My Favourite 10 DIY Tips & Tricks

[@richard84738]

I have zero skill about this DIY stuff but these videos are so relaxing. It's like a reassurance that there are decent blokes out there who know their stuff and the world hasn't entirely gone to shit yet.

[@petegibbins9073]

Good stuff as usual one tip I was given when starting woodworking was when using a square to draw a line place the pencil on the mark you made when measuring where you wanted the line and slide the square up to the pencil that way the line you draw will be on the measurement you made. Hope that made sense! That’s why we like KZbin as a picture says a thousand words!!

[@antonioherrera1324]

Man why does that actually makes a lot more sense

[@markhannan4712]

Great tips as always . I’ve cut blinds using my mitre saw and I put tape around the end I was cutting and got a really neat cut

[@jayyambrovich3740]

When I need to mark a location for screws or fixings on a "finish surface" (such as a wall, a floor or a work surface), I put down a piece of painters tape and make the mark on the tape. I then make a dimple with a nail / center punch (or put a drill on the mark and run it in REVERSE) to start it. Once you have your hole, carefully remove the tape (so it doesn't lift the paint off of the wall etc.) and there you are!!

[@MarkartStudio]

Great vid as usual Stuart - down to earth, mixed with an occasional quirky look to camera, solid no faff tips, in fact proper DIY. I wonder how many 'innocent' good folk who just want a quality presentation have had to suffer the total incoherent waffle of silly nonsense BS DIY...loads, including me! My warm thanks.

[@paulwilkin5540]

Brilliant as always. Having always being an enthusiastic DIYer, I have learnt some really useful tips and tricks. The one thing that I have learnt which stands out most is that I have now become really fussy about the end product and have learnt that there is only ever one absolutely correct way to get a great project finish. This is extremely satisfying.

[@LiqdPT]

3:00 frequently the body of the tape measure is a certain size, and it's marked on the casing. So you can put the end of the tape in one corner and just pull the tape until the back of the body is against the other corner. Now just add the size of the body to your measurement.

[@saveriog.825]

True, but frequently that size is an odd number, plus it's not easy to read the exact measure at the "mouth" of the tape body. I find easier and more accurate to use the 2 steps method.

[@LiqdPT]

@@saveriog.825 my favorite tape has a 3" body, so that's easy to add

[@saveriog.825]

@@LiqdPT you are lucky! All the metric tapes I've had had measures like 76mm or 83mm... Not easy to deal with! Maybe tape's bodies are designed in imperial units!

[@robertdeathridge8148]

Only just started watching your videos, and am impressed by the way you simplify the tasks and also the fact that you are not trying to persuade your viewers to buy expensive kit that they probably will only use a couple of times. I'm enjoying watching your site, keep up the good work and keep your pencil sharp. In fact you always try to keep

[@andyc972]

Thanks Stuart, the string line is easily the best tip here, use it all the time now, most of the others I've heard of, or have worked out myself over the decades, wish I could have found them all in one place like this way back then !

[@boredirishguy]

That string line tip is an absolute game changer. I used it today putting in some fence posts

[@antonioherrera1324]

Idk if I can explain it good but let's say you can't use any stakes and have a block wall or something you can put in a screw, you take ur line, pull it to where ur figure would be tight enough, if you have someone else pull it too makes it slot easier, where u calculated the line can reach the screw, make a loop(without pulling the line) you put ur finger on it and turn the loop like 6 times usually not less, you pull the line, it has to be tight you put the loop into the screw and pull the end of the line before the loop in on the screw and u pull the rest of the line, that keeps going past the screw and then you slowly let go, the loop tights on the line and it's easy to undo, just pull the right line and pull the loose line towards you out of the screw, it's better if someone helps cuz sometimes the tighter you want it the harder it's to pull the loop into the screw, idk if that makes any sense lol

[@KarimSharf-v8h]

For the paint roller or paint brush trick, I wrap in cling film which works really well. I also use this on a bucket of wallpaper paste if I have to continue the next day.

