For drawers that are sticking try rubbing the track and edges with a candle. This will allow the drawer to slide freely.

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When working with treated timber always use galvanized fixings & fittings, i.e. gal nails, gal bolts, gal hinges etc. Remember to always wear protective equipment such as a dust mask when sawing or drilling treated timber.

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To prevent timber from splitting when nailing or screwing drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the nail or screw size you are using.

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To fix a leaking vase apply paraffin wax inside the vase and allow to harden.

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When choosing a nail length it is a general rule that a plain shank nail should be 2-3 times longer than the timber being held.

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When nailing down decking timber always allow for two nails per board per joist to prevent potential cupping of timber. Always use decking nails as they are designed to reduce lifting.

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To improve the strength of timber joints, it is best to skew nail the timber together. Nailing into end grain will produce the weakest hold strength.

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For best results when attaching roofing use roofing screws with a fitted neoprene seal and remember to always screw through the crest of the corrugate not the valley.

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To prevent your hammer slipping off the head of nails you need to keep the face of the hammer head clean. This can be achieved by rubbing the hammer head with wet and dry sandpaper, or alternatively rubbing the hammer head on a brick.

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Batten screws are normally larger and heavier than standard screws and are useful for attaching heavier timbers. Batten screws are attached by using a hex head drive not a normal screwdriver.

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When hammering a nail into your precious piece of furniture, drill a small hole through a piece of thin timber and place the nail in the hole. If you miss the nail you will hit the extra timber and not mark the furniture.

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When drilling into plaster or brick walls, you can catch the dust before it goes on the floor by using Blu-tac to stick an envelope to the wall, under the drill hole. The envelope should catch the dust before it hits the floor.

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When sawing through timber or melamine place some masking tape on the underside of cutting mark and saw through the timber and the tape. This will prevent the melamine from tearing.

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When using bullet head nails or brads use a nail punch to drive the nail flush with the surface, this avoids bruising the timber surface with the hammer head. For a neater finish you can continue to drive the nail with the nail punch so the nail sits below the surface. Use a timber filler to fill the nail hole. The nail punch point should always be just slightly smaller than the nail head.

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When nailing tacks use a small piece of cardboard as a holder to keep fingers clear of the hammer. Never put tacks in your mouth as points are sharp and easily swallowed.

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When screwing into timber with self drilling screws, applying candle wax or soap to the thread makes screwing easier. Pre drilling is sometimes needed.

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When removing nails from timber place a block of wood between your claw hammer or pinch bar and your work. This will save marking the timber.

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When you need to find a level over a long distance use a length of clear plastic tube. Fill the tube with water making sure there are no air bubbles. The water will find its own level. This is also useful for checking levels around corners.

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To prevent dust falling on you when drilling into a ceiling drill a hole in a jar lid, place your drill through the lid with the sides facing up so the dust can be caught in the upturned lid. Always wear safety goggles to protect eyes.

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To loosen tight screws in old wood drip some vinegar onto the screw head. When it penetrates the screw it should be easier to unscrew.

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When cutting a threaded bolt, screw the nut on before cutting. Winding the nut off the bolt will then straighten out any damaged thread.

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Keep fire blankets and extinguishers in the kitchen and workshop. Ensure you & others know how to use them in the case of a fire. Install smoke alarms, particularly outside all bedrooms as it is more difficult to smell smoke when you are asleep.

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Heavy pictures should be hung with screws into the wall stud. To locate the stud is it best to use an electronic stud finder. Make sure the screw is long enough to allow for the 20mm of plasterboard.

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To keep your ladder safe and sound and prevent it crashing onto your car fix it to the garage wall with a chain and cheap padlock.

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Storing screwdrivers is easy when you drill holes into your workshop shelf or a block of wood, now just sit the screwdrivers in the holes.

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For extra room in your garage try hanging a net across the ceiling. You can throw all the junk into the net and still have room for your car. Make sure the net is attached securely.

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To store your bike out of the way buy some big storage hooks. You can fix them to the ceiling of the garage and never trip over the bike again.

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Keep spare screws from rusting by placing them in a jar along with a bag of silica gel. Keep the lid tightly closed. You’ll find the silica gel in jars of vitamins.

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If you’ve stripped the head of your screw just use your hacksaw to cut a new groove.

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If your ladder is leaving marks on your wall put some old socks over the ends.

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Keep your valuables secure by marking or engraving them with your name and taking photographs of them. Thieves can’t sell them with your name on them and police will be able to easily identify the rightful owner.

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Make your room smell nice by wiping a little vanilla essence on the top of the light bulb.

