WORKING WITH ADHESIVES KITCHEN FLOORS ON A MAINTAINBUDGET OUTDOOR WOOD FURNITURE WWW.EASYDIY.CO.ZA SPRING 2022 2022•45ISSUE VATinclR40 SPRING PROJECTS WORKSHOP ■ UPDATE ■ MAINTAIN ■ LIVING POWERASETOFTOOLSPAGE12 USE RECYCLED PAPER TO TRANSFORM FURNITURE DIY 101: EASY COPPER-PIPE-INSPIRED FURNITURE • CREATE AN OUTDOOR LOUNGE AREA • WORKING WITH CORK WIN PAPERCHAIR
DIY 101 19 CANOPY AND CUSHIONS
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FEATURES 14
Whatever your home or DIY project, there’s an adhesive that’s right for the job.
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EasyDIY SPRING 2022 3 CONTENTS SPRING 2022 241914
23 PAPER ART Have an overload of paper to recycle? Why not use the old pages to make a magical showroom-style chair to transform any room in the house?
BITS
As the weather warms up, everyone’s looking forward to spending more time outdoors in a delightful garden or around the braai with loved ones. If your outdoor spaces haven’t fared well this winter, don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy checklist to help you tackle the important tasks easily.
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Create a room divider using cork. It is natural, light and has excellent insulating qualities, which makes it the perfect material for creating new and exciting builds for the home.
Create a luxurious lounge area with a DIY canopy and handpainted pillows inspired by tribal design graphics. 20 WORKING WITH COPPER Transform some copper pipe, plywood and concrete into a handy side table and lamp. 23 ROOM DIVIDER
GUIDE TO 34 WORKING WITH ADHESIVES
31 PROJECT: SIDE TABLE This project is a good example of working with mitred or bridle corner joints to produce a sturdy and attractive side table.
36 KITCHEN FLOORS Lay new kitchen floors the DIY way and save big.
REGULARS 4 EDITORIAL
LIVING 40 WATER-WISE TIPS Tips on how to reduce, reuse, recycle and filter water in the home.
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42 LOAD-SHEDDING SAFETY TIPS Advice on how to maximise the lifespan of your load-shedding arsenal. 44 OPERATING YOUR GENERATOR Expert advice on how to operate your generator safely.
WORKSHOP 27 WOOD JOINTS Learn all about joints to continue your woodworking DIY journey with a limited range of tools and a minimum level of skills. 40 COMMENTARY Springtime projects. ‘N’ BOB 7 Product roundup: Tools every DIYer needs. For the home: Accessories for the bathroom and kitchen. Colour advice: Tips and tricks to refresh your home. Expert advice: How to maintain and get your wood patio furniture ready for spring. Win with Makita! Easy steps to subscribe to EasyDIY GETTING READY FOR SPRING
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EDITORIAL Content Manager Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors Brenda Bryden, Lotte Dekker, Liselotte Flu, Gina Hartoog, Geoff Hollingdale, Orlando Luis, Mark Odell, Gary Petersen, Sami Simper, Gieke van Lon Copy Editor Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator Vanessa Payne ART Head of Design Studio Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Designer Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer Bulelwa Sotashe Cover Image sunray magazinefeatures.co.zaphotos/ SALES Project Manager Gavin Payne gavinp@picasso.co.za +27 21 469 2477 I +27 74 031 9774 Sales Consultants Jacqueline Bezuidenhout, Natalie Sanders
4 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
PRODUCTION Production Editor Shamiela Brenner Advertising Co-ordinator Johan Labuschagne Subscriptions and Distribution Fatima Dramat fatimad@picasso.co.za Distribution On the Dot Printing CTP Printers, Cape Town MANAGEMENT Management Accountant Deidre Musha Business Manager Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines Jocelyne Bayer
Copyright: Picasso Headline. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. EasyDIY is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.
For our enthusiastic DIYers, we have fun projects where you get to work with copper, cork, and paper to create great home accessories and furniture.
Published by: Picasso Headline, a proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 Postal Address: PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 easydiy.co.za businessmediamags.co.za
Orlando Lewis shares his advice and tips on being water-wise, and how to extend the life of your load-shedding survival kits. The woes of load shedding are nothing new to us by now, but if you’ve spent your hard-earned cash on additional rechargeable and solar lighting, gas appliances, UPS battery systems, generators and other solution, it makes sense to prolong the lives of these gadgets and appliances so that they stand the test of time. We also asked Mark Odell to advise us on how to operate our generators safely.
Geoff Hollingdale tackles part two of his working with wood joints tutorials. He makes working with mitred or bridle corner joints sound easy … and it is. Just follow his tips and tricks and step-by-step guide to creating your own wooden side table. And if you’ve ever wondered why your adhesive isn’t quite doing the job, Gina Hartog finds out from the experts which adhesives work best for which projects.
A s your days get longer and the temperature rises, making sure you have outdoor spaces to enjoy for the rest of the year becomes a priority. In this issue, we tackle the must-do outdoor revamps from getting the garden summer ready to curbside clean-ups. We also share tips on keeping your braai grid in tip-top shape and explain why tackling a garage clean-up is perfect for springtime.
RainaJulies CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS FROM ISSUE 45 – WINTER 2022 ROB MOORE-BOYLE is the winner of a Makita MT Power Tool set (comprising a M9204B Random Orbit andM3700BSander,TrimmerM1902BPlaner) SUPPLIEDIMAGES:
SPRINGTIME projects
• Voltage: 20V • No-load speed: 4 000–10 000/min
• Variable speed dial • Impact rating of 0–19 200 BPM (blows per minute)/0–44 800 BPM
BLADE RUNNING?
Tork Craft’s latest 220V impact drills, the TCID0850 850W Contractor and the more powerful TCID1100 1100W Industrial Drill (revving from 3 000 to 3 200rpm), come with all the bells and whistles: • Drill and hammer function
PRODUCT ROUNDUP Bits ‘n’ Bobs EasyDIY SPRING 2022 7
• Comfortable padded rubberised handle • Easy adjustable auxiliary handle. Other features include great forward and reverse action, speed control, trigger lock, 13mm geared chuck and key, metal gearbox and a mode switch and depth stop. The industrial model features a two-speed metal gearbox. Available at: These proven and tested drills are now available to order from www.torkcraft.com UP FOR SOME DRILLING?
SAND LIKE A PRO
The WORX SANDECK WX820.9 Multi Sander is a new cordless multihead replaceable Sandeck sander that does it all, saving you a small fortune at the end of the day. It is a versatile and powerful lightweight DIY tool that comes complete with five different sanding plates, allowing it to operate as a finishing sander, orbital sander, detail sander, finger sander and curved areaSwitchingsander. between sanding plates is quick and easy, thanks to the innovative tool-less clamping system. Loosen the clamp on top of the sander, swap over the sanding plate and then tighten the clamp. The patented design “hyperlock” clamping system provides one ton of clamping force, preventing the sanding plates from slipping.
TOOLS EVERY DIYer needs
The WORX SANDECK has been designed with variable speed, allowing you to control the sanding rate. The workingsanding,lowmicrofilterdust-stopboxensuresdustlevelswhilecreatingacleanerenvironment.
Technical specs:
• Orbit action: rotary -Φ2.5mm, detail -Φ1.8mm • Machine weight: 1.27kg. Available at: WORX is a new brand at Vermont Sales and available at all leading outlets. For more information, contact Vermont Sales on 011 314 7711 or visit www.vermontsales.co.za or www.worxtools.co.za
Olfa’s just introduced two new long-lasting endurance blades: the CTR RTY-2GH with a 45mm blade, and the larger 3GH with a 60mm blade. These two new Olfa premium rotary cutters, specially honed for long hours of cutting performance and durability, thereby saving time and money on blade replacement, were created specifically for heavy rotary cutter users of quilting, sewing, scrapbooking or paper-crafting projects. Available at: For more information on Olfa products, visit www. vermontsales.co.za and look for Olfa. Olfa is available from all leading suppliers countrywide. Whether you need a new sander, drill, blades or pressure washer, we’ve got the heads-up on all the new gadgets for the discerning DIYer
1. You can draw water directly from any freshwater source, such as a pond, river, lake or swimming pool, by connecting the draw hose to the water pump and dropping the float into the water source.
The WORX 20-volt WG620E Hydroshot fills the gap between a standard garden hose and a bulky pressure washer. The Hydroshot is portable and powerful and makes cleaning any outdoor surface, including decks, steps, patios, fences, siding, driveways, sidewalks and stonewalls, quick and effortless. It is also ideal for blasting dirt and grime from cars, trucks, boats, bikes, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and trailers – a must-have for off-road riders at the
The WORX Hydroshot can draw water in four ways:
The WORX WG620 offers 320 psi and five times more pressure than a traditional garden hose with a sprayer.
