Miscellaneous DIY Projects (or bits of jobs)

[Stanley]

"It passed Paulette's inspection"
I can remember when that was an important consideration. Bringing home a load of logs always did it for Vera!

[Big Kev]

Thank you

Went for a 'proof of concept' before getting a new carpet for the stairs and landing. The stair treads aren't very deep at Chez Kev and my big feet were wearing away the carpet on the risers. I had some laminate flooring, leftover from another job, so installed it on the risers. It gives a tiny bit more room on the treads but it shouldn't wear like carpet. Once I'm happy it's doing what I hope I will be replacing it with oak laminate (to match the hallway).

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[Stanley]

Many staircases have that fault Kev. mine is no exception. That's why I always use the stairs so that my feet are sideways on the treads and have a full tread. Always remember, the bottom three treads are the most dangerous place in the house. (Especially when you're getting older!)

[PanBiker]

Put all the boxing back together for the boiler flue pipe. Edge sealant had gone off sufficiently for painting yesterday. I slipped the access vents of as I decided to give the edges and the whole front face a new coat of paint. That had all dried by today so I shoved the inspection vents back on. Last job was the pelmet re-fixing along the top of the cupboards. I ended up with three long screws left, It was obvious where one went but not the other two! Its secured at each end and at three points along the length so its not going to fall down. I can get the Bosoms steps back round to the centre now this afternoon. Decorating stuff that belongs in the top storage in the pantry is all stowed away.

I had risen two sour-dough loaves overnight so I baked them while I was doing the finishing off.

I had a bit with my lunch and it has passed as edible.

[Stanley]

That sounds like a day of honest endeavour Ian!

[PanBiker]

You could say that, even step ladders are a bit of a challenge with one leg that isn't full functional. Anyway all sorted and the house is a bit tidier as a result. Sally likes it clearer for the Christmas decs and trimming up etc.

[Stanley]

I was thinking about that this morning funnily enough Ian and yes, I know what you mean. And then there's the question of balance which gets more and more suspect. Small stepladders become high risk activity!

[Stanley]

The courier brought my battery yesterday and this morning I fitted it. Dead simple and I now have a functioning hand-held vac again. I didn't go for the cheapest replacement but used my head. Cheaper that Dyson!
Thanks to Kev for giving me the confidence to go on with it. PS I haven't put it on charge, I shall use it for a while before doing that. I have been told that this is better for the battery. I am willing to be educated if I am wrong.....

[Stanley]

Bumped for Kev!

[Big Kev]

Bumped for Kev!

Apologies, it seems I missed this. Glad you got it sorted
I trust it has had a charge since fitting?

[Stanley]

Yes Kev and I have just used it to pick up some crumbs. All is well!
Now you have a new tool belt and have got on top of your infection can we expect to see you swinging into action again?

[Big Kev]

Could be

[Big Kev]

A trip out to Bishop Auckland this morning to pick up a set of leather seats for the Yeti, they were reasonably priced at £180 and in excellent condition. This afternoon's job was to fit them.
Disconnected the battery as the front seats have airbags, seat belt sensors and heating elements in them.
Just the four Torx bolts to undo for the front, disconnect the wiring and out with the old ones.
Reverse of the removal to fit the 'new' ones. The rear just clip in as they are quick release to open up the load space.
Reconnected the battery and took it for a run to reset all the sensors, the dashboard was lit up like a Christmas tree with airbag, seatbelts, traction control, tyre pressure and cruise control warnings. A 10 minute run out and they all reset successfully

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No more old wet labrador smell

[Stanley]

Nice.... I'll bet your heart was in your boots until the reset cleared your screen up!

[Big Kev]

Nice.... I'll bet your heart was in your boots until the reset cleared your screen up!

I was aware that it would happen but it does unnerve you a bit

[Stanley]

[Big Kev]

Youngest offspring came over on Sunday and repointed the ridge on my kitchen, his knees are much more robust than mine so he's much better straddling the roof. I was his labourer for the morning

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[Big Kev]

Made use of a few bits I had lurking in the cellar, there was an 'outside' plug socket I had removed when the dining room window was replaced with French doors, some t&e cable and an exterior light.
Checking a fused spur in the kitchen, it was for the original heating boiler, I had the bonus of it still being live

I drilled a 16mm hole through the kitchen wall, fortunately I bought a 450mm long SDS bit a couple of years ago, and fitted the outside socket. A bit of wiring and some silicone sorted that bit.


The exterior light originally hung on a 2ft length of chain, a bit of a rewire and a plug.

A few stainless hooks and it's all hanging and working

A wipe over the fused spur and a bit of paint around the outside socket and it's all sorted.

[PanBiker]

A good bit of recycling there Kev.

[Big Kev]

A good bit of recycling there Kev.

Cheers Ian, I've added some images using the URL from the gallery (I trust they're visible?)

[PanBiker]

Yes, I can see them all no problem. Is the fused spur in a sunken back box?

[Big Kev]

Yes, I can see them all no problem. Is the fused spur in a sunken back box?

It is indeed.

[PanBiker]

We have set to painting our kitchen. I moved all the counter top appliances from one wall and pulled out the fridge which is on the same wall. We will gradually work our way round the walls and leave the ceiling and central divider with it's butchers bar and hooks till last. They will have to come down to do a proper job. The dresser on the opposite wall and the upright freezer will have to come out as well. I think we will be ready for our holiday in early June to Rhodes, our new travel agent in town rang us today to say that our tickets were ready for collection, flights and accommodation I reckon.