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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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3 DIY projects to do before Christmas

  1. Home
  2. DIY

5 DIY jobs you should know how to do

Save time, money and stress by learning how to do these basic tasks. - by Greg Fahey
  • 07 May 2019
5 DIY jobs you should know how to do

If you’re keen to learn a few DIY skills that you can use to improve your home, or even just to be able to do basic repairs, here’s five DIY jobs that you should know how to do. 

Use spirit level to hang pictures
Getty

1. How to hang a picture

You’ve got the pictures and you know where you want them - but where do you start when it comes to hanging them? Hold the picture on the wall and lightly mark the top and side pf the frame on the wall. From these points, measure where the hanging point is on the back of the picture and transfer this to the wall.

There’s a range of products you can use to hang a picture depending upon the type of wall you have and the weight of what you’re hanging. Just pick the one that suits your situation, whack it in and hang.

Couple painting a room
Getty

2. How to paint a room

Painting is the easiest and most cost-effective way to totally change the look and feel of a room. If you take the time to learn how to do it you can look forward to a lifetime of having a home that’s right up on the latest trends.  

There’s four basic steps to a successful paint job - preparation, getting the right paint and equipment, then applying the paint.  The only way you’re going to get good is to practice - so what’s holding you back?

Leaky tap
Getty

3. How to fix a leaky tap

Fixing a dripping tap is one DIY job that really pays to know because getting a plumber out to do it will cost you hundreds of dollars.

If you have older style taps with a separate spindle for hot and cold water, here’s a step by step guide to getting it done.

For a mixer tap, turn the water off then pop off the hot/cold indicator button near the handle. Use an Allen key to undo the grub screw holding the handle on and remove it. Continue disassembling the tap until you can remove the cartridge. Replace it with a new one then reassembles the tap.   

Spline roller on flyscreen
Brent Wilson

4. How to replace a flyscreen

To fix a torn fly screen, buy enough mesh to cover the frame. Also buy enough of the rubber gasket, called spline, to go around the frame.  You'll also need the secret weapon to make fixing flyscreens easier – a spline roller.

Pull the old spline out of the frame and remove the torn mesh. Lay the new mesh over the frame then use the spline roller to force the spline back into the groove. Work your way around the frame, keeping the mesh tight. Cut off any excess spline then trim of excess mesh.

Use plunger in kitchen sink
Getty

5. How to unblock a drain

The tool you’ll need to unblock a drain or toilet is a plunger. Place the cone over the blocked outlet and create a seal to the sink or toilet pan. Push down sharply a couple of times on the handle and hopefully the force of this will clear the blockage.

You might have to give it a few goes or try it in conjunction with a chemical drainer that will help break the blockage up. If that doesn’t work then you’ll have to bite the bullet and call a plumber.

You might also like:

5 projects you didn’t know you needed a plumber for

Do these 5 things before painting a room

5 ways to create gallery walls

Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey is a carpenter and licensed builder with over 30 years experience. Combine this with having owned a number of old homes in need of TLC, there aren’t a lot of DIY jobs that he hasn’t tried. When he’s not sharing his knowledge to a wide audience via BHG, he can be found at home with a tool in hand, taking on yet another DIY task.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

5 of the most-searched DIY projects in 2020 (according to Google)

5 of the most-searched DIY projects in 2020 (according to Google)

Inspiration and design ideas for DIY shipping container pools

Inspiration and design ideas for DIY shipping container pools

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

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One granddad made this pink playhouse on wheels for his granddaughter

One granddad made this pink playhouse on wheels for his granddaughter

Kmart hack: A boring mirror gets a beautiful boho makeover

Kmart hack: A boring mirror gets a beautiful boho makeover

 5 DIY jobs for winter

5 DIY jobs for winter

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How to pick the right nail for your DIY job

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How to pick timber for a DIY project

20 fun and easy ideas for fresh DIY home décor

20 fun and easy ideas for fresh DIY home décor

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How to save money with a DIY kitchen

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7 DIY projects homeowners regret doing the most

10 DIY tricks that are second nature to tradies

10 DIY tricks that are second nature to tradies

3 DIY projects to do before Christmas

3 DIY projects to do before Christmas

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