3. You can draw water via the bottle adaptor connection. 4. You can connect the Hydroshot to a garden hose. Available at: WORX is a leading brand at Vermont Sales and is available from all leading outlets countrywide. For more information, contact Vermont Sales on 011 314 7711 or visit www.worxtools.co.za P
POWER CLEANING FOR SPRINGTIME
CHECK THAT PRESSURE Air technology brand GAV introduces the new digital tyre pressure gauge to South Africa. It has a handy built-in solar-charging panel, switches off automatically and fits all standard valves with a unique auto LED light that lights up the valve connection. It measures up to the maximum of 10 bar and can measure in pounds per square inch (psi), bar, kilopascals (kPa), and track and home. It is cordless, so there is no need for power, and it comes with a handy collapsible water bucket, allowing you to wash your motorcycle, 4x4, or off-road car at the race venue.
A new bottle adapter lets you take the water anywhere, making the Hydroshot far more portable than a traditional pressure washer. A high-capacity optional 4.0Ah battery provides double the runtime compared to traditional 2.0Ah batteries.
PRODUCT ROUNDUPBits ‘n’ Bobs SUPPLIEDIMAGES:
The versatile 5-in-1 pressure nozzle allows you to easily switch between spray intensities 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and garden watering settings. It can draw from any freshwater source and is perfect to use around the home and garden. kilogram per square centimetre pressure. It has a bold, bright digital display panel and thread gauge and is the perfect tool for all two- and four-wheel vehicles and the home workshop. Available at: GAV is a leading international air tech brand at Vermont Sales and is available at all leading stores countrywide. For more information, contact Vermont Sales on 011 314 7711 or visit www.vermontsales.co.za to view the range.
2. You can siphon water from a bucket, barrel, or tub.
Products to turn YOUR HOME PROJECT INTO A DESIGN
SUPPLIEDIMAGES: Here are some of our top home accessory picks benefits due to less need for washing and tumble drying. Both these contemporary designs are available in a wide range of neutral colour options – classic mirror polish, matt-brushed stainless steel, pearl gold, white, antique rose gold and on-trend matt black – designed to pull every bathroom mood board palette together. A good reason to choose a stainless steel heated towel rack rather than chrome towel heaters is that stainless steel towel racks are far better heat conductors – as much as 15 per cent moreJeeveseffective.heated towel rails are known for their sustainable, eco-chic credentials. Both the Sorrento and the Torcello are designed with automatic heating technology for light electricity use – the heating cost is similar to that of a standard light bulb, making it a luxury you can afford. Isn’t that a heartwarming thought in these times of hectic energy price hikes? Jeeves stainless steel towel rails are also 100 per cent recyclable and carry Italtile’s proudly LiveGreen label. For more information, visit www.jeeves.co.za
ELEGANT TAPWARE
EasyDIY SPRING 2022 9 FOR THE HOME Bits ‘n’ Bobs
The hansgrohe Zesis M33 kitchen faucet is the perfect combination of design, quality and function. If your kitchen faucet needs replacing, consider the elegant hansgrohe Zesis M33 kitchen faucet. It convinces with clear lines, efficient use of resources and practical spray types, adding value to any multifunctional kitchen workspace. Despite the minimalist product approach, users do not have to relinquish convenience. An integrated pull-out hose, generous swivel range, delicate handle and rounded, soft edges contribute to the harmonious overall appearance. For modern kitchens with dark accents, the elegant matt black option is ideal. The classic shiny chrome variant suits country-style kitchens and those that are bright white, and for the perfect industrial chic, the matt black and chrome faucet is the idealMakeoption.your kitchen sink the centrepiece of the kitchen counter with the hansgrohe Zesis M33 – an efficient and affordable upgrade for every kitchen. P with six bars, making it ideal for smaller households. The Jeeves Torcello is an impressive 1 055mm x 520mm model with 15 bars, providing ample warming space for big families. Both will ensure a constant supply of fluffy, warm, dry towels and keep them fresher for longer. Plus, there are significant water-saving
IT’S HEATED! If you are revamping your bathroom, a heated towel rack is a must. Exclusively for Italtile customers, Jeeves’s individually handcrafted towel racks include the Jeeves Sorrento and the Jeeves Torcello. Jeeves Sorrento is a compact model – 440mm by 520mm –
Create an inviting space for conversation by framing a relaxed seating area with a fresh border of Bright Skies™ There’s no need to stick to flat planes of colour – a gently curved arch will add interest to a room. Soft neutrals enhance the shelving unit allowing for the perfect backdrop to enhance a mix of decorative pieces – books, flowers, or simply a collection of the things you love. For this look, I recommend Bright Skies, City Life, Purest Frost and Winters Walk.
DEFINE YOUR WORKSPACE WITH COLOUR
The bedroom is one area we sometimes may find hard to reimagine. If you are after a serene space, recreate a feeling of limitless sky by painting a bedroom in wraparound blue with Dulux Colour of the Year 2022, Bright Skies. Using the same colour for walls and ceiling is a clever way to blur the boundaries of a room and make it feel more spacious. Adding accessories in natural tones and textures will complete the look.
GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A NEW DIRECTION
REFRESH A LIVING ROOM WITH A
EXPAND YOUR BEDROOM’S HORIZONS
TWO-TONE LOOK
For information on Dulux colour inspiration, visit Dulux’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram social platforms.
10 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 COLOUR ADVICEBits ‘n’ Bobs
How to breathe NEW LIFE INTO OLD SPACES
Painting your kitchen in airy, neutral salon colours will make it fresh, adaptable and easy to accessorise. Add a splash of colour to the space with a modern panel in Bright Skies, it will add interest and help make the whole room feel more energised. For added stain resistance and a beautiful long-lasting finish in this highly frequented room, I recommend trying the new Dulux Luxurious Silk range. It’s enhanced with silver ion technology for more protection.
Dulux colour expert Palesa Ramisa shares her best tips and tricks for refreshing your home
For many people, the home office may still be an important room. Layer the soft neutrals of the salon palette to create the perfect home workspace. Light, airy and warm, the colours work well together to create a calm and contemporary backdrop for office furnishings. I recommend adding an accent of Bright Skies to bring the look to life, accompanied by City Life and Winters Walk. P SUPPLIEDIMAGES:
• Follow with a fine sand using 220-grit sandpaper.
PETERSEN’S designs and manufactures luxury outdoor and indoor furniture for clients in South Africa, Africa and the world. As an online retailer of wooden tables and deck chairs, patio sofas, poolside sun loungers and sunbeds, garden benches, wooden decor accessories, beds and pedestals, PETERSEN’S services the private residential, hospitality and corporate sectors.
• After five minutes, wipe off excess oil. If not maintained and left to “weather”, the natural warm honey tone of your outdoor wood furniture will gradually change in colour according to its exposure to the elements, and fade to a silver-grey patina. During this ageing process, slight surface cracking can be expected as the timber “dries out”, however, this is a natural occurrence and should not be considered a structural defect. The furniture will continue to be functional for years to come and can be restored at any time to showcase its natural beauty and colour. P grain, giving outdoor wood furniture a new lease on life. If you prefer the silvery grey look, leave it to age naturally. The frequency of maintenance required will depend on how exposed the outdoor furniture is to the elements. Follow this recommended maintenance routine for the best results:
MITCHELL/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,KRISTINIMAGES: KOZIELCZYK/ISTOCKPHOTO.COMWOJCIECH
Time to maintain and get YOUR WOOD PATIO FURNITURE READY FOR SPRING
• Rag-on a coat of the recommended oil (according to product instructions) with some mutton cloth.
uperior quality outdoor wood furniture can last a lifetime if it is maintained and cared for properly. To retain the natural look of your outdoor wood furniture, I recommend regular maintenance, which includes sanding lightly every 12–18 months to remove atmospheric pollution, and re-oiling timber with a natural product such as linseed oil, or what is known as Danish oil. Good wood should never be varnished as it is a sealant; wood needs to breathe, and varnishing is like shrinkwrapping it. Always oil your furniture. Sanding wood removes the top layers of dead wood cells and exposes the fresh layers of timber underneath. Applying a natural oil nourishes and feeds the timber, enhancing both the tone of the wood and the interlocking
EasyDIY SPRING 2022 11 EXPERT ADVICE Bits ‘n’ Bobs
• Remove excess dust and wipe with a dry cloth.
• Hand sand and/or machine sand using 100-grit sandpaper, then step up to 180-grit.
Spring is here and it’s time to make sure your outdoor wood furniture is maintained, protected against the elements, and restored to its former glory.
• Leave to dry thoroughly.
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By Gary Petersen, MD of PETERSEN’S
• Remove all atmospheric pollution by hosing the furniture down and using a hand brush to brush it down.
The Makita MT Angle Grinder M9507B is a 115mm model offering high performance and durability. It is ideally suited for the user who requires an angle grinder that gets the job done. Built with simple, solid power, the M9507B doesn’t play around – its 720W motor produces a maximum no-load speed of 11 000 r/min. Operator comfort and safety have not been overlooked. The ergonomically designed slim motor housing and body shape make for a comfortable fit and the side grip is positioned at a 20-degree angle to the gear housing, providing easier and more comfortable handling. Measuring 261mm in length and weighing 1.9kg, the M9507B is fitted with a 2m supply cord and supplied with a lock nut wrench and a side handle. Grinding and cutting discs must be purchased separately. Makita’s range of standard duty industrial power tools provides the quality you expect from Makita at an affordable price. One lucky reader can win a Makita MT Power Tools set (comprising M9203B Finishing Sander, M9507B Angle Grinder and M8101B Impact Drill)
Makita MT M8101B 13mm Impact Drill
WIN with Makita
To enter and be included in our Business Media Mags newsletter database, SMS EASYDIY 46 MAKITA 1 followed by your full name, email and physical address to 33089. SMSes cost R1.50 each. To enter without inclusion in the newsletter, SMS EASYDIY 46 MAKITA 2. SMS errors are billed; free SMSes do not apply. For full terms and conditions, visit easyDIY.co.za. Competition ends 31 November.
