Handyman DIY: How to make your own picture frame

Step 1: Choose your frame type and timber
Decide which type of picture frame you would like to make. You should take into consideration where the frame will be hung and what will go inside of it. Always hang a picture with the rest of the room in mind. If you are making the frame for a specific picture of photo, write down the measurements of the picture. It is easier to use picture frame moulding as it comes with the groove for glass insertion. If you select timber you will need to use a router to create the groove for the glass.

Step 2: Square the Moulding
Use a handsaw to cut and square the moulding into 4 pieces. (1 for each side of frame)

Step 3: Mitre Box Cuts
Using a Mite box and handsaw, cut the corners one at a time at 45 degrees making sure the timber is orientated correctly. Practice using the mitre box on a few pieces of unwanted timber first before tacking your picture frame creation.
Step 4: Putting the pieces together
Lay the cut frame pieces out onto a flat work surface and arrange them so that they form the correct frame shape and joints. Use wood putty to fill any gaps at the mitered corners.

Step 5: Glue & Clamp
Use wood glue and corner clamps to join the corner sections of the frame. Apply the wood clue along the cut edges, press the pieces together, and hold the pieces in place with a corner clamp. Glue and Clamp all four corners. Check setting time on your glues packaging to see how long to wait before handling the frame again.
Step 6: Flip the frame so that the back is facing up.

Step 7: V Nails
Apply V nails along each glued corner seam with a hammer. Place one nail toward the inside edge. The midpoint of the nail should rest on the seam and the open portion of the V should be pointed toward the inside edge of the frame.

Step 8: Drying and staining
Remove the clamps and allow the frame to dry overnight. Only sand and stain or paint once the glue is completely dry. To achieve a natural wooden look for your frame, varnish the wood, apply 2- 3 coats. Varnishing ensures the wood is protected from the environment making it long lasting and with an elegant shine.


Step 9: Test Glass
Test that the thin glass sits in the frame groove.

Step 10: Place Art
Insert artwork or photo and hammer nails into the backing, securing it around the edges of the frame.

Step 11: D Rings
Attach the D rings on the side of the frame about 1/3 down from the top of the frame. Tie the picture wire or string allowing enough length to adjust the height as needed when you hang the picture.

Should you need help hanging pictures you should consult a professional picture hanger.

Handyman DIY:How to build shelving

Where to hang your painting?

Aside from the aesthetics of where to hang your painting you need to take into consideration the longevity of your painting too. Ideally you would want to hang your painting on a wall which has a wall stud where you can surely anchor the wall hooks, away from any heat source with reasonable humidity and not in direct sunlight.

Hanging your painting
if you are hanging a heavy picture on your plaster walls, make sure you source a wall stud or beam. Lightweight pictures can hang from hooks that stick with adhesive to the wall like 3M or with using a nail. If you have many pictures or artwork that you need to hang maybe you should consider a professional gallery hanging system.

Finding the Wall Studs in plaster walls/gyprock.
Knock on the wall until you hear a solid backing. You could also use an electronic stud finder which beeps or flashes when it passes over wall studs or ceiling joists. Wall studs are usually placed 400 or 600mm apart.
If the best place for you to hang your picture is not near the wall stud, you can use a toggle, which once drilled and screwed in; it will expand and spread the pressure on your wall.

If your walls are brick, simply drill a hole with a masonry drill bit and then hammer in a plastic plug and insert screw.

Depending on your picture weight you wish to suspend your picture from a metal hook secured to the frame or from the paintings wire.
Hanging Wire
The hanging wire should be looped through eye screws, secured in the right and left sides of the frame positioned a third of the way down from the top of the frame.
Measure the wire and tighten to hang so that the wire is not visible once the picture has been hung.
Mark and Nail
Measure and mark the top of the frame when you have it positioned correctly on the wall, you may need to a chair and a ladder. Hold the picture wire up with your finger and measure the distance from your finger to the top of the frame. Measure down that distance from the pencil mark you made on the wall and mark that spot. Nail the picture hook into the wall where you made the mark.
Carefully hang picture and adjust until it is straight.

Tools checklist
Electronic Stud finder (optional)
Spirit Level
Hammer
Drill and bits (masonry)
Eye screws
Hanging Wire
Toggles (optional)
Plastic Plugs
Screws

Handyman DIY:Getting ready for a Sydney Winter!

Keeping your home warm without having to take a second mortgage to pay off your Energy Australia bill is always a challenge.

This article is here to help you keep snug and warm in winter the more “natural” way.