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To care for metal files and timber rasps make sure you clean them with a wire brush after each use. To protect the file’s edge make a sleeve cover for your files.

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When doing any kind of work involving dust or vapors wear a dust mask or respirator. Respirator filters are graded to meet Australian standards. Different masks are available depending on the hazard.

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When choosing a hacksaw blade use the following guide:

1. Coarse Teeth are required on thick cross sections so the dust falls out of the blade (fine teeth will clog).
2. Fine Tooth Blades are preferred for thin sections. Excessive coarseness may cause “stripping” of the teeth.
3. 32TPI Fine For cutting materials less than 3mm thick such as light angles, sheets and thin tubing.
4. 24TPI Medium for cutting medium angles, heavy sheet and tubing or hard materials. For small solid sections and odd sections. This tooth size generally regarded as most suitable for general use.

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To check your spirit level is level place it on a bench and mark each end and along one side with a pencil. Next, note the bubble location on the level and mark. Turn the level around end for end, line up with pencil marks on the bench. Make sure the bubble reading matches the original mark, if so, all is right.

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Hang handsaws up where possible. To protect the blades coat them with machine oil or a spray on lubricant. A length of split hose can be used to protect the teeth.

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When using a plane, always plane with the grain. To prevent splitting the corners clamp scraps of wood to either side of your work at same level.

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To keep you planer in good condition, always store it on its side as this will prevent the blades from dulling.

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When starting cuts with your planer apply more pressure to the front of the planer, as you finish your stroke apply more pressure to the rear.

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When using a power sander do not press down on the machine. Let its own weight do the sanding otherwise it hinders the action of the sander. Always engage and disengage the sander from your work while the belt or disk is in motion to avoid gouging.

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When circular saw blades loose their edge it is often because of a build up of resin and fine sawdust. To rectify, soak the blade for up to 2 hours in a 50/50 mix of turps and kerosene and give a light scrub.

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When using power tools always use a circuit breaker/safety switch at the power outlet.

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When needing more bench space place a large cutting board over the kitchen sink.

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To store opened packets in your pantry use pegs to fasten the packet. This will keep ingredients fresh until next use.

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To keep recipes from magazines in order, place them in a plastic display folder. This will enable you to see both sides and pages will be able to be wiped down after cooking.

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To clean the microwave place a cup of water in the microwave and turn on high for 5 minutes, leave stand for 3 minutes. Steam will loosen the grease which can then be wiped out with a sponge. To remove odours from the microwave place the juice of 1 lemon and rind in 2 cups of water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then wipe out.

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To help with opening tight jars use a rubber glove which will assist in gripping the lid.

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When brightening up your stainless steel sink use a damp cloth soaked in vinegar. Leave for a short period then rinse and dry.

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When storing cleaning products keep them together in a bucket. This will make it easier to move them around the house as you clean.

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To prevent rust stains on shelves place plastic lids from used jars under cans, this will prevent marks.

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When trying to clean under fridge without moving the fridge wet an old sock with warm water and vinegar and place on the end of a broom handle and move from side to side.

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When cleaning calcium deposits out of kettles add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a kettle half filled with water, heat the water but do not boil, then let settle for a few hours. Deposits should rinse away with water.

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Before placing cut flowers in a vase cut an inch off the stems and add a little bleach to the water, this will keep flowers alive longer as water is cleaner.

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To removing sticky labels and marks from glass rub with methylated spirits.

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To keep moths out of cupboards leave an open packet of Epsom Salts on the shelf.

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To remove stubborn marks on lino rub with kerosene and soapy steel wool.

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To remove a heat mark on a polished oak table use a cloth dipped in a solution of half turpentine and half linseed oil. Rub gently over the white stain and polish when dry.

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To prevent sandpaper tearing use a back and forth motion not circular.

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When using a step ladder make sure the legs are spread widely apart. Ensure the ladder is on a level surface. Always have someone with you to hold the ladder. It is a good idea to wear shoes with grip to avoid your feet slipping off the rungs.

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For best results when sanding use a sanding block. It will save your hands and also help even the pressure placed on the sanding paper. For best results move the block back and forth in the same direction as the grain of the timber.

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When fine-finishing decorative wood surfaces use fine 0000 steel wool. Steel wool is more effective than the finest abrasive paper. Work the steel wool with the grain of the wood.

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When sanding awkward spots emery cloth is ideal as it can be used in strips and pulled back and forth across the surface to be smoothed.

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When sanding rough surfaces start with coarse abrasive paper and change to the finer grade as the surface smooths.

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When sanding timber wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling the fibres.