Makita MT M9203B Finishing Sander
The Makita MT M8101B 13mm Impact Drill has a powerful 710W motor and features a keyless chuck and a variable speed trigger that provides the user with maximum control over the drill speed via the trigger with forward and reverse change. The handy lock-on-button locks the trigger switch in place for ease of use in continuous drilling applications. The M8101B has a capacity of 16mm in concrete, 13mm in steel and 30mm in wood, delivering up to 48 000 impacts per minute. This impact drill has a no-load speed of 0–3 200 r/min, measures 296mm in length and weighs 2.1kg. The impact drill has an extra rigid cylindrical housing and comes standard with a side grip, depth gauge and a 2m power supply cord.
The Makita MT M9203B Finishing Sander is compact, lightweight, easy to handle and your perfect partner for all those hard-to-reach corners – this is where a sheet sander comes into its own. The one-third sheet sandpaper is quick and simple to install and remove using the paper clamp with rolled clamper edge. Its features include a sturdy motor housing; high dust extraction for a cleaner working environment; and a rigid aluminium foot with a sponge sleeve that provides high durability and effective vibration-absorbing performance. This 190W model weighs 1.5kg and is supplied with abrasive paper, a punch plate, a dust bag and a 2m long supply cord. An optional hose attachment is available to connect directly to a dust extraction system.
Makita MT M9507B Angle Grinder
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1 year of EasyDIY, 4 issues to enjoy for R130 (incl VAT) CALL 0860 52 52 00 Make sure you have your bank details handy when you call. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm TERMS & CONDITIONS ■ Offer valid for SA residents only. ■ Subscription activation is subject to payment confirmation. SUBSCRIBE EMAIL Feedback@arena.africa ONLINE AT https://subs.arena.africa1 CALL NOW (Call with your credit card details or to arrange a debit order) 0860 52 52 00 SMS 'subs EDIY' to 43331 (standard rates apply) EFT OR DIRECT DEPOSIT Payable to: Arena Holdings - Media Circulation Subs Bank: FNB Branch code: 255-005 Account number: 62793068034 Reference: Your name, surname and cellphone/subscription number Email your proof of payment to: Feedback@arena.africa 5 E ASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 4235 20SAVE%
A
Ready your outdoor spaces FOR SUMMER
Here’s a breakdown of the exterior maintenance and repair jobs you’ll need to do this spring.
14 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRSFeature
s the weather warms up, everyone’s looking forward to spending more time outdoors in a delightful garden or around the braai with loved ones. If your outdoor spaces haven’t fared well this winter, don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy checklist to help you tackle the important tasks easily.
NUMBER UP! Is your house number visible? It may not seem important to you, but your security company, the police and ambulance services need to find your address in an emergency. If yours isn’t clearly visible, make it a priority to put the number up. Use your DIY skills to personalise your house number. Paint it in a glow-in-thedark paint to make it visible at night – Heritage Craft Products and Rust-Oleum have products.
By Gina Hartoog
CLEAN UNDERFOOT Maintain and clean your outdoor flooring according to the particular type of finish.
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Inspect your deck. If the finish is sound, you can go ahead with the cleaning project. However, if you notice that the finish is chipped or cracked in places or the deck hasn’t been resealed in over a year, it’s time to give it some TLC. Choose a product according to the type of wood – either soft or hard. Woodoc’s Deck Sealer can be used for porous woods such as pine and meranti; Deck Dressing should be applied to denser woods. Before cleaning wooden decking, consider the type of wood used in your deck. Hardwoods are durable, and you can use a pressure washer to clean them. For softer woods, use a stiff broom and a hosepipe.
To remove rust from hand tools, soak them in a vinegar and water solution (1:1) overnight (but don’t soak the wooden handles). The following morning, use steel wool to scrub away the rusty sections. Wash in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Rub on some mineral oil. To rejuvenate wooden handles, sand lightly, then apply a thin coating of boiled linseed oil to the handles. Allow to dry.
• After cleaning a wooden door, apply furniture polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions to restore the shine.
CURBSIDE CLEAN-UP
• Wipe down the door and frame with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris.
Inspect the area around your driveway. What is your home’s curbside appeal? If you have thick vegetation close to your gate, consider removing this as it creates the perfect place for thieves to lie in wait. Low-growing succulents like aloe, sedums, vygies, echeveria and senecio are ideal for a driveway garden. They don’t require much maintenance and are water-wise.
• To clean concrete slabs, you can use a pressure washer. If you don’t have your own unit, hire one from your local tool hire company. Pressure washers are useful for removing moss; you can also try vinegar or bleach. Allow it to sit, then scrub away using a broom.
• For steel and glass doors, you can use equal parts vinegar and water as a natural cleaner. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, spray on the door and clean with a soft sponge.
• Fresh and colourful. A simple way to introduce a new look and colour in the spring garden is to paint your old containers. If plants are dead, remove them and clean the container. Wipe down the outer surfaces of pots containing healthy plants. Give clay pots a light sanding before applying paint. Choose acrylic exterior paint as it has built-in UV protection and won’t fade in the sun.
GARDEN CHECKLIST
• Maintain your garden tools. Soak spades and forks in a bucket of water and general detergent to remove caked-on dirt. Dry thoroughly after cleaning. Sharpen all pruning tools. You can use a file or sharpening stone, but remember to wear gloves and goggles.
A large part of your spring clean-up involves tidying up your garden and readying it for the summer. Do a complete inspection with a critical eye and find areas that need repair and maintenance or upgrades.
WOODEN DECKS
EasyDIY SPRING 2022 15
• Clay paving shouldn’t be pressure-washed as the strong spray will disperse the sand between the pavers. Rather use a hosepipe, mild detergent and a stiff bristle broom to clean your paving.
• If your door is painted, take extra care when choosing a cleaning cloth, as anything mildly abrasive may scratch the finish.
• For most finishes, including wood and aluminium, all that is needed to clean the door is a wash-down with a mild detergent and water.
KNOCK, KNOCK
Your front door is the first thing visitors see before stepping into your home, so make a good first impression. Give the door a thorough inspection. If the finish is marred or the paint or varnish is chipped and/or flaking, consider the possibility of a bigger repair job. If the finish is still in good condition:
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRSFeature 16 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 STOCKISTS • Talisman tool hire – www.talisman.co.za; National Call Centre: 0861 878 787 • Coastal tool hire – www.coastalhire.co.za; 011 314 4844 • Leroy Merlin – www.leroymerlin.co.za; 010 493 8000 • Henkel (Sista sealants) – www.henkel.com; Toll-free 0800128181 • Woodoc – www.woodoc.com; Toll-free Help Line: 0800 411 200 • Takealot – www.takealot.com • Garage Guys – www.garageguys.co.za
ANDREEV/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,ALEKSEISKOVPEN/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,MARIIARUNNA10/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,IMAGES: PHOTOVS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,BUZ/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,ROSHCHYN/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,YEVHENTERRA24/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, URFINGUSS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COMALEXWANG_AU/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,
WINDOW WORK If you noticed a draught around your windows this past winter, inspect for gaps between the frame and the wall. Seal these now, especially if you live in a summer rainfall area, as this is often the cause of leaking windows. It’s known as “caulking”, and you’ll need to “run a bead” – a long, thin strip of silicone in the gap between the frame and the walls. Never apply new silicone over the old; use a putty knife to strip out the old seal first. Clean away any small particles before applying the newChoosesilicone.aproduct that adheres to the material type of your window frame and masonry. Sista’s House & Home Universal Silicone is suitable for this job. It provides a flexible, waterproof seal and can be used in exterior and interior applications. The seal should fit seamlessly with the frame and walls and go almost unnoticed, so take your time with the application.
READY TO BRAAI Kick-off braai season by deep cleaning your braai grid. The best way is to make a fire and bake off the grime. Turn up the gas on a gas braai, or make a small charcoal fire and get the coals red-hot. Let it burn for about 20 minutes, then extinguish the fire and allow the grid to cool down. Once cool to the touch, wash down with water and dishwashing detergent or braai grid cleaner, but avoid anything abrasive. Dry off the grid and rub on a little vegetable oil.
SOLAR FOR SECURITY
Outdoor lighting comprises general and security lighting. With ongoing load shedding, a switch to solar makes sense. Depending on your needs, you can get a pack of 4, 10 or even 20 LED wall lights with a PIR sensor (motion) and a night sensor for under R1 000. The units are waterproof and require no wiring – just mount them with the screws provided. Place them anywhere with a good amount of sun – at a front entrance gate, along your driveway or a balustrade. Visit Leroy Merlin or check out Takealot.