1. Go around your house and check all of your windows. Check to see that all of your windows are properly shut. Use a candle to check for drafts – you will notice a flicker if there is a draft coming in from the window. You can stop the draft by putting a towel or old t shirt to cover where the draft is coming in. If the draft is coming from a structural problem with the window you may need to call a handyman to come and fix the latch or fill the gaps with silicone around the window.

2. Clean out your gutters. Call your local handyman to clean out any leaves or debris. The last thing you want in the middle of winter is roof that is leaking because the gutters are blocked. There is nothing warm and cozy about a waterfall running down the wall.

3. Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. If you aren’t too concerned with style you can roll a towel up and lay it by the door to stop drafts coming from under or alternatively you can get a funky door draft stopper from Spotlight or any other home ware store.

4. Close off any unused rooms. The last things you want is cold air circulating your home which will result in heat loss from the rooms you are trying to keep warm. Your heater will work more efficiently and the warmth will be concentrated in the rooms you choose.

5. Don’t underestimate the power of thick curtains. They can block drafts on both windows and doors. Open them when the sun is out – Sydney still has sunny days in winters to use this to help heat up your home during the day. Close them mid afternoon when the sun starts to set to help keep the heat in.

6. Dress warmly. Beanies are a great idea, as it is a well known fact that most of your body heat escapes from your head. Wear loose clothing article, rather than tight clothing ... Heat accumulates in the folds of the layers, keeping you much warmer than those leggings. You should wear slippers with socks, preferably two pair or one pair of wool socks. Wool is your friend! Grab a “blankie” when laying on the couch….but you already knew that one!

7. Cook. Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making you feel warmer. Make a large pot of soup; put the kettle on for tea. Bake something! Your oven will help to heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking. Make sure to leave the oven door open after cooking/baking to allow the heat to escape into your house.

8. Light candles. Candles can produce a lot of heat, but be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. Not only do they help warm you up but they also make your home feel cozy.

9. Take a hot shower. Not only will this warm you up quickly, but the steam from the hot water will raise moisture levels in the house, helping the ambient temperature feel about 15 degree warmer. Be sure to run the hot water even after you are finished because the more steam in the air, the better the temperature will feel.

10. Hot Water Bottles may be archaic but they work just as well as an electric blanket and they are FREE. Fill our bottle up with boiling water shortly before bed time and place under the quilt cover and your sheets will be nice and toasty when you climb in. Also don’t forget the power of body heat. Cuddle up to someone or your pet for a “snug as bug in a rug” night’s sleep.

Removalist: 12 Highly Recommended Moving Tips

1. Make a list Write everything down!

You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Floral dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".

2. Have plenty of supplies

Make sure you have enough boxes!! Call Red Fig Services if you need a free delivery urgently! Save up some old newspapers for packing paper and where necessary make sure you have some bubble wrap on hand for grandmas fine china! RFS offers FREE box delivery before your move.

3. Colour Coordinate

Use coloured label each box by room. Eg: blue for kitchen, yellow for bathroom, green for lounge etc

4. Utilize wardrobe boxes (if moving home or if you live at the office)

These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging

5. Keep things together

Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, tape cords to TV etc

7. Pack ahead Be prepared.

Removalists charge by the hour so you don’t want to waste time packing whilst the removalist could be moving. Make sure everything is packed up and ready to go when the removalist knocks on the door.

8. Consolidate cleaning supplies

If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it. Alternatively you can make use of Red Fig Cleaning Services in which case ignore tip# 8!)

9. Use luggage

Fill luggage and tog/duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and toilet paper. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your black suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #203 might remain “elusive” for a few days.

10. Safe guard valued items

keep special items close at hand.

It is always advisable to move fragile and sentimental or valued items when possible yourself even if for peace of mind only.

11. Keep important papers with you

keep any Identification papers, birth certificates, realtor info, lease agreements, utility contact info etc

12. Personal Boxes

Each member involved in the move whether it family or staff should make use of a personal box whereby they can pack the items which they will need straight away after the move. Eg: sheets, towel, phone, pens and paper, toiletries etc

Picture Hanging: Fix a plasterboard picture hook

If you want a to hang a picture, clock or wall hanging on plasterboard or other hollow wall - u may be tempted to simply drive a nail through the pasterboard....DON'T DO It - the screw or hook will eventually sag and fall out.

Use a self- drilling plasterboard anchor, such as a Wallmate, and a screw and you will be able to hang weights up to 10kg anywhere on the wall.