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To remove the smell of paint in a newly painted room leave an onion, cut in half, in the room.

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To avoid splatters on window panes coat the window with undiluted detergent, leave to dry, splatters that do happen are easily wiped off.

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To achieve a great paint job, preparation is the key. Clean walls, scrape off old lifted paint, patch all holes and sand to a smooth finish. Use painters masking tape to protect cornice and skirtings.

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To soften hardened paint on paintbrushes leave to soak in hot vinegar for 30 minutes.

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For a great finish when painting only dip half the bristles into the paint then gently tap the brush against both sides of the tin. Use criss-cross stroke to spread evenly and start from the unpainted area, working back to the painted area. Maintain a wet edge to avoid overlapping marks.

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To remove old paint from window glass rub with heated vinegar. The vinegar softens paint and then clean glass as usual.

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To patch a small area of chipped paint use a cotton bud instead of a paintbrush. You’ll have no brush to clean and no patch marks.

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To paint pipes without painting the wall as well, hold a piece of cardboard behind the pipe while you paint.

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To keep your paint brushes in shape, after each use clean thoroughly and wrap the bristles in clean dry paper and secure with a rubber band.

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When storing your extension cord give it a wipe down with a spray on lubricant as this will protect the cord and prevent moisture forming. When winding up an extension cord let it loop over your hand, arm or shoulder and hang, or store with the natural fall of the cord.

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When changing a globe make sure you use the correct wattage to suit your fitting. If the wattage is too high it can overload the wires or the fitting. When replacing halogen globes never touch the globe with your hands. Use a tissue or soft paper to cover the globe. Make sure all paper has been removed before turning on the light.

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To eliminate rewiring of fuses you can fit circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are safer as they switch off when overloaded and can be reset by flicking switch to on.

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Always ensure you do not connect too many appliances to the one powerbaord as this may cause overloading.

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Be prepared for a power failure by keeping some candles in the freezer, you’ll always know where to find them.

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Hot electrical appliance plugs can be a sign the plug is faulty. Seek expert advice from an electrician and do not use the appliance in the mean time.

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To care for shovels, spades, and other metal garden tools, after each use the tools should be washed, dried and then sprayed with a lubricant to protect from rust. Garden tools should never be left in soil for long periods of time. If possible it is best to hang them up when they are not in use.

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When planting seedlings grown from seed gradually expose to more sunlight each day. After a week or so transplant to the garden, early in the morning, when its cooler. Water plants with half strength fertilizer. To protect your seedlings cut the bottom off an old plastic drink bottle and place it around the seedling. The bottle will shield the seedling from the elements and act as a greenhouse.

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When watering the garden it is best to water in the morning. Watering during the day is not effective due to evaporation and watering at night encourages fungal disease.

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When placing pipe under garden path dig a hole on each side of the path where you want to start and finish. Attach a garden hose to a length of metal or PVC pipe. Turn on water, full strength, and push pipe and hose underneath path. The water pressure will bore its way through the earth and will enable you to set up your watering system.

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When cleaning gutters and downpipes remove leaves and debris with a gutter scoop.Use the hose to wash away the leftover rubbish. Place hose in downpipes with water turned on full. To keep leaves out of gutters fit plastic mesh gutter guard.

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When storing your lawnmower store in a dry, sheltered area. If where you are storing it is damp sit the mower on a platform so the blades don’t deteriorate.

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Prepare your mixture in a wheelbarrow or, if one is not available, on a large sheet of plywood or heavy plastic. Do not mix concrete on dirt. Mix your concrete as close as possible to where you are using it.

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Use a post hole shovel to dig your hole, add gravel to the bottom of the hole to help with drainage. Drop post into the hole and add enough dirt to secure, stamp dirt firmly at intervals while adding more dirt. Check the post remains vertical. For added strength use cement to fill the hole rather than dirt.

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After gardening clean soiled hands by rubbing with olive oil and sugar.

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When looking for an alternative snail repellant sprinkle sawdust around plants.

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When using weed killer protect nearby plants by placing a tin can, with both ends removed, over the weed and spray directly onto weed.

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When staking a plant use old pantyhose to tie the plant to the stake, as this will not damage the plants. When staking plants in the garden you can use timber stakes, an old broom handle, wooden chopsticks or knitting needles.

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When kneeling in the garden use knee pads or an Ezy Kneeler to make it gentler on the knees.

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When using a ride-on mower mow in a different direction each week to avoid track marks.

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When potting plants in a container place a piece of fly-wire over the hole at the bottom of the pot. This is instead of putting stones on the bottom, allowing more room for the roots and allowing the water to drain.