GARAGE CLEAN-UP
Before you can consider reorganising the space, it’s time to declutter. Start sorting your items into three piles – keep, donate or toss. Once you have an idea of what you’re keeping, consider how you can improve your garage storage. Plastic storage boxes can be used to store loose items, but remember to label each box so you know what’s inside. Garage Guys offer several wooden shelving units, as well as tool benches, bike hooks for walls and utility hooks for tool storage. They deliver nationwide. P Before use, you need to cut off the top of the silicone cartridge; take extra care not to cut it too low on the nozzle or your bead will be very thick. Snip off the top first, test the width and then cut again if cartridge;required.takeextra thick. the
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CANOPY AND CUSHIONS DIY 101 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 19 Create this luxurious lounge area with a DIY canopy and handpainted pillows inspired by tribal design graphics. By Gieke van Lon and Lotte Dekker A luxurious personal LOUNGE AREA THE CANOPY YOU WILL NEED: • 4 round pinewood posts 45mm Ø240cm • 2 scaffolding cross-sections 90x48mm • 4 round scaffolding base plates 48mm • 16 screws and wall plugs (4 per foot base) • 1 white linen readymade curtain 300x145cm • 2 hemp ropes. YOU WILL NEED: • White pillowcases 50x50cm • 1 black or gold colour textile paint • 1 set of round stencilling brushes • 1x roll masking tape • A piece of cardboard. MORE/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA&GROEN/FEATURESBARBARAIMAGES: IKEAPIPOOS,XENOS,HORNBACH,OFCOOPERATIONWITH Mount two horizontal and vertical round wooden posts with a round scaffolding base to the floor and wall. Secure the canopy well with an Allen key. P The width of the canopy is equal to the length and width of the readymade curtain. The width is determined by the length of the curtain minus a stitched tunnel at the end of the curtain. (This tunnel is the same size as the diameter of the round stick to be inserted).
1. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the pillowcase and place it in the pillowcase. This prevents the paint from pressing through to the back of the pillowcase.
2. Stick masking tape around the pattern you wish to paint. Stencil your pattern with the stencilling brush and fabric paint and let it dry.
3. Remove the masking tape. Iron on the wrong side of the fabric for about 3–5 minutes to fix the paint. After 24 hours, the cushions can be machine-washed at 40°.
4.
The two upright posts will each have a post that runs towards the wall. Link and mount them using the cross-sections.scaffolding HERE’S HOW: HERE’S HOW: 1 42 3 TOOLS: • Wood saw • Drill/drivers • Allen key. TOOLS: • Iron • Scissors • Stanley knife. CUSHIONSDECORATED
6. Get the electrician to attach a bayonet fitting that holds the lightbulb to the extension lead. Attach the light bulb, plug the lead into the power socket and switch on. Happy bedtime reading! P HERE’S HOW: HERE’S HOW: 5.4.3.2.
4. Use scissors to cut one 13mm circle out of one small side of the takeaway container, ensure the hole is close to the bottom. Thread pipe through hole. The stem of the lamp must be seated in the middle of the container and some of the pipe poking out of the side. Use masking tape to seal holes around the pipe.
ASSISTANT:STYLING BROWNJACKIE
5. Repeat step 3 with the remaining copper lengths. Attach the “U” shape to the other end of the 60cm lengths. Allow the glue to dry.
4. Apply glue to another two copper elbows and attach to the top of the “U” shape so the elbow is pointing up. Insert 60cm lengths into the elbow so they are standing vertically. Note: you can lean the structure against the wall so it doesn’t topple.
6. Use a hand saw to cut plywood into a 60x40cm rectangle. You can also get your local hardware store to cut the wood to size.
1. Use the pipe cutter to cut copper pipe into 1 x 10cm length, 2 x 14.5cm lengths and 1 x 55cm length, or ask your local hardware store to cut the pipe to size.
LAMP: STEVENS/AREMEDIASYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZABRETTPHOTOGRAPHY
2. Cut the pipe at marked points using the pipe cutter. Note: you may need to secure a pipe to the workbench with G-clamps.
3. Ask your electrician to cut the extension lead at the plug. Thread the cord through the copper piping, entering at the 14.5cm piece and exiting at the 10cm piece.
3. On the floor, create a “U” shape with one 45cm length and two 30cm lengths. Apply Liquid Nails to the inside of two copper elbows, then connect the pipe lengths with the elbows.
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7. Place the plywood on the floor and stand the copper piping on top. Secure the copper pipe to the plywood using the drill, screws and saddle clips. Flip the table the right way around and move it wherever you please.
2. Assemble the pipe into an “S” shape with elbow fixtures. Start with the 10cm piece (vertically), then one 14.5cm piece (horizontally), then the 55cm piece (vertically), and then the second 14.5cm piece (horizontally) at the base.
1. Use the tape measure and a marker to measure and mark copper pipe into eight lengths – 2 x 60cm lengths, 2 x 45cm lengths and 4 x 30cm lengths.
BEDSIDE LAMP AND SIDE TABLEDIY 101 20 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 Transform some copper pipe, plywood and concrete into a handy side table and lamp. This is a great project if you’re doing home renovations and have a professional sparky on hand to help you. Project and styling by Sami Simper WORKING WITH COPPER COPPER-PIPE SIDE TABLE CONCRETE AND COPPER LAMP • Tape measure • Marker • Copper pipe, elbows and saddle clips • G-clamps • Pipe cutter • Liquid Nails adhesive • Hand saw or drop saw • Plywood • Drill and screws. • Pipe cutter • Small scissors • Masking tape • Cement mix • Bucket • Empty ice cream or takeaway container. TABLE:SIDE
5. To make concrete, prepare a cement mix in a bucket according to packet instructions. Fill the plastic container with concrete and allow it to set. (Note: You can use two chairs on either side of the lamp to hold it in position.) When the concrete is set, cut away the plastic container using scissors.
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ROOM DIVIDER DIY 101 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 23 Cork is natural, light and has excellent insulating qualities, which makes it the perfect material for creating new and exciting builds for the home. By Liselotte Flu WORKING WITH CORK FOLDING SCREEN YOU WILL NEED: • 3 x IVAR side units 178x50cm • 3 pieces of cork fabric 120x43cm • 3 pieces of lace curtaining 61x44cm • 6 x wooden laths 43x10x10cm • 6 x wooden laths 60x10x10cm • 9 x planed timber pieces 43x8x3.5cm • 6 x metal wire 45.5cm, 4mmØ • 12 x screw eye hangers, 6mmØ • Glue • Hinges and screws. PHOTOGRAPHY: MORE/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA&KLAZINGA/FEATURESJANSJE PRODUCTION: MORE&FEATURESVIA 1. Attach the IVAR side units using the hinges. This is the basis of the folding screen. 2. Glue three pieces of planed timber on each strip of cork fabric: one on top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom. Screw two eye hangers on the upside of the cork curtain panels. 3. Make three rectangular frames out of the wooden laths and attach the lace curtaining. Screw two eye hangers on the upside of each lace-curtain panel. 4. Now stick the metal wires through the eye hangers and into the holes at the base of the folding screen. P HERE’S HOW:
When the chair is completely dry, you can paint the paper covering with light-coloured paint.
1. Remove any old paint from the surface of the chair seat.
PAPER ARTDIY 101 24 EasyDIY SPRING 2022
THE INTELLECTUAL CHAIR
• Make the glue last longer by making a slightly denser mix.
Have an overload of paper to recycle?
TOPTIP YOU WILL NEED: • Old wooden chair • Old book with pages with text • Vinyl glue • Flat brush • Fine sandpaper • Bucket • Water • Dust mask • Gloves • Plastic bowl.
WANT MORE?
2. Sand the whole surface of the chair using the fine sandpaper to remove the paint film and allow the vinyl glue to penetrate into the wood. Protect your mouth and nose with a mask and hands with latex gloves. Once finished, dust the entire chair to remove the dust.
8. Let it dry for at least a day before sitting on the chair. P
Why not use the old pages to make a magical showroom-style chair to transform any room in the house?
5. With the flat brush, brush a small portion of the chair with the mixture of water and glue, take a strip of wet paper, squeeze it roughly and lay it on the chair over the wet area.
• Cover the edges of the chair first, then the back, and lastly, the front side.
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4. Prepare the glue – put the vinyl glue and water in a plastic bowl at a one-third glue to two-thirds water ratio.
6. Dip the brush in water and glue and brush over the strip of paper to secure it. Proceed with another strip in the same way.
• If the book strip is not sticking well, soak the paper in water for longer. For a good result, cover the entire chair, including the lower part of the seat, even if this is usually not seen.
3. Prepare the pieces of paper for glueing. Take the old book and divide each page into thin strips about 4–5cm wide and 10cm long. Tear the paper strips by hand to get a better result. Put the paper strips in a bucket of water and leave to soak for a few minutes.
7. Once you’ve completed a section of the wet chair, proceed with another section. When you have covered the whole chair, go over the entire surface of the chair with the brush and the diluted glue.
HERE’S HOW:
Phillips screwdriver Leather punch Bottle
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• Wear eye protectors when doing jobs such as drilling, small chips can fly into the eyes.
