Dec 28
The sonic screwdriver that is Doctor Who’s tool of choice might not be far off becoming a reality for DIYers according to engineers. The Time Lord has been using one since 1968, but sonic engineers at the University of Bristol say that thay are busy working on sonic technology to open locks and undo screws.
Bruce Drinkwater is the Professor of Ultrasonics at the University, and says that ‘the answer lies in ultrasonic sound waves. By operating the waves at frequencies way beyond the realms of human hearing, they can be used to apply forces to objects.’
He says: “Doctor Who is renowned for bending the rules of science. But technology has radically moved on since the Doc first stepped out of his Tardis in the sixties. Whilst a fully functioning time machine may still be light years away, engineers are already experimenting with ultrasonic waves to move and manipulate small objects.”
Dec 23
Crown Paints has been put on the market with a price tag of over £100 million. The company, which is based in Darwen, Lancashire and is 233 years old, has been put up for sale to explore their ‘strategic options’. Bosses appointed Deloitte, based in Manchester, to review their options.
Crown have recently revealed that they are on course for profits of £20 million on sales of £180 million. They have increased their market share from 17% to 19% in the last year.
Group chief executive Brian Davidson said last week “We have a clear strategy for growth and are confident that Crown Paints will continue to thrive despite the economic backdrop.”
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If you are looking for a painter/decorator for your home, you can get up to three quotes from reliable, insured tradesmen by filling in our simple online form.
Dec 22
A recent article by Mark Clement at DIY Life has offered some advice on power tools that should be bought and those that should be hired.
Top of the list to buy is the Cordless Drill/Hammer Drill – which, as Mark says is a ’versatile drill…..eliminates the need for multiple tools, so it’s a must-have.’ He also recommends the purchase of a 7 1/4 inch Circular Saw, a portable Table Saw, a Mitre Saw and a Compressor and Finish Nailer.
As for tools you should hire, this really depends on how often you will need to use them. These are some that would probably be more cost effective to hire – a Reciprocating Saw, Flooring Nailer, Laser Level, Roofing Nailer and Concrete Tools.
Most importantly when you are considering renting tools, is to work out how long the project you need the tool for will take, so you can calculate how long to hire it for. If you don’t work this out beforehand and you need to keep hiring, it may end up costing you more than buying the equipment in the first place!
Dec 20
I have just seen an article in a local welsh newspaper, and it sounds like a great idea! A group of dad’s from Neyland in Pembrokeshire who met through a dads group have got together to start a DIY circle – enabling them to look after their kids as well as getting work done on their houses etc. and saving themselves some money too!
Luke Allerton from Milford Haven said “We save some money, have some fun, do something for ourselves and we know the kids are ok”
“The idea has been a great success,” added project worker Dale Barker. This is the third group set up in the Pembrokeshire area.
How many other men (or women?) around the country have set up DIY groups like this? Please leave us a comment as we’d love to hear about you!
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If you are looking for a professional tradesman for a project in your home, you can get up to three quotes from reliable, insured tradesmen by filling in our simple online form.
Dec 17
Maybe your refurbishing your home? Or you’d just like to find some unique and original door hardware, and at an affordable price too? Or perhaps your business premises need to be brought up to date? Take a look at online store, Love Handles. Love Handles are suppliers in the best of architectural door hardware-that’s door handles, door locks and any other door fittings to me and you!
All of Love Handles employees are trained through the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers Education system, meaning if you have a query, they’ll be able to help you, whether your unsure which lock would provide you with the most security for your home or perhaps you need to know more about the legislation that you will be required to meet if you are purchasing door hardware for a business, the Love Handles team will ensure you get the right product.
Due to the diverse client base that Love Handles has, stretching from private home owners to large companies, our product range is sourced from all around the world and all in a huge variety of styles. So, whatever your needs-Love Handles has the solution.
As well as providing products for the house owner, they also have a number of business clients, too. The New Hilton Hotel in Liverpool and the ubiquitous Urban Splash development-Chimney Pot Park in Manchester are just two of the projects that have the Love Handles mark on them!
If you don’t need any advice and you’d just like to buy online, go ahead! Next day delivery is free and this covers the whole of the UK. However, if you’d like to speak to an assistant about a particular query, head across to their Design Centre in Liverpool where they will be more than happy to help.
Visit the Door Handle Shop now!