[@YAWN....]

Aww, how cutesy wutesy...

[@nickm8494]

Some great tips for the DIYer, Stuart. As a pro carpenter and cabinet maker I do a lot of measuring and have found a couple of things that work for me. Firstly I always have a folding carpenter's rule for measuring/marking along flat surfaces. I find it much easier than the 100mm method, plus it's useful for measuring in from walls, inside cabinets etc. For measuring between walls, cabinet side panels, reveals etc, I just use a laser measure, even for short distances. Offer it up and press the button, job done. With "trapped ends" eg skirting or batten between walls, it's always good practice to overcut the length you're fitting by a few mm then nibble it on the chop saw to shoot it in. Last tip: the rubber grips on those Stanley tapes can be used as pencil erasers!

[@apmeehan]

The laser measure really was a game-changer for me. I initially just got it for easy measuring of room-layout distances that are awkward with tape measure, but its now the first thing I reach for for measuring almost *everything*. With how cheap they are these days, I consider it to be just as indispensable as things like a regular tape measure, rule, hammer, drill driver etc.

[@compunurse]

Old dog here. I have learned a new trick. Actually a couple. Thank you. Woof.

[@knotdavewalker]

I'm a landlord, and all your tips cover what I am doing on a regular basis, you have either helped me to achieve a better job or save time, especially the blinds. I think I will buy a cheap blind just to try it. Thanks

[@buonafortuna8928]

Nice one Stu. An idea for your channel: Get people to contribute to a wishlist of items they'd like you to cover - if enough people request it, you know it will be popular before you make it - my current hobbyhorse repairing cracks in concrete oaths and drives.

[@simonhinson9367]

Surly the best tip is to watch all of your videos and you will not go far wrong. Everything you show is very easy to follow and well explained with added humour. Kids would excel at school a lot more if teachers took a leaf out of your book.

[@macklyn]

The picture hanging trick is golden, thanks!

[@RedShift00]

Just found your channel this AM, outstanding format, explanations, speed, and subjects. I've been woodworking for over a decade and have always been underwhelmed with woodworking DIY videos. You've knocked it out of sight. Off to start from video #1! Thanks from the US.

[@jayseabie215]

8:57 If your window gap (recess) is 500mm your blind needs to be 480mm to allow for the brackets. Always have a 10mm gap each side.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Thank you for these tips. They have helped me with so many issues I've been struggling with. The struggle is over.

[@3sons587]

And i was sitting here feeling smug that I knew all this UNTIL YOU BLEW MY MIND with the picture frames 🤣

[@windspoint]

LOL blew my mind as well with the picture frames!!!

[@b-dogswings8019]

Me too!

[@RustyPetterson]

OMFG that picture frame tip is an absolute gamechanger! My wife asked me to put a load of pictures up about a year ago (which all have to be aligned, of course) and I've been putting it off because it's such a fiddly and annoying job. This will make a huge difference.

[@derekcampbell9799]

Yep, the picture frame tip made me LOL 😂

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Hi Stuart, Thanks for these, I really like that string-line trick, I've struggled with untying them for years.

[@chrisbradshaw7273]

The trouble with drilling into plasterboard with brad point bits is that they are very sharp. If you hit a wire or a pipe there's a good chance that you will damage them. Masonry bits are quite blunt so there's much less chance of damaging anything behind the plasterboard that you don't want to hit.

[@Tradeinspector1992]

Love all your tips Stuart. Agree with another comment you should be on national TV sharing your DIY skills

[@Quaker521]

Great tips Stuart. I always keep a roll of cling film handy for wrapping brushes, etc if I'm not cleaning them straight away.

[@ewanp1396]

Was going to post the same thing!