Bridle joints, which we focus on in this article, need a few basic hand tools to create a strong, quality joint. The bridle joint is similar to the mortise and tenon joint, the main difference being the length of the “mortise” and the depth of the “tenon”. With the bridle joint, the mortise runs the full depth of the tenon, meaning that the end grain of the tenon is visible, whereas with a traditional mortise and tenon it is invisible.
One of the main uses for the bridle joint (or T-bridle) is joining uprights such as legs to benches, tables, and other similar objects where you don’t want to affect the structural integrity of existing rails or horizontal beams.
By Geoff Hollingdale
Fig. 3. Mitred corner bridle joint.
Master the BASICS OF JOINTS
There are essentially three different types with slight variations:
• Use ear plugs when working with power tools to reduce the noise and damage to your hearing.
In this article we will learn all about joints to continue our woodworking DIY journey with a limited range of tools and a minimum level of skills.
WOOD JOINTS Workshop EasyDIY WINTER 2022 27
• Don’t work with blunt tools; if you push too hard when using a cutting knife or chisel, they can easily slip off the workpiece. Use both hands to guide the chisel and keep the tip away from your body.
Fig. 2. Corner bridle joint created at the corner verticalhorizontalbetweenandtimbers.
LET’S GET JOINING
• Regularly brush and pan sawdust away into a waste bin.
This does have some advantage in that the longer and deeper sections allow for a greater fixing area, which technically makes the joint slightly stronger. However, the downside is that the end grain is visible. This might not be a major problem, but the traditional mortise and tenon may be a better choice as any end grain is hidden.
• T-bridle joints: great for use in situations where vertical (downward) forces are applied and where twisting forces could come into play to form a strong and stable join between horizontal and vertical timbers. They are not ideal for objects that will be moved regularly, as the constant movement will cause weakness over time.
• Corner bridle joints: similar to the above, but instead of forming a joint in the centre or middle of a horizontal section, they are used at the ends to create a corner. In terms of use, the above also applies. This joint is useful for tables and chairs subjected to downward and twisting forces. However, constant movement will weaken the joints over time. Fig. 1. T-bridle joint created verticalhorizontalbetweenandtimbers.
SAFETY FIRST Before we look at this project, let’s talk about safety. Here are some basic yet important tips.
• Mitred bridle joints: instead of the joint being formed at 90° horizontally or vertically, it is formed using a mitre at 45°. Normally only used for the corner joints (but not always) it does have a few advantages in that they can also resist laterally applied forces (as well as vertical and twisting). The joints can be almost invisible, making them ideal for furniture making.
Many of the projects we’re going to make use joints to join the wood structures. Wood joints range from basic half-lap joints to dovetail joints used in professional fine woodworking. With the use of professional power tools, it is straightforward, with practice, to create high-quality joints and tackle complex projects. For simple jointing, I tend to favour mitre and bridle joints. Mitre joints are straightforward to make using a readymade jig and hand saw. If improved joint strength is needed, the joint can be dowelled.
Ensure that you cut this 100 per cent square. Ideally, cut pieces using a simple jig complete with saw (available in many hardware stores) where guides at 90° and 45° are provided to ensure all is straight and true.
Most basic projects don’t get constructed from quality hardwood. We tend to work with softwood (pine) or manmade timber (MDF) or a combination. To make the job as easy and visually appealing as possible, carefully select the timber. Be aware of the following:
1. Check the timber you’re going to use and decide, once the lengths are cut to size, whether the ends of the pieces where the joint is to be formed have any knots or cracking, or if you’re going to stain the wood, and where the end grain will be pointing and visible once fitted.
Next, square up the ends. Don’t rely on these being cut square in the hardware store or timber outlet – this is not always so. Check the ends with a set square. If not square, measure and mark a line around the outside of each piece of timber over each face around 4–5mm from the end and then cut this off.
WOOD JOINTSWorkshop 28 EasyDIY WINTER 2022 CHOOSING THE CORRECT TIMBER FOR JOINTS
• Bowing. Depending on the type of timber, and if it has been around for a long time or stood upright against a wall, it may have bowed, which means you will have to sort through it to find the most workable pieces.
MAKING A BRIDLE JOINT
2. Mark all the bridle joint cutting lines so that you know exactly what and where you need to cut. To get your marks accurate, measure with a tape or ruler, make your marks and then join them up with a square. Measure and mark the depth of the piece of timber you are going to use as your mortise section on the piece you will be using for the tenon. The tenon will run the full width of the mortise, so this measurement needs to be precise –you don’t want to have to trim or sand too much if the tenon extends outside the mortise.
Fig. 5. Mark up lines on timber for shoulder of mortise and tenon joints.
• Knots. Choose timber that is as free from knots and other imperfections as possible. When making your joints, if there is a knot in the wood you are using you can pretty much guarantee it will fall right where you want to make your cuts. You will need to “juggle” with the layout to avoid the knots.
Fig. 6. Use a marking gauge if you have one. Fig. 7. Dowelling drill sets. Brad point drill bits are used for dowelling in basic woodwork, so it’s a good idea to get 6, 8 and 10mm ones with the additional accessories. With your line marked all the way around, measure the width of the tenon timber and divide it by three. The tenon itself needs to be a third of the width of the total width of the timber. Accurately mark points at one-third and two-thirds of the width on the end edge and along the marked line that signifies the width of the mortise timber. Join the two parallel marks together to form the tenon. If you have one, the best tool to use here is a marking gauge. Otherwise use a pencil, ruler and square. With the mortise and tenon joint cutting marked on the timber, the waste area to be cut away is shaded to avoid any confusion about which sections are to be removed, and which side of the cutting line you need to place the saw.
Fig. 4. Stanley mitre box.
3. Before cutting the bridle joints, use a marking knife to score over any cut lines that run across the grain. You should then avoid too much breakout at the ends. We’ll start with shaping the mortise. The mortise will need a horizontal cut along the base of the waste piece to complete it. Use a suitably sized drill bit (as close to the width of the joint as possible) to drill down through the waste section so that you can cut down to the hole. Once cut and the waste is removed, you can then tidy it up.
Here’s how to make a T-bridle joint.
Fig. 13A. and 13B. Example of test fitting.
EasyDIY WINTER 2022 29
6. You should now be looking at what resembles a bridle joint; so position the two sections together to see how good the fit is. If all cuts and chiselling are straight and accurate, then the joint should be tight yet moveable. If you have to force them together, you will need to take off some material. Do this with a sharp chisel, selecting one (I chose a 6mm) close to the tenon width. Select the “best fit” between the pieces. Make a light pencil mark to show the orientation of the pieces. To find the binding points, gently push each section together until they stick and make a mark. Also, check over each cut face to ensure it is flat and level. Sand lightly with a piece of folded sandpaper to get a firm fit. Check the fit regularly to make sure that you’re not taking off too much, which will render your joint loose and sloppy.
Fig. 10. Start cutting the mortise.
7. Finally, fit the timbers together to complete the bridle joint. Spread a light coating of glue over both sides of the tenon. Before the adhesive starts to cure, ensure the two pieces are “square” to each other, using a set square to check. Wipe off any excess glue. Once the glue has set, sand the tenon end flush to the timber surface.
5. Position your tenon or backsaw at the point on the top to the inside of the marked line and start cutting downwards. Cutting at an angle will not only allow you to easily see the line defining the depth to which you need to cut, but will also allow you to keep the saw aligned.
Fig. 9. A “test” piece gripped in the vice. We used a 10mm brad tip to drill the mortise hole for our bridle joint. We recommend using a simple vice. This can easily be clamped or bolted to the work surface, has rubberised grips to avoid marks on the timber, and will assist in cutting the mortice and tenon of a Clampjoint.the timber in the vice at about 45° degrees.
Fig. 8. Using a drill guide. 4. To make the drilling of holes as accurate as possible, a drill stand for power drills is recommended. Various types are available to fit 43mm collar portable power drills. Note that, as shown in this example, the workpiece is clamped down. The drill stand is supported by scrap pieces of offcuts of the same size as used in the project.
With your first cut made, turn the timber and repeat the process on the secondMakecut.ahorizontal cut along the base of the waste piece to remove it using a chisel or a coping saw. Cutting out the tenon uses the same process of clamping the workpiece at an angle in the vice, this time positioning the saw to cut to the outside of the marked lines to remove the two outer pieces marked as “waste”. Finally, level the timber and cut downwards and through the “triangular” area left on the sides. Reposition the workpiece to clamp it in the vice to saw off the two outer pieces. You should now be able to shape the tenon with a sharp chisel. Use the widest one you’ve got. Work the chisel over both sides of the tenon, smoothing out any lumps or unevenness. Pare the wood off evenly.
Fig. 12. Tenon shape cut-out.
Fig. 11. A selection of Stanley chisels.
Make a SIDE TABLE
EasyDIY WINTER 2022 31 WOOD JOINTS Workshop
Mitre joint: I chose an offcut of a kitchen cupboard door of ivory coloured 16mm chipboard as the top. I covered the three sides missing edging with glue-on plastic edging. I sealed the pine with Woodoc 5. When dry, I lightly sanded it with 120-grit paper, then spraypainted the wooden frame with Rust-Oleum Ivory Silk. his project is a good example of working with mitred or bridle corner joints to produce a sturdy and attractive side table. You can make it using either the bridle joints or the mitre joints using a mitre guide box.
