DIY reference book?

Poppycat

I got the Collins book at WH Smith it was about a fiver last Feb, great DIY book

Peartree

When I moved into my first house in the eighties, I got a version of the Readers Digest. It was remaindered as it was the 'old' version and a new, updated one had already come out. It must have been originally written in the early 70s and was full of ideas on how to get rid of all those 'horrid original features' that were so unpopular then - so it was a bit of a museum piece even then (heartbreaking step by step guides to pulling out old fireplaces and getting rid of cornices and coving!). However, as a novice DIYer it made me realise that our doors and bannister had been 'boxed' and by using it 'in reverse' we tracked down all sorts of original features in the house! And good basic DIY advice is good DIY advice notwithstanding the 'fashion' of the era.

I've only recently chucked it away as the pages were falling out because I'd referred to it so much over the years. Now if I need advice I go to the internet and if I can't find what I want post in a forum. However, my Dad, an engineer and brilliant DIYer for 60 odd years, recently bought B&Q's own DIY manual because it had a section specifically relating to a job he was doing (he had a good look at it in the shop). He reckons it is really good.

So another vote for that one as it sounds like it is good for novices but can still offer good ideas as you grow in experience or tackle something you've not done before.

Peartree

PS Not to replace a good DIY manual, but to go alongside it for every home owner, can I put in a vote for the Trade Secrets book (based on the series of BBC2 short programmes). Utterly fascinating and endlessly useful - I refer to it all the time.

ManAtHome

I've had the Readers Digest one for many years - as others have said, the projects are just a bit 70s, but the techniques stuff is great.

Another (cheap) option is the "how to do stuff" leaflets for free from Wickes and B&Q.

HugoSP

Collins DIY Manual. WHSmiths were selling it for £5 last year.

Peartree

ManAtHome wrote: »

Another (cheap) option is the "how to do stuff" leaflets for free from Wickes and B&Q.

Definitely. And whilst it is going off topic a bit here, there is the 'ask your friends and work colleagues'. DIY books are great but sometimes the advice is written by professionals who are so used to doing the job that they don't appreciate how us dumb amateurs might misinterpret their advice. After many years as an amateur DIYer I love being able to share advice that might stop other people doing the dumb timewasting things I've done in my time (even with a DIY manual by my side).

I have to say, some of the absolute best advice I've ever had has been during a coffee break in a meeting and it is usually the stuff the manuals don't mention! Especially the difference between the 'perfect way to do it' and the 'good enough way to do it' when you need to juggle work, eating, sleeping, housekeeping, having some sort of life and DIY!