Learning DIY

Snappa

a plane, handsaw/jigsaw, flat drill bit for the door handles, chisel, hammer, screwdriver, sandpaper

not overly difficult but making sure you get the correct door size is key as depending on the door alot of them can only be trimmed to a certain amount ie 10mm or so. If solid wood you can trim further.

Look for a 'how to' on the web and you shouldnt struggle too much

Leif

Snappa wrote: »

Another crucial thing is learning about which tools are for which jobs, so familiarise yourself with your Dads tools and ask him what they are for. That should give you a decent idea of how to do some basic stuff, and then you just build on that gradually.

Tools are crucial, and can make the difference between a good job, and a botch.

fannyanna wrote: »

I’m now thinking about the different things that I might be able to learn to do myself. Such as :

• how to wire a light fitting or switch,

A lot of electrics are easy, but you MUST turn off the power at the mains, and make sure someone does not tuirn it back on. And some tasks cannot be done unless you are qualified e.g. add a socket in the kitchen.

I sometimes visit a forum call UltimateHandyman which has a lot of informed users, many of them pros. There are doubtless other good forums.

Ebe_Scrooge

In my experience it's a fiddle, rather than difficult. Mark out the amount that needs to be trimmed off the door ( remembering the old adage "measure twice, cut once" !! ), trim off slightly less than you reckon you need ( 'cos I'm paranoid ! ), re-hang the door, see that a bit more needs trimming, trim a bit more, re-hang ....... You get the picture. This is where a professional would do the job in a tenth of the time it takes me .... but this is MSE, after all. Fitting the handles, locks, etc. is similarly very easy, just take the time to make sure the measurements are correct. The vast majority of DIY tasks are fiddly and time-consuming, rather than difficult as such, and can be accomplished by anyone with some basic tools and a dollop of common sense :-)

soupdragon10

One thing I would suggest is invest in a good set of basic tools. There's nothing more frustrating that going to do a job and finding you don't have the right screwdriver/hammer/spanner etc. Also a good spirit level and perhaps a portable workbench if you don't have a garage to work in.

Start with a small job and build up - over the years I've rewired an old house (before the new regs. came in) and more recently DD and I installed our new kitchen (DH hates DIY and keeps us supplied with tea). Now relaying a patio before tackling the decorating.

DIY is largely common sense with a bit of theory that you can pick up either from your father (ideal) or online or from a good book. Happy DIY'ing.

LandyAndy

soupdragon10 wrote: »

One thing I would suggest is invest in a good set of basic tools. There's nothing more frustrating that going to do a job and finding you don't have the right screwdriver/hammer/spanner etc. Also a good spirit level and perhaps a portable workbench if you don't have a garage to work in.

.

Yes. Much better to have a dozen decent tools than a hundred rubbish ones.

I've had my B&D Workmate for 25+ years and it has been incredibly useful.

27col

I can beat that. My workmate is an original from the late 1960's

capeverde

I think your upbringing has a big influence. Probably a bit like learning languages- its a lot easier when you are younger. My Dad did everything and so I can really turn my hand to anything. My best friend though for example was bought up in childrens homes and a more useless character you will never meet when it comes to practical DIY. Great bloke though but dont let him near a drill. As a few have said on here, a lot is down to your tools. For example we use a festool mitre saw that costs over 1000quid and the quality against a B&Q special is scary. Big difference in jig saws as well. You try cutting anything over 5 mill thick with a home brand jig saw and get a straight line! Thing is with DIY, it is so varied and there are so many skills to learn, often you may be better off just paying someone unless you have the time and inclination. The only thing I struggle a bit with is plastering large areas on ceilings. Obviously things like electrics you have to be careful with. Ive had a few bolts because things had been wired up incorrectly by previous owners.

leveller2911

Contact your local College/further education centres as many do DIY coarses.......Try googling it too........