MEASUREMENTS
T
Bridle joint: the example made was from 42x42 Pine PAR. You could also use 32x32. You can adjust the size of the side table to your design. Carefully cut all the pieces to length. For the short pieces, don’t forget to allow for adding the timber thickness being used.
WOOD JOINTS 32 EasyDIY WINTER 2022 DOWELLING
Lightly coat the dowel rod with glue. Knock the dowel into the joint until just a millimetre or so of dowel is left for later Repeattrimming.theprocedure with the otherOncejoints.theglue has set, trim the dowel end using a hacksaw in a blade holder. Avoid “scuffing” the surface of the material as you cut. Later, when sanding the assembly, use 120-grit paper to sand the dowel mounts.
PREPARE THE ASSEMBLY FOR THE MOUNTING HOLES
Drill a slight mark to just pierce the top piece. Position the frame with the 50mm screw heads slightly showing to pick up here the frame is aligned with the top. Gently screw in the four screws until the frame is firmly fitted to the top. Sit back and admire your handiwork. P
FITTING THE TOP Place the top on a piece of old towelling or newspaper. The image shows how to position the frame relative to the top. Use a 4mm steel nail or lightly position a 4mm drill to mark where the screw holes will pick up with the top. Masking tape helps position the “line-up” of the frame to the top.
Workshop
To strengthten the joint, glue and insert an 8mm dowel. You can buy 6 and 8mm dowels in 900mm lengths. Check to see if the rod seems uniformly round; some are more oval than round. To allow the dowelling to do its job, we need to groove the outer surface to assist the glue flow down its length. Clamp the dowelling rod in the vice and firmly drag a hacksaw blade held in a holder down its length. Prepare and cut 8–9 x 70mm pieces for this job, rounding or chamfering off one end to assist in starting the dowel into the dowel hole. To drill the holes, mount an 8mm brad bit into the drill, with the stop collar slightly more than 70mm from the cutting surface of the drill. Clamp the frame firmly to the work surface. Position the drill where a dowel is going to be inserted. Use a series of push and ease-off drill motions to clear wood pieces from the hole. Remove the assembly and tap the joint corner to release any more drill shavings.
Mark out the leg assembly to show the four positions where the frame will be attached to the top. You need to drill a 4mm hole and then, using an 8mm drill, slightly counterbore a hole to take a 4 x 50 countersunk (CSK) head chipboard screw. When counterboring the fixing hole, test fit a screw to check it doesn’t protrude more than 7–8mm from the frame; you don’t want the fixing screw piercing the top!
Grooving the dowel with a hacksaw. Chamfering the dowel end. Stop collar fitted to drill.
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Guide to ADHESIVES 34 EasyDIY WINTER 2022
Applications: soft and medium woods, cardboard, paper, cork, chipboard, MDFs and plywood. PVA isn’t suitable for plastic, metal and glass.
Super glues can bond with most porous and nonporous materials. A small amount creates a strong bond, and its ease of use (no mixing required) makes it a popular choice for repair jobs around the house. Available as a gel or liquid. Applications: wood,
Q: How long should I let wood glue dry?
Handyman and woodworker Colin Maré answers some questions about glueing wood.
The Greeks and Romans developed other technologies that included natural substances like egg, milk, grain and animal products to bond items. Today, we use the terms “glue” and “adhesives” interchangeably, says Mark Bell, national sales and marketing manager at Pratley. “However, historically, glue usually refers to a naturally derived substance while adhesives are synthetically produced products.”
Pattex No More Nails Strong & Easy is a safe to use, solvent-free, water-based adhesive.
CHOOSE CORRECTLY Adhesives are used to bond two or more materials together. Products come in various forms, including liquids, pastes, gels, adhesive tapes and films or solids and are classified in different ways – either according to their chemical composition, physical form or application.
Q: Do I need to brush on wood glue?
POINTS TO CONSIDER Before selecting an adhesive for your project, consider the type of materials you need to bond. You also need to factor in environmental conditions, such as the temperatures the item will be exposed to during its lifespan, how strong the bond needs to be and if you want it to be removable, for example, mounting tape, or permanent, as when fixing a vase. “When using adhesives, the most important thing is to read the instructions carefully,” advises Bell. “Each adhesive is different in terms of application, cure time and other technical parameters.”
The following are common types of adhesives the average DIYer or homeowner would need to use for glueing various items in and around the home.
A: You have between 5 and 20 minutes of assembly time, depending on the product, before you need to clamp the work. Most wood glues will cure within 24 hours, creating a bond stronger than the wood itself.
Pattex Contact Transparent leaves no traces of glue and is best used for clear surfaces or coloured materials.
Whatever your home or DIY project, there’s an adhesive that’s right for the job.
TYPES OF ADHESIVES
he earliest records of adhesives date back to around 4000 BC when early man used plant substances to bond clay and materials.
• Wood glue. Wood glue’s main component is polyvinyl acetate (PVA).
A: Rather than opt for the trusty index finger, use a wood glue brush to spread the glue more evenly and get into those hard-to-reach areas.
T
Q&A: WOOD GLUE
Sinem Karaca, head of application engineering and product development at Henkel IMEA ACC, says it’s important to select the correct adhesive for the job to avoid incurring additional costs, failure (due to using the incorrect adhesive) and to ensure long-term stability, as well as durability and strength of your project.
STICK to it!
• Super glue. Cyanoacrylate, commonly known as super glue, is an acrylic resin designed to create a strong and permanent bond. Bonding begins once the adhesive comes into contact with moisture in the air, and the glue cures almost instantly.
A brush is essential for spreading glue on larger surfaces.
In most cases, the work will need to be clamped after the adhesive is applied. Products are usually white and dry to a clear, invisible line.
By Gina Hartoog
THREADLOCKERS
DON’T SKIP THE PREP
• Epoxy. Epoxy adhesives are strong and versatile, useful for bonding most materials. Epoxy comes in two parts – you will need to mix the two before application – the resin is mixed with the hardener at a ratio indicated by the manufacturer, causing a chemical reaction. Epoxy adhesives are often used in construction applications and are a good choice where a strong, waterproof bond is required. Applications: plastic, concrete, different materials. It can be used for most applications including metal, rubber, plastic, brick, concrete, leather, tile and wood.
Before applying adhesive to any surface, make sure the area is clean and dry to ensure high bond strength and optimise the durability, reliability, and lifespan of any bonded joint or repair, advises Mark Bell, Pratley’s national sales and marketing manager.
An anaerobic adhesive designed to permanenetly lock nuts, screws and bolts in place so they withstand loosening through movement or vibration. Specific applications may require certain temperature and strength ranges. An example of a threadlocker is Pratley’s Pratlok, a range of products available in different grades and colour-coded to indicate strength. Pratlok Activator speeds up the cure of Pratlok.
KNOW THE LINGO
Bell also stresses the importance of “roughening” surfaces prior to any type of adhesive bonding. “Before cleaning you should also look at roughening the surface or bond joint with sandpaper. This not only increases the surface area in contact with the adhesive, but also allows for additional mechanical interlocking between the adhesive and the substrate,” he says.
• Craft glues. This category comprises several types of adhesives that can be used for general arts and crafts projects, including hot melt (glue sticks used in a glue gun), fabric glue and spray adhesives. Suitable for glueing paper, cardboard, cork, felt, glass, plastic and combinations of material. P
Sources: www.pattex.co.za;www.henkel.com;www.pratley.co.za
• Polyurethane. Polyurethanes (PUs) are versatile adhesives that bond to porous and nonporous surfaces.
Several times need to be taken into account when using adhesives: Working or open time. The period from when the adhesive is applied to the material until it creates a bond. Projects with a longer open time allow the user to reposition materials before the adhesive starts setting. Pot time. After mixing resin with a hardener, the pot time refers to the amount of time you have to apply the mix to the materials for bonding. Cure or setting time. This is the amount of time required for the adhesive to cure completely.
EasyDIY WINTER 2022 35 Wondafix from Pratley is an epoxy urethane hybrid that can adhere to several different materials, including leather, fabrics, rubber, metals, china, wood, fibreglass and more. ceramics, glass, wood and metal and combinations of these materials. Some products are specified as suitable for a particular material like metal or concrete.
“Some surfaces only need to be dusted, while other oily or dirty substrates may require more elaborate surface preparation prior to adhesive bonding. If a dirty surface is bonded, the adhesive ends up adhering to the contaminants instead of the intended substrate, thus reducing bond strength. Most adhesives cannot penetrate surface contaminants and will not be able to provide an optimum bond,” he explains.
• Contact. Also called contact cement, this adhesive forms a permanent and flexible bond. It is a rubber-based adhesive that is either water- or solvent-based. It is suitable for bonding several different materials and bonds instantly, without the need for clamping. Applications: various woods, laminates, leather, textiles, concrete, glass, flexible PVC, canvas, foam and metal.
PUs require a chemical reaction –moisture – to cure. Some nonporous materials may require moistening before application. Once cured, the bond is waterproof and can be overpainted. PU adhesives may come in single and two-component products. Applications: suitable for jobs where you need to glue two plastic, glass, ceramic, metal, stone, rubber and paper. It shouldn’t be used on items that are placed in a microwave oven or dishwasher, and is not food safe.
