Home DIY

I had a quick look in section 7, it doesn't specify IP requirements for outside of zone 2. However it seems fairly logical that you'd want something splash proof and something that won't get damaged by steam over time. Because the water part of the IP code (second digit) generally seems to refer to jets of water, then to submersion, it's a bit hard to interpret what would suit best, but in my mind, IP65 which is dust tight and protected against low pressure jets from all directions seems fairly sensible.

IP20 aint going to cut it then is it?

Yes and no. I have no actual experience of installing bathroom lights. I have no sense of what people actually install. I've just finished my course which included a big design project including a swimming pool, and with my limited knowledge I feel like if I was going to the effort of changing a light, I'd probably want something that seems protected from the environmental conditions. In this case IP65 seems about right.

Thinking about it, the downlights in our bathroom kill bulbs relatively quickly - I suspect they aren't IP rated to any degree. But I know that a lot of the electrics in here aren't up to the regs.

It doesn’t need to be ip65. From memory ip44 is ok for outside zone 2. Problem is getting them to match the ip65 ones if you need to.

I would say that's nothing to do with steam, but all to do with the heat. Install LED bulbs - even those in Pound shop are OK if you don't feel like spending much. I have downlights in small, steamy bathroom and not had a problem since LED bulbs were put in.

Any recommendations for sellers of nice-but-not-too-pricey door hardware?

Handles, knockers, letterbox etc. Probably looking for brushed brass, nothing particularly ornate or ye olde vibes. Have to get listed building consent so nothing too contemporary looking either.

I got mine from here (a Croft one) https://www.courtyardah.co.uk/shop-by-type/front-door-furniture Not cheap but much cheaper than others I'd seen.

Tap and die sets, do I buy a budget £16 set from screwfix, or should I pay extra for the CK/Teng tools ones - £46, £68 respectively.

Good enough for clearing out threads but if you were cutting them fresh I'd get ones with multiple taps for each size

Just clearing threads. Will probably go somewhere in between and just get a clarke set from Machine Mart.

I have some old railings that I’m gonna turn into pot hanging racks for the kitchen. The paint over the galvanised steel is flaking but looks nice. Is there some kind of ‘direct to metal’ equivalent varnish/lacquer? Brush on - hammerite seems to be unavailable or discontinued

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Will probably go somewhere in between and just get a clarke set from Machine Mart.

Most of my taps and dies are Clarkes. They'll be more than good enough.

@nefarious I’ve One you’re welcome to if in London?

Ive got a clarke set, its fine for the odd thing but if I was using it all the time id be buying premium.

You can buy 1 shot clear which would be fine once it dried, its oil based so you can thin it with some spirit too. Thats what Id use on it if your just want to seal it and keep it as it is.

I'm up in the grim North unfortunately. Cheers tho!

Sweet, deffo occasional use.

Also, new tool(s) day.

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I say this, as if you've bought from eBay, the Royal Mail delays mean I have about 7 items now outstanding going back to 9th Jan.

Guess I was lucky (or you're unlucky). It arrived today (ordered from eBay on Monday). Delivered by Royal Mail.

New cylinder fits inside snugly and only had to cut the metal strip twice as I didn't cut it short enough first time.

Now if only there was anywhere to get more keys cut in SW15. All[1] of the local places are closed.

1. Five of them, two cobblers on URR, one on LRR, Timpsons on the High Street and the one in Putney Exchange all shut. Robert Dyas no longer has a self service machine. Means we only have one key for the outer door that we share with the upstairs neighbour.
   

#winning

Was that a set or all separates?

That's great, thanks for the link. Looks like weekend of procrastinating ahead.

Also, the £1K+ door knocker!

Blimey, wouldn't say they're cheap at all.

I bought two polished brass cylinder pulls for ~£5 each in the last week. One from eBay, another from local building supply shop (Leyland SDM). That place looks 3x as expensive for pretty much anything.

Separate bare tools. There’s never the right combination of tools in the kits. I want brushless where possible.

Also; if you’re getting the sds the 242 model is the exact same as the 243 but without the keyless chuck. Saves about £100 but the Chuck can be bought new for £30! So about £167 all in.

Gonna get the mini extractor for it when I’ve got some cash. Love a tidy job.

https://www.howetools.co.uk/makita-199563-2-hepa-dust-extraction-unit?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjKqABhDLARIsABbJrGkBsH2VlWqana1R-8LAz8aLsuHw3DwzJ338dSsNBA9MVq2PgxxXaLMaAjpkEALw_wcB

All the tools are really reasonable price now I think if you have batterys and a charger already. I have milwaukee stuff but I dont need millions of stuff.

Absolutely. I have some extra cash in the budget for a couple 5A batteries too, but will wait until they’re on sale.
With all the electrical testing gear ordered, there’s been a rather large hole in my pocket this month.