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Yes, same :)

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Agreed...... i pop them in the fridge for overnight but for longer storage, you can also wrap them and stick them in the freezer which keeps them as fresh as when you stopped painting after defrosting of course! Always check with the wife so she doesn't bin unidentifiable frozen food.😅

[@JW-rj6cv]

"If I just un-loosen this" so tighten it then? Lots of great tips and tricks. Very handy. Thank you.

[@anwolfs9804]

I really liked all of them, but especially the one where you center the hinges. If you can move it left and right for a few mm, I imagine you can also do that up and down? Could come in handy! Thanks Stuart!

[@keitho77]

I love a DIY hack. And we got 10!!! (and maybe a couple extra) Thanks Stuart!

[@cibonthesaint8903]

I like the way you use the miter saw to cut the roll of shade. After you cut it and open it up, perhaps a strip of fabric tape that matches the shade would bind that end perfectly. Give it a try.

[@johnmatchett3548]

My old dad was a Rolls Royce engineer with OCD. Hanging pictures level was a constant nightmare of measuring. What I have learned is to get the things on the wall somewhere close, putting the fixings in very lightly. Measure the error - say it's 2.5 mm high - take the pin out, move it down 2.5 mm. Perfect: time for tea and biscuits!

[@GeorgePollinger]

His tip is good, but I always hang pictures as shown on 2 hooks to prevent them from moving when dusting and 3 hooks for heavy ones with the 3rd one secured to a stud.

[@3sons587]

Angle your drill tip to the centre works when you drill SDS into masonry. It’s very easy for a drill to jump away from your mark

[@rattylol]

For measuring inside a gap the tape has a measurement stamped on it which is the length of the actual tape case, so you can lay the full tape, plastic and metal inside the gap then take the measurement you see and add the stamped number to it, mine is 77mm. Love the hinge one

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

100% best way to measure internals = Gator Tape. Total game-changer for me after 36 years on the tools. Only found it by accident, whilst fitting a kitchen for a lady who made curtains and blinds.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Nice one

[@saltydawg5489]

i like your tips.. but mine for hanging artwork is to put a small nail through a paint stick and put your artwork on that nail then hold the paintstick with nail against the wall and when its where you want it take the art off and press the nail into the wall to mark the spot no measuring

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Stuart , Great tip's Mate, my tip is keep on learning. As well as giving out advice I always take advice good video take care👍

[@RFC3514]

10:44 - Wrap it tightly and add some packing / masking tape over the cut (mark the tape) and you'll get even less frayed edges.

[@jan-reiniervoute6701]

Clear and helpful. Subscribed. 'Unloosen the screw' and a laugh too, splendid.

[@JIMMYH2011]

Stuart, you should be on the BBC. Great tips, great presenter and great editing.

[@__Timo__]

For that top alignment tip an additional tip: Just extend the desired line with a spirit level - no need for measuring. See 16:06, the lines are same. That string tip was nice, too. I mostly tack the loose bit under the strengthened one by pulling, it is a little more secure.

[@kaybee5150]

Luved the tying off the string. It is so simple.

[@amandahunter4034]

A useful video, and I'll definitely be using the hole centering tip because that's one of my 'bug bears'. It's best not to use wet wipes though because they are made from plastics and are bad for the environment. A small splodge of cooking oil and a teaspoon of sugar and 'wash' your hands well with it, then with soap / washing up liquid and you quickly end up with paint-free hands that are nice and soft too! Plus, 'free' as already in the house and environmentally friendly.

[@Chardonbois]

Really practical videos, professionally made and delivered with a very engaging style. Despite being a fairly experienced DIYer I like learning new tricks and learn something useful from all of your videos!

[@cglees]

Thank you. I consider myself old and wise but even I learned several things from your video 😊

[@tkfmmaxi]

I,m just about to start my 1st cottage renovation and your videos are invalubale!

[@rob-24971]

I use a fine tooth hack saw for blinds and cut it in a mitre jig, that way you get less frayed edges.