STEP 3: Mix mortar, lay and space the tiles. You can lay your tiles directly onto the smoothed concrete floor. Mix the mortar (tile adhesive) according to the product instructions. Apply a film of mortar to small sections of the floor using the notched trowel at a 45°angle.
By Brenda Bryden It may sound ambitious, but with careful planning and preparation and some skill, you can refresh your kitchen by laying new floor tiles yourself.
STEP 1. Plan your tile layout. Measure the floor space, then measure again, decide on your tile layout pattern and calculate the number of tiles you need. Square tiles are the easiest to work with and accommodate a linear or grid pattern, reducing the number of tiles that need to be cut. Do a “dry run” layout of the tiles. Lay full tiles first and then work out how many tiles you need to cut to place against walls, around door jambs, appliances and cabinetry. STEP 2. Prep the flooring area. Make sure the surface you’ll be working on is clean, dry and flat. Use an angle grinder to break up old tiles. Remove old adhesive and smooth the floor/fill up cracks with a suitable filler product.
OPTION 1 LAY NEW TILES ON A BUDGETGuide to 36 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 I
FLOORED!
HERE’S HOW: YOU WILL NEED: • Safety glasses and protective gloves • Tape measure • Pencil • Microfibre cloth • Bucket • Mortar mix (tile adhesive) (option 1) • Tile sponge • Floor tiles (option 1) • Masking tape • Tile spacers • Grout mix • Silicone sealant • Vinyl flooring planks (option 2) • Transition trim (option 2) • Pressure-sensitive vinyl adhesive (option 2) TOOLS: • Notched trowel • Spirit level • Tile cutter • Tile file • Grout float • Grout margin towel • Angle grinder • Hammer drill • Drill • Stanley knife • Rubber mallet • Metal square
STEP 4: Cut the tiles. A word of advice: do not lay mortar before cutting your tile to the correct size – measure your tile, mark it, cut it, dry fit it into the space, then mortar in place. Take your time to measure, then measure again and once more before cutting. Remember to wear safety glasses and gloves when using the tile cutter. Once you’ve marked where you want to cut the tile, place it in the tile cutter, score and cut. Straight cuts are the easiest; curved cuts are basically the same but require more finesse – you can use an angle grinder with a diamond blade and then a tile file to round off if needed. If your trowel doesn’t fit the space where the cut tile will be placed, use the trowel to apply the mortar directly to the back of the tile (known as “back buttering”). But, make sure you apply it with the proper trowel combing marks to ensure a strong bond. Just dabbing spots on the back of the tile will result in hollow tiles.
TOPTIP
EasyDIY SPRING 2022 37
TOPTIP
Mix the grout until it is the consistency of peanut butter, stop and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the chemicals in the mix to weave their magic, resulting in strong, crack-resistant joints.
You will need a trowel with the right-sized grooves for spreading/ combing the adhesive. Lay the tiles down on the mortar and wiggle them back and forth to ensure proper adhesion. Check levels using the spirit level and, if necessary, tap lightly with a rubber mallet to adjust levels. Now, insert tile spacers to align the tiles, ensuring the correct (equal) amount of space for the grouting between each one. As you finish each section of tiling, clean up any excess mortar before moving to the next section (mortar is difficult to remove when dry and will complicate the grouting process). Repeat the process until all the full tiles are laid.
STEP 6: Grout. You’re nearing the end of your tiling project. This and the next step (clean-up and seal) are where you pretty up the project. Mix your grout in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a margin trowel to avoid introducing air into the mix. Scoop some grout from the bucket onto the grout float and smear it diagonally across the tiles to fill the spaces between the tiles (where the spacers were) and hold the tiles in place. Thoroughly fill all the spaces, then take a second pass across the tiles with the now empty grout float to get rid of excess grout. This way you can remove the grout from the tiles without removing it from the spaces. Now dip the tile sponge into a bucket of water, wring it (you want a damp sponge) and run it at an angle across the tiles and grout seams in a serpentine movement. Keep dipping, wringing and wiping until the excess is gone. Dry the tiles with a microfibre cloth.
TOPTIPSTEP 5: Remove the spacers. Once the tiles are installed and the mortar has dried (according to the product specifications), remove all the tile spacers and clean up any dried mortar before grouting.
STEP 7: Finishing touches. Leave the grout to dry and set properly. Avoid walking on the tiling for 24–48 hours. Then it’s time for the final flourish –silicone seal the grout seams neatly.
Selecting a grout colour that closely matches the main colour of the tile will tie everything together harmoniously. If you want to add a modern touch or emphasise the tiles, consider a grout in a complementary or even contrasting colour.
Vinyl plank flooring is an increasingly popular choice for flooring due to its durability and water resistance. Relatively simple to install, planks can also be replaced easily if damaged, simply peel off the damaged plank, apply new adhesive, and fit a new plank.
STEP 4: The grand finale. Once you’ve slid the vinyl planking under the metal channel (transition trims) you installed earlier, secure by tapping lightly with a rubber mallet. Leave the floors to bond for about 4–6 hours before walking on them, then sweep lightly. Avoid washing the flooring for a week to allow the adhesive and planks to settle. P STEP 2: Prep the subfloor. Vinyl planks can be laid onto prepped concrete subfloors once the old flooring has been lifted, or over existing tiles. Follow the same preparation process
TOPTIP
HERE’S HOW:
Vinyl flooring is sensitive to climate change, so leave a 6.5mm gap around the perimeter to allow for expansion without warping.
VINYL PLANK FLOORING ON A BUDGETGuide to 38 EasyDIY SPRING 2022
Be aware of the pattern of each plank and try to match it when using two or more planks to cover an area. Also, try to stagger the joins between the planks and any cut pieces for a natural look.
OPTION 2 LAY GLUE-DOWN
TOPTIP as for tiling and ensure that the surface is clean, dry and flat. Sand down any high spots and fill in any gaps or irregularities with levelling compound. If your kitchen floor joins a different type of flooring in another room, you will need to install transition trim where the two floors meet. Various kinds of trim are available, the most common being a u-shaped piece of metal that can be cut to size and attached to the concrete floor using a hammer drill and masonry bit – the plank will slide under it when laid.
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STEP 1: Measure the floor and plan the way the planks should run, then calculate the number of planks you need (add 10% to accommodate for wastage when cutting).
STEP 3: So now you’re ready to start laying and glueing the planks. Apply and spread pressure-sensitive adhesive to the subfloor using a trowel, then lay your planks – work in sections, planks must be laid within two hours of applying the adhesive. Press each plank firmly onto the adhesive to ensure it bonds fully and evenly. Quickly clean up any oozing with a damp cloth. You may need to cut and trim bits of the planking when you get to the door jambs or around cabinetry. Take it slow, measure and cut carefully, using a Stanley knife and metal square, in increments – it’s better to make several cuts than take off too much.
40 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 WATER-WISELiving R WATER IN YOUR HOME A I GREYWATER SYSTEMS FOR REUSE G P R I I Orlando Luis GUIDELINES FOR USING GREYWATER SAFETY • N •• N • I •• N • G • I •
• Rainwater is a relatively clean and free source of water.
Rainwater harvesting is a technique that collects and stores rainwater for irrigation, laundry, toilet flushing, pool top-up, wash bays and as an off-grid/alternative supply of water.
• You have control over your water supply (ideal for cities with water restrictions).
The benefit of this option is that it is easily installed by anyone at any home. The barrels are readily available and affordable, and they don’t take up much space. However, they have a small capacity, so can easily overflow and waste opportunities to collect larger volumes of water. A better solution is to install a rainwater tank – or several – and re-route your house’s gutter system to channel the rainwater into these tanks. Tanks come in a wide range of colours, styles and capacities to suit all budgets, spaces and needs.
The Blue Drop Progress Report 2022 established that tap water from the majority of municipalities posed a potential health risk to people. The drinking water from 60 per cent of the country’s municipalities does not comply with the microbiological limits as required by the drinking water standard, and 81 per cent have no water safety plans. In light of this, it is a good idea to look at water filtration systems for the home. Water filtration is a method used to remove and reduce impurities in the water. A good water filter acts like a sieve to remove all the bad stuff, such as chlorine, dirt, dust, rust, and parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, but keeps in all those important salts and minerals to keep us healthy.
• It reduces stormwater run-off from homes and businesses.
EasyDIY SPRING 2022 41
South Africa’s collapsing water infrastructure has been in the news recently. This follows the release of the Green Drop Certification Programme report that found South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants to be in a state of collapse. This situation could result in E. coli bacteria and dangerous chemicals ending up in our water systems.
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Rainwater can be collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops, and rainwater harvesting is growing in popularity due to an overall interest in reducing the consumption of potable water and the inherent qualities of rainwater.
The easiest and most well-known way to “clean” water is to boil it. The extreme temperatures are able to kill off most pathogens and bacteria. Other options to purify water include additives such as Aquatabs – effervescent tablets that kill micro-organisms in the water – to prevent water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. P • Systems are very flexible and can be modular, allowing expansion, reconfiguration, or relocation. Installing a rainwater harvesting system is relatively simple. Rain barrels can get you started. This method is the most common and one that many people are familiar with and involves installing a barrel at a gutter downspout to collect rainwater. There are many readily available commercial options on the market.
