There is no such thing as an "ordinary" nail. All nails have been derived for specific uses, although some can be put to several uses. Similarly,various types of hammer are available — always use the correct tool for the job. Wooden-handled hammers have a natural spring in the handles, which makes them easier to control than steel-handled ones.

Nails: a - wire nail; b - cut nail; c - ring nail; d - lost hed nail; e - oval nail; f - panel pin (brad); g - clout nail; h - tack; i - veneer pin; j - upholstery pin.

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In traditionally-built houses made of bricks and blocks, the purpose of plaster is to provide smooth wall surfaces. It is applied to the inner surfaces of the masonry walls that form the outer shell of the building and to both sides of any internal masonry walls. Plastering is a skill acquired only with a lot of practice. Do-it-yourself plasters make the job easier.

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The disparity between what bosses and their employees earn has become one of those recession-chic topics. Politicians are particularly wont to rabbit on about how unfair it is. There have been marches. “The people” are, rightly, very indignant. So much so that in the UK a public inquiry has been launched to have a poke around.Read more...

CARPET YOUR BATHROOM. Bathroom carpets do tend to hold moisture, often look drab and can smell. Use a water-resistant floor-covering instead. Read more...

NEUTRALISE: Tone down your wall colours and floor colourings to provide a clean, blank canvas. Use stronger colours sparingly as accents to create a pleasing, well-thought-out scheme that runs throughout the house. The goal is to create a look that will appeal to the broadest buying audience. Read more...