If you picture or mirror is heavier than 10kg, contact a professional mirror or picture hanger.

What you will need to get started on your Picture Fixing DIY project:
Wallmate, screw or hook

Step 1:

Use a zinc anchor (unless hanging something electrical).
Insert the Wallmate into the wall and screw in firmly so the coarse thread bites. (Use a Phillips screwdriver or Phillips bit on a cordless drill)
Drive in the head of the anchor until tight against wall. Careful not to drive in too far who you may leave a larger hole than neccessary in the plasterboard.

Step 2:

Screw in 6-7 gauge screw in a nylon anchor, or 8g screw into a zinc die-cast anchor, or a screw hook to hang the picture or wall hanging.
You can also screw on a hook with an eye if you have one.

When in doubt call your local handyman or picture hanging professional.

Removalist: Taking the stress out out of moving

Taking The Stress Out Of Moving Home In Sydney With Reputable Relocation Service Providers

Step 1: Find a good removalist

Once you decide to move the first thing to do is removals company to move you. Make sure they offer transit insurance and ask them for a work reference. Another good question to ask is if they hire contractors to do the job. Some companies simply bring in the work and then out source to other moving companies and charge a mark up. Not only will you not who exactly you are dealing with but you will more than likly be overcharged for the service.

Find a privately owned sydney removalist to ensure you know whoever is moving you has their own business on the line.A good removalist should offer you the most economical strategy in moving your home. By making use of more men you should be able to move faster and reduce the time taken to move which will in turn reduce the costs.

Step 2: Packing Up

Find out whether your movers offer a packing service. If you are short of time or running out of time - why not hire some extra help with packing up. They should also be able to provide you with boxes, packing paper and packing tape.

Make a schedule for packing. It isn't easy to make a list of everything so don't even try and recall the complete contents of your house. Simply write down a list of all the rooms that require packing and go from there. For example: Lounge - TV Cabinent - DVDs, Videos, Spare batteries etc etc.

Start packing up things which you know you will not need to use until after the move. For example - Photo albumns, DVDs, Books.

Also make sure you keep important documents in reach such as rental lease, insurance papers, ID documents as well as have the following telephone numbers put in your mobile phone: Energy Australia, Telstra and your internet provider. You will need these when picking up keys, making new keys, getting parking permits and having your phone line, electricty and gas and internet reconnected.

USEFUL TIP: Colour code your stickers for your boxes that way when you move you can tell your removalist what box goes in what room with one glance. For example: Red stickers is lounge room, blue sticker is bathroom, yellow sticker belongs in the kitchen and so on.This will make is much easier to find things.

Step 3: Moving

Contact your utility providers in the few days leading up to the move to change your connections from your current residence to your new home. Most providers only need at most 1 -3 days to get everything sorted so factor this time in when planning when to call them.

Make sure everything is packed up when the removalist arrives so that there is no time wasted by them putting things in boxes. When they arrive the clock starts and "time is money". By being prepared you could save yourself a lot of money.

Make sure the movers cover all matresses for you and couches etc to avoid them getting dirtied in the process. A professional removalist will know to do this.

So now the move is complete and the unpacking begins. There are companies who provide unpacking services so if you want to get this tiring job done and dusted in one go - I suggest you use this service. However if you are on a budget, having labelled your boxes correctly should allow you to prioritize what boxes to open first and you can go from there.

Whilst moving can be stressful and extremely tiring, it can also be hassle free. The most important thing to remember is to partner with a moving company in Sydney who can take the stress out the day and help you on your way to settling into your new home.

Handyman DIY: Free up a door handle

This is a simple DIY which you can do yourself without calling in the local handyman.

Door handles often become difficult to turn due to wear and tear. If a door gets slammed a lot – this often results in door handles which become either loose on the door or tricky to turn.

WD- 40 is all you need to sort this problem out and perhaps a screwdriver if you need to re secure the door handle. Note, that some oils and fluids can work against mechanisms that rely on gravity or fine springs, such as locks as they can combine with dust and jam the mechanism. I recommend WD-40 as the best lubricant to use here.

Step 1: Remove the door handle from one side

Step 2: If there is no keyed lock, spray the WD-40 along the shaft and also into the end of the latch. Turn the handle back and forth until it loosens up. If this doesn’t help you may need to change the whole mechanism – in which case call a professional handyman.

NOTE:
Never use oil or spray lubricants on key locks in a door handle. Use dry graphite power that won’t attract dirt etc to gum it up.