• It uses simple, inexpensive technologies that are easy to maintain.
• It can be used as a main source of water or an excellent backup source for emergencies.
RAINWATER HARVESTING FOR RECYCLING
• It can solve the drainage problems on your property while providing you with free water.
• The system can be easily retrofitted to an existing structure or built during new home construction.
PURIFYING TAP WATER
Unfortunately, urban living, population increase, climate change, failing infrastructure, pollution, and lifestyle all contribute to a worldwide water crisis as our demand exceeds our supply. Rainwater is a natural resource and excellent source of water for irrigation and household water use.
Home water filtration systems can range from simple bottle water filters and filter jugs to in-line tap water filtration systems, fridge water filters, and reverse osmosis systems. A popular choice is an in-line water filter system – these are as simple as one cartridge that you can attach yourself. With an in-line water filter system, you have access to fresh, filtered water on tap. It’s attached under your kitchen sink and filters all the water from your original tap. Reverse osmosis is a water filtration technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. This is achieved by passing water at high pressure through a thin membrane. However, this is only one stage of a four-stage process: the water passes through a sediment filter first, then a carbon filter, then the reverse osmosis membrane, and finally a filter to remove the odour and taste.
FILTERING TAP WATER
The benefits of rainwater collection include:
Use only distilled water in your batteries, and ensure that your solar panels have enough capacity to fully charge the batteries as insufficient charging power can lessen the lifespan of the batteries or even damage them.
he woes of load shedding are nothing new to South Africans, however, the recent spike to level 6 and warnings of potential level 8 power outages had many people rushing off to purchase additional rechargeable and solar lighting, gas appliances, UPS battery systems, generators and other solutions to survive load shedding.
When it comes to solar systems, there is not a lot that needs doing. Solar panels generally require very little maintenance to function. They only need a periodic light clean with soapy water and a nonabrasive cloth to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren’t obstructing the sun’s rays. The same goes for portable, solar-charging lanterns – just give the solar panel a wipe down to keep it at maximum charging capacity. The batteries for a solar system require some maintenance. If you have a large bank of batteries, rotate them periodically. This is because those Orlando Luis on how to maximise the lifespan of your load-shedding arsenal toward the middle may not receive as much charge as the ones on the outside. Rotating the batteries periodically will help balance this.
Extend the life of your SURVIVALLOAD-SHEDDINGKIT T
SUNNY SIDE UP – SOLAR ENERGY UPKEEP
MAKE SURE UNINTERRUPTIBLEAN POWER SUPPLY STAYS UNINTERRUPTED
All of the gadgets and appliances needed to make load shedding a breeze are available at Brights Hardware stores – visit Beat Loadshedding - BRIGHTS Hardware | Shop Online for more details. Brights stores are located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Montague Park, Plattekloof, Stonewood, Brackengate and Sunningdale. There is also an online store at www.brights.co.za, which offers delivery to anywhere in South Africa. Brights offers same-day delivery in the Western Cape for products purchased online, and also has a tool hire service.
42 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 LOAD-SHEDDING KITSLiving
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is one of the most useful gadgets for your home or business. A UPS can supply power to computer servers, lights, electronic devices, and other appliances. The batteries for a UPS system usually last between three to five years, depending on how often they are used and how they areTomaintained.careforyour UPS, keep it in a location with a temperature not exceeding 25°C (every 8°C rise in temperature may cut your battery life in half). Make sure you leave at least three centimetres of space on each side of the unit for proper airflow, and do not place your UPS near open windows or high-moisture areas. Avoid storing spare batteries for extended periods of time as batteries kept for too long will have a shorter lifespan. Fully discharged batteries must be recharged within 48 hours to prevent damage. For the smaller UPS systems designed to power Wi-Fi routers and such, it is necessary to constantly charge the UPS to keep it at maximum capacity.
Having spent money on these items and with load shedding a reality for years to come, it makes sense to prolong the lives of these gadgets and appliances so that they stand the test of time.
Use large battery interconnect cables to reduce resistance and allow for even charging. Charge your batteries frequently, and keep them clean – a dirty battery connection will weaken the battery over time, leading to loss of energy.
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EasyDIY SPRING 2022 43
LIGHT AND BRIGHT – LED
A must-have purchase for every home that will protect all of your electronic appliances and prolong their lifespans is a surge protector. The main job of a surge protector system is to protect electronic devices from surges that happen when the power goes off and then on again – as with load shedding. The effect of a power surge (too much electrical pressure) is similar to applying too much water pressure to a hose – if there is too much water pressure, the hose will burst. Even if the increased voltage doesn’t immediately break your electronics, it puts extra strain on the components, wearing them down over time. A surge protector diverts the extra electricity from a power surge or spike to the outlet’s grounding wire. There are many more solutions and practical steps for minimising the impact of power outages. On-site experts in all our stores can advise on these products and how to care for and maintain them to ensure longevity.
PROTECT ALL YOUR APPLIANCES
P
LANTERN LOVE Rechargeable LED lanterns, such as the popular Magneto, use lead-acid battery technology and need to be charged regularly. It is not a good idea to drain these batteries completely. If the light starts to dim when in use, it is best to switch the lantern off and then fully charge the lantern for 16–20 hours when the power returns. Lights such as the Magneto last up to 60 hours on dim and 20 hours on bright, so should outlast even four hours of load shedding when new. I prefer Li-ion battery technology, which should last 7–10 years and can be run down to zero without any damage. If possible, look for LED lanterns or emergency lights with these batteries. You also get them for solar and inverter installations – however, they are about three times more pricey than other battery types.
KEEPS THINGS COOKING – GAS CARE Regular maintenance of your stove will not only improve the efficiency of the stove, but also extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Remember to wipe the top of your stove after every use and regularly remove the burners and grates to soak and clean them with soapy water (rinse and dry all parts before putting them back on the stove). Only use a pipe cleaner to clean out the clogged burner holes, and take care when replacing the burners – the holes must line up with the gas flame. If not installed correctly, the flames will not ignite. Never pour water on your gas stove or use a wooden stick to clean the burner holes. It is important to ensure that the gas regulator on a gas appliance is working correctly. If you light your stove or turn on your heater and see lazy yellow flames instead of blue, it is a sign that your regulator needs replacing.
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44 EasyDIY SPRING 2022 SAFETY TIPSLiving
OPERATING GENERATORYOUR L
Thousands of households and businesses have turned to generators to keep the lights and appliances on. Most generators are fuel-driven, and while they can be dangerous, following the safety instructions included with every machine will ensure you can have power and stay safe.
If you have a petrol or diesel generator, you will need to keep extra fuel on hand. Double-check that you are using the correct type of fuel as specified in the instructions and store it in an appropriate safety container in a cool, well-ventilated place (definitely not next to the generator). When you need to add more fuel, make sure that the generator is switched off and cooled down. And to prevent youngsters from accessing the fuel, store it in a locked cage or cabinet.
Top safety tips for
It also bypasses some of the built-in circuit protection devices, so you could end up “frying” some of your electronics.
If you are operating a business, it’s very important that you do not run a welder or an inverter off a generator as it will lead to catastrophic failure of the generator.
1. Never run a generator in a closed space or indoors Only operate a generator in open areas with good airflow to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. You should never run your generator in a partially closed room, garage or inside your house. The ideal situation is to run your generator in a well-ventilated, covered area at least five metres from your house or office, with the engine exhaust directed away from any windows and doors.
To avoid electrocution, never touch the generator with wet hands – keep your generator dry and do not use it in rainy or wet conditions. If you are outdoors, operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as a tarp held up on poles. If you must use an extension cord, it should be a heavy-duty cord rated for outdoor use (in watts or amps). Check that the entire cord is free of cuts and that the plug has all three prongs, this is critical for protection against shock should water have collected inside the equipment.
SIX SAFETY TIPS FOR OPERATING A GENERATOR
For more information or to view Husqvarna’s range of robust and reliable generators, visit www.husqvarna.co.za.
2. Don’t attempt to “backfeed” Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of your home or office by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding”, this practice puts utility workers, your neighbours and your household at risk of electrocution.
Mark Odell, Husqvarna South Africa’s product manager, shares safety tips for operating your generator
6. Maintenance And finally, like your car, service your generator regularly to keep it in optimal condition and running smoothly. This will also further ensure your safety when you are using it. P
5. Keep the area clear Generators are small engines and give off a lot of heat. Wear protective gloves before touching your generator and prevent fires by keeping it well clear of any other items. And always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
oad shedding has left many South African households and businesses in the dark and the cold. Alternative sources of electricity – and generators in particular – seem to be, for the foreseeable future, our only hope to counteract South Africa’s unstable power grid. But many may still be hesitant to make the investment due to safety concerns. Generators have long been the top choice as an alternative source of energy. While there are potential safety hazards, they are the most robust and reliable option to offset the frequent disruptions to our electricity.
3. Water and electricity don’t mix
4. Storing and using fuel