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If you rotate your indoor plants every few days you will stop them from growing lopsided.

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For mending small holes in metal water pipes you can use Selleys Knead-It products.

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When using a rubber plunger to unblock a drain it helps to spread petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger, then place it over the outlet, wait until the water covers the top of the rubber then move the plunger up and down

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If your toilet cistern is overflowing the ballcock washer may need replacing or the arm of the ballcock may need adjusting

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If your tap is still leaking after replacing the tap washer you may need to re-seat the tap. You can re-seat the tap using a re-seating tool.

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If you have noisy water pipes you may need to install anti-hammer valves.

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If your shower is dripping you need to replace the washer in the tap handle. If the shower head is blocked it needs to be removed and washed out in hot water and detergent. Clean out the holes using a piece of wire.

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When recaulking baths and sinks scrape out crumbly grout and clean the area with a brush dipped in mineral turps. Dry crevice well before applying caulking compound, make compound slightly wider than the gap it is filling. Use a wet rag to push the caulk into the gap and remove excess with a razor blade when dry.

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When changing a tap valve firstly turn off the water supply at the mains. Turn the tap to it’s fullest open position, remove the handle assembly, undo the tap spindle and expose the valve, lift it out and replace it with a new valve. Replace the tap spindle and handle assembly. Turn the water back on at the mains. Turn off the tap and check for leaks.

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When applying new silicone carefully and evenly apply the silicone then spray with window cleaner before wiping into shape with fingertip. To do this wear rubber gloves. Only wipe with finger once, the window cleaner stops the silicon sticking to surfaces either side of the silicon. You should end up with a neat job.

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When filling gaps where there may be movement use a flexible acrylic gap sealer. This will expand and contract with movement.

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Try using Eucalyptus Oil by simply applying to a cloth and dabbing generously, soaking the item to be removed. It can remove car registration stickers, stickers from furniture and labels from jars. Eucalyptus oil naturally dissolves glue and gum from most articles without staining but if in doubt test on small section first.

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To stop the ends of nylon rope fraying after you have cut it, heat the end until it melts, as it cools the strands will weld together. Be careful not to burn yourself as you do this.

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To get a clean pour from an old paint can apply tape to the rim to seal in any dirt or rust, then simply pour as normal.

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To keep your safety goggles free of fog smear the inside and outside with shaving cream then wipe them dry.

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To remove lime deposits from around taps soak some paper towel in white vinegar and place around the tap. Leave for an hour or so and wipe off.

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When hammering the handle should protrude only about 40mm behind your hand. Hold the nail between thumb and forefinger, tap gently to start, when the nail is embedded hit harder. To keep your timber hammer handle in good condition rub it with linseed oil on a regular basis.

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Tubes need replacing once they start to flicker or go gray. It is best to replace both the starter and the tube. Firstly turn off the light switch then twist and pull the tube out followed by the starter. The starter is usually installed like a bayonet light fitting. Slide and twist your new starter into place followed by your new florescent tube.

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When fertilizing ferns only ever use organic based fertilizers such as fish emulsion, blood and bone or a slow release fertilizer such as Nutricote.

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On Australian native plants avoid using fertilizers containing a lot of phosphorus. Many Australian natives accept reasonable quantities if phosphorus but there are also many that resent high levels of phosphorus.

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Continually fertilizing lawns with sulphate of ammonia encourages excessive top growth and reduces root development which eventually makes for a weaker lawn. Occasional feeding with sulphate of ammonia is ok provided there are follow up applications of complete lawn food.

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Never mow too low. Don’t remove more than one third of the leaf in any one mowing. It is best not to mow when it is very hot or very wet. New lawns should be allowed to develop good leaf growth before they are cut.

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Soak your paint brush for approximately 3 minutes in the recommended paint solvent prior to painting, water for water based paints and mineral turps for oil based paints. This will make cleaning the brush easier when you are finished.

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When using a flexible gap filler make sure you tape both sides of the gap before applying the filler. This ensures a neat finish and makes it easier to clean up.

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To maximize the life of your power tool battery do not keep using a tool once you feel the power decreasing. It is time to recharge the battery. Do no overcharge. Once the battery is fully charged, do not leave the battery in the charger as it may then discharge. Never recharge a battery that is already fully charged. Try and keep all your batteries as cool as possible. Ideally charge them in a cool room or in the shade. When a battery is removed from a tool it may need to sit and cool for a few minutes before going into a charger.

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Weed killers work most effectively when the plant is actively growing. This is usually in spring, summer or autumn.

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