[@coop66kc]

I am a blind fitter we use a recess tape from Stanley can get your measurements mm perfect especially if measuring for shutters. Screwfix sell them.

[@cannontrodder]

All these go in the back of the mind and pop out mid-diy in the future. I’ve used loads of your others and these are excellent too!!

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Brilliant!! Really useful. Thanks Stuart. There’s a book in all this you know…..

[@the_judge_8262]

Good tips Stuart 👏🏼👏🏼 Re: Measuring Takes, don't most decent measuring tapes have the length of the tape dispenser itself written on them, which you can just add to an 'inside' measure ?

[@andrewgamblin7264]

I think it's also important to consistently use the same tape measure when doing jobs because not all tapes are accurate. I think there's a KZbin video demonstrating how the accuracy of tape measures can vary. Using the same tape all the time means that at least any inaccuracies are consistent.

[@liamneil831]

Surely, on internal measurements, you use the back of the tape measure to the tip of the tape no? Very grateful for all the tips though!

[@GeorgePollinger]

Absolutely right. The body of the tape measure is 3"/76.2mm. Just add to the measurement showing.

[@graemeadamson7272]

Brilliant , always good to learn new tricks . I use the 100mm on the tape a lot , I am going to use the circular saw blade guide measurement , that will be very handy . All good as usual , cheers 👊

[@petert5680]

Great job - additional idea - cap the timber fixing to the house with lead or other water proof material to throw water of the end grain.

[@LykleSchepers]

Thank you sir! That string trick! Love it. That is going to save me so much time.

[@nimiboid]

Respect. I really liked the last one, with the paintings; will use soon. Wish you all the best.

[@thedj5914]

Great tips 👍 the 1 with the measuring tape though, the tape should tell you on the bottom what the exact distance is so you just put the tape flush on 1 end and + on what it says 😊

[@Streborp01]

You beat me to it lol. It's also 2 and 3/4 inches for that Stanley tape measure.

[@websurfer1585]

Great tips, with the picture hanging tip, I'd alter the strings to get each picture level.

[@MrJamespeyton]

When I want to center a drill in the center of the circle, I use a small nail to create a pilot hole for the drill. It’s always worked for me.

[@paulthorpe9745]

Thanks Stuart, for loads of ideas and tips, looking forward to 2024. All the very best for the new year

[@StephenTinius]

The "wobbly bit" on the end of the tape measure is loose by design. It is intended to give you an accurate measurement from both inside and outside starting points by accounting for the thickness of the chrome piece (hook) to/from the total.

[@1988dgs]

It is, it should move by only the thickness of the tab, but it’s rarely accurate, people usually let it slam back into the housing on retraction so loosens the rivets

[@Annie261.]

I’m surprised this guy doesn’t know that.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Or....... you accidentally stand on the end a few times!🤯🤯

[@edmal2603]

Greetings from across the pond. Great tips will definitely use the hinge centering it's an epiphany

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Thank you sir, I like the picture hanging one, I knew the rest but you’re right, we always learn something. Binge watching your vids tonight 👍

[@c.a.g.1977]

Great tips, Stuart! Especially that on about hanging two frames on the same level!

[@dazzyd1964]

I like the measuring for blinds tip, but do you have any tips for drilling up into the corner of the reveal for the fitment without the upright being marked by the drill?

[@videostars9194]

Try putting a piece of card, against the wall , so don't bin birthday cards etc reuse

[@dazzyd1964]

@@videostars9194 nice:) simple idea, I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it!

[@MarkartStudio]

...btw - I notice you include tips on hanging art and indeed framing art too - maybe a future project will be a nice sturdy, easy to use, fold-a-way art easel...?

[@mattjones708]

Stuart.....you really are a living legend mate 👍

[@lauriemacquanan2141]

Hi there great video! I loved the one abt centering the off centre hole,AND the inside measure truck. I wish I saw this video 2 weeks ago! Now how do i tell the boss this trick?? Aw yes ask if theyve seen YOUR 10 tricks!!

