Secrets of the Trades - Builders
Pushing a nail through stiff cardboard when hammering to protect fingers
Blunt the end of the nail to stop it splitting your piece of wood
Drilling a smaller pilot hole into mdf wood before putting in a screw
Store screws and nails in an empty cold cream jar stops them rusting
Use a long handled screwdriver to unscrew stubborn screws
Attach an envelope to the wall under where your drilling to catch dust
Unstick a vinyl floor tile by ironing aluminium foil over the tile for a minute
Age new bricks by brushing them with milk
Use a clear bottle with water in it to make a great spirit level
Mixing plaster with warm water will help it set quicker
Putting washing up liquid into concrete makes it easier to work with
Always wet your finger when using sealant to seal cracks
Mixing black pepper into putty stops birds from eating your window putty
Wrap unused putty in aluminium foil and place in tub will keep for months
Always measure twice and cut once never the other way round
Use another piece of wood to guide you when cutting wood straight
Applying masking tape to plywood when sawing will stop it splitting
Use wax based furniture polish to stop floorboards from squeaking
Use petroleum jelly to stop door hinges from squeaking
To fill a small hole in a wall use toothpaste before painting