April 24, 2025
Discover easy DIY tips to make the job easier.
According to recent research, rather than carrying out simple fixes, we’re more likely to call in an expert.
So here are some easy DIY tips to make the job easier.
General DIY Tips
Tape Your Drill Bit
Wrap masking tape around your drill bit at the depth you need — it acts as a visual stop so you don’t drill too far.
Use a Rubber Band to Remove Stripped Screws
Place a wide rubber band over a stripped screw head and press your screwdriver into it — it adds grip and helps remove stubborn screws.
Pre-Drill to Avoid Splitting Wood
When working with wood, drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screw size to avoid cracks.
Magnetize Your Screwdriver
Rub a magnet along your screwdriver shaft a few times — it’ll hold onto screws more easily.
Save Paint with Cling Film
Wrap brushes and rollers in cling film if you’re pausing mid-project — they’ll stay usable for hours or even overnight.
Painting & Decorating
Cut in First
Always paint edges and corners with a brush before using a roller — it gives you a cleaner, more professional finish.
Line Your Paint Tray
Use a plastic bag or tin foil to line your paint tray — it makes cleanup effortless.
Masking Tape Trick
Remove masking tape before the paint fully dries to avoid peeling paint off with it.
Home Fixes
Unstick a Stuck Screw
Heat it gently with a hair dryer to expand the metal slightly, then try unscrewing.
WD-40 for Squeaky Hinges
No need to suffer squeaky doors — a quick spray and it’s silent again.
How to Change a Fuse in a Plug
If an appliance stops working, the fuse in the plug might have blown. First, check the appliance for signs of serious damage like overheating, burning smells, or water exposure — if so, don’t attempt a DIY fix.
If it looks safe, unplug it. Unscrew the plug (usually one screw in the middle), remove the old fuse, and insert a new one with the correct rating (e.g. 3 amp for a lamp). Screw the plug back together.
How to Change Cupboard Door Handles
Swapping cupboard handles is a quick way to refresh your kitchen. For the easiest upgrade, replace old handles with the same style and screw spacing — no need to fill holes.
If switching styles (e.g. two-hole to one-hole), you’ll need filler, a scraper, and matching paint to cover the old holes.
To save money, check out Facebook Marketplace, salvage shops, or affordable stores like Dunelm and Ikea. For more variety, try Swarf Hardware, Anthropologie, Etsy, Notonthehighstreet, Chloe Alberry, or Zara Home.
How to Clear the Gutters
Gutters need clearing after winter to prevent damp and mould. Use a secure ladder and a gloved hand to scoop out debris. For downpipes, a plumber’s probe with a brush head helps clear blockages.
To clean drains, dissolve 1kg of soda crystals in warm water and pour it down — it clears and deodorises without harsh chemicals.
How to Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cool at the top, there’s air trapped inside.
Start with the upstairs radiators. With the heating off, use a radiator key to turn the bleed valve slightly (don’t use pliers). Hold a rag underneath to catch drips. When air stops hissing and water comes out, tighten the valve.
After bleeding all radiators, check your boiler’s pressure gauge.
How to Repaint the Front Door
Remove door furniture for a cleaner job. Sand off any flakes, clean with sugar soap, and decide on a gloss or matt finish.
If using quality exterior paint, no primer needed. Start with panels and edges, brush with the grain, and use masking tape around windows.
Wait about four hours before applying a second coat. Once dry, reattach the fittings.
How to Drill a Hole in a Wall
First, figure out your wall type: solid (brick or block) or hollow (plasterboard on studs). Knock on it — solid sounds dense, hollow sounds empty.
For solid walls, use a hammer drill with a masonry bit. For hollow walls, use a wood bit and check for pipes or wires with a detector first.
Use the right fixings: wall plugs for solid walls, plasterboard fixings for hollow ones. Always drill straight and level at 90°.
How to Refresh Shower Sealant
Got mouldy sealant around your shower or bath? Cut away the old sealant with a knife or use remover gel. Clean the area and let it dry fully.
Apply waterproof silicone with a sealant gun, keeping a steady bead around the edges. Smooth it with a wet finger or tool. Don’t go over it repeatedly — it’ll get messy. Let it dry before using the shower again.
How to Sand Floorboards
Hire an industrial floor sander. Hammer down any raised nails first — they’ll tear the sanding belt.
Start with coarse sandpaper to strip dirt and rough patches, then use medium-grit to smooth it out. Fill any gaps with a mix of sawdust and wood glue, then finish with fine-grit paper for a smooth surface.
Always sand along the grain for the best finish.
How to Revive Rusting Garden Furniture
Scrub off rust and loose paint with a wire brush, then wipe the surface clean.
Use a metal spray paint (e.g. Rust-Oleum) and apply in smooth, side-to-side motions from about 15cm away. Wear gloves and goggles. Let it dry, then apply a second coat for full coverage.
How to Put Up a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls make a big impact but need planning to avoid looking messy. Start by hanging key pieces at eye level (around 150cm from the floor), then build out from there.
Keep it cohesive with matching frame styles, colours, or consistent spacing. Fill gaps with quirky items like plates or vintage photos for a relaxed feel. Lay out everything on the floor first to test your arrangement before hammering any nails.
If you have any DIY tips, please do tell us or if there is a project you have completed and feel proud of, let us know what it was.
You may be interested in our article Making Cleaning the House a Breeze
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