and a large basket for kids’ after-school snacks,” Bonnie says. She recommends a consistent storage style, whether it’s clear stackable containers which maximise your pantry space, or recycled jars with handwritten labels.

Improve pantry storage and organisation with adjustable racks that fit inside a cupboard and door. Kaboodle Kitchen 450mm 6 tier pantry pullout baskets in Chrome, $565.13, I/N: 2667708† (five tiers used)

Tighten loose seats

A loose quick-release toilet seat can be fixed in a flash.

“Wearing gloves, push the hinge release buttons at the back of the toilet seat to remove it,” explains Natasha. “Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry the metal fixing caps off the plastic discs underneath, then put the seat back in position to hold the pins while tightening the screws. Lift off the seat again to clip on the caps, then reinstall. When you hear the hinges click into place, the job’s done.”

Stop the drops

Fixing a tap with an annoying drip can take a mere 15 minutes once you have the right parts. “Generally, the cause is worn parts like the washer, O-ring or jumper valve. Before getting started, check with the manufacturer or local authority if you’re permitted to repair yourself, or need to call in a licensed plumber,” says Natasha. “If it’s a DIY job, make note of the product and pick up a ready-to-go repair kit.” To get started, ensure the water is turned off at the mains, then turn the tap on. Disassemble by removing the handle, flange, then spindle using an adjustable spanner. Replace the worn parts with new ones and reassemble.

Keep in mind…

n Before undertaking any DIY activity, be sure you have the necessary skills, use the correct tools and wear the appropriate safety equipment.

n All professional plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed plumber.

n Before drilling into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power before working. If unsure, call a professional.

n Follow product packaging instructions for accurate dilution of strong cleaning solutions. Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks and store out of reach of children and pets.

n Use the right ladder for the job, make sure it has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact (for example, both feet and one hand) on it at all times and have another person nearby in case you need help. Use a ladder rest or gutter clamp instead of leaning the ladder directly on guttering.

n Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch.

Fill the dings

If your home’s walls have succumbed to holes from picture hooks or door handle-inflicted gouges, grab a fast fix off the shelf. “For small holes, mini kits have everything you need to sand, smooth in filler and scrape away the excess,” explains Natasha Dickins. “The longest part of the process is the 30-minute drying time.” For larger holes, Natasha recommends using a suitably sized self-adhesive patch with a multipurpose joint compound. “Once the final filler coat has been sanded, repaint the area,” she adds.

Give timber TLC

Patchy colouring, fading, flaking and peeling are tell-tale signs your exterior timber needs attention. Oiling a deck or outdoor furniture is a job that can be knocked over in a day, but give yourself a weekend so you can take your time prepping the surface and allow generous drying time between coats. Brenna Mathews of Cabot’s says cleaning is a vital first step. “Without removing surface contaminants like dirt, mould and oil, timber can struggle to absorb a new coating and continue to discolour, so give the surface a good sweep and use a specifically formulated cleaner,” she says.

7 8 9 10 silicone, $19.93/100g, I/N: 1210586. 2

1 Selleys ‘Ezi Press’ wet long handle deck scrub brush, $16.90, I/N: 4460246. 3 Inabox ‘Shoe Box’ 36cm x 27cm x 18cm stackable storage container, in White, $9, I/N: 0353063. 4 Ezy Storage ‘Brickor’ storage basket in White, $5.94/ large, I/N: 2583805. 5 Cabot’s ‘Deck Clean’ exterior timber cleaner, $20.88/1L, I/N: 0302443. 6 Hyde ‘Better Finish’ 100mm wall repair patch kit, $24.98, I/N: 0121658. 7 Selleys silicone remover, $37.75/375g, I/N: 0340602. 8 Inabox ‘Twin Vertical’ 34cm x 27cm x 14cm stackable drawer, $17, I/N: 0353066. 9 Stanley 150mm adjustable wrench, $17.99, I/N: 0525479. 10 Fix-A-Tap ‘Delaware’ 13mm tap repair kit, $10.07/pack of 2, I/N: 0143789. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

De-hassle hoses

Problem hose connections sap the joy from gardening. Georgia Liversage at Holman says common issues include blow-offs due to loosely attached fittings or low-quality connectors that can’t grip to the hose. Hand-tighten the connector to ensure it’s closely threaded but, if that doesn’t work, opt for high-quality connectors that have a separate compression ring. To straighten out a kinked hose, Georgia’s tip is to stretch it out in the sun for a few hours. “Allow it to fully cool before wrapping it in a figure-8 shape to prevent kinks,” she says. “Or switch to a retractable hose reel.”

ABOVE Scooping debris from gutters takes only a few minutes, but helps prevent moisture damage and improve fire safety

Clear gutters

Although easy to ignore, clearing gutters is a good home-maintenance habit. Work around the perimeter on a sturdy, level ladder and scoop out leaves into a bucket. To prevent leaf build-up and lessen upkeep, consider installing gutter guards.

Mulch beds

Spending a few hours topping garden beds with mulch is a rewarding job with long-lasting benefits. Doing this provides organic matter, which enriches the soil, helps lock in moisture and suppresses weeds to create a lower-maintenance garden. Good options include pea straw and lucerne mulch and bark-based varieties such as pine, cypress and hardwood. Before adding mulch, make sure to water the ground first. Next, spread the mulch 5-7cm thick and water in well so it settles.

1 Cyclone gutter cleaning tool, $12.98, I/N: 0898465. 2 Nylex retractable hose reel, $168/20m, I/N: 0130863. 3 Nylex 12mm brass sprinkler adaptor, $9.88, I/N: 0098684. 4 Whites ‘StayMesh’ 160mm mesh gutter kit with clips, $11.50/6m, I/N: 3040319. 5 Daltons coloured bark mulch in Black, $10.89/40L, I/N: 0242161. 6 Daltons ‘Number 3’ bark mini chip, $10.69/40L, I/N: 0253407. 7 Holman ‘Combo’ 12mm hose end trigger guns, $18.02/set of 2, I/N: 0246065. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Follow these tips for scraping out old bathroom silicone: bunnings. co.nz/removing-silicone