[@john_2730]

That blind adjustment is a landlord special 😂😂 string line tip was good though. I can stop using tiewraps now

[@marks-0-0]

I learnt a few new tricks there thanks. I can possibly improve on the circular saw offset tip. Instead off just knowing what measurement to allow for the baseplate, cut a thin piece of timber to use as a gauge when marking your work.

[@ProperDIY]

Now that is a great tip - always learning!

[@morganbryan8045]

Thank you so much for a bunch of useful tips. I probably only knew 2 of those but think I will be using every single one in the next 12 months :-) Keep up the excellent work!

[@granbyboy026]

I fitted blinds and curtains etc as a tradesperson for many years. I never took the word of the ready made roller blind makers as to the width of the blind as they often varied. So I assemble the blind complete with brackets and butt it up to the skirting board and then measure the width of the whole blind complete. (It’s important to push a bit so the spring end goes in a few MM). Then measure the window recess width where the brackets will be. Take one measurement from the other and that’s what you cut off. I also only side fixed (unless it was agreed to go into a wood frame) This hides the screw heads and avoids going into concrete lintils or UPVC frames.

[@LeeBottomley]

You’re video is excellent. Well presented, with no waffle. You’re knowledge and tips are highly beneficial and I’ll certainly be using them. I’ve just subscribed to your channel 👍

[@EverBeyondRadio]

I get ultra grime wipes from b&q. Noticed the b&m bag you put the paint tray into. 😂

[@durraaltai2669]

So clear and Concise illustration. Good Job.

[@Size15s]

The Hultafors TALM3 3m Talmeter Marking Measuring Tape provides for super accurate internal measurements. The internal measuring trick reminds me of how to find the centre or divide a board into equal sections - just angle your tape measure diagonally until it measures something you can divide in two, or whatever you need Also, if you think you may need to centre pilot holes in the future, self-centering drill bits or hinge drill bits can be low cost. Good trick if you don't have one or don't have it with you though!

[@peteryates308]

I love my talmeter too. Had it for years and it takes all the pain/additional steps out of internal measurements.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Excellent tips and excellent video as always Stuart. Thank you 👍

[@crazykittenvideos855]

I’m off to write two numbers on my circular saw!!! Great tips!!

[@PeteSurtees]

Question for u about the measuring - the wobbly bit at start of the tape moves a mm or 2 depending on if ur pulling or pushing. Which is accurate, hooking and pulling or pushing to measure an internal?

[@chrisowen8664]

Hi Thanks for all your tips ,there is some very good one's you never stop learning .Regards Chris 😁👍

[@mf8779]

Thanks for everything. As a beginner DIY'r, it'd be really interesting for your to provide your suggestions on what the most baseline tools are that everyone should have and what types of jobs persons might use them for. Also, it'd also be interesting to do something on mobile air compressors and the type specs you'd need and want for the various pneumatic tools, sprayers etc. available. You could then also speak to what types of jobs persons might use the various tools, sprayers etc. and their advantages, limitations etc. Cheers !

[@MAMDAVEM]

Great tips Stuart, some of which I wish I knew decades ago. However cuttng the blind with the circular saw would not get me the WAF.

[@ozgodden9817]

Great tips Stuart. Just a quick one regarding measuring internal spaces within frames etc. Since most tape measure manufacturers print the dimensions of the tape measure somewhere on the tape measure housing, is it safe/accurate enough to simply place the tape measure within the space and add the printed measurement to whatever the reading on the tape is? Thanks!

[@johnphelps9788]

For making holes in plasterboard I never use a drill. My standard Phillips head screwdriver easily makes the correct size hole for the wall plug by just using a screwing action as you press. No mess, no fuss.

[@Betterworlda]

You are the best at instructing, thank you so much for your useful tips

[@henryrossouw930]

Like them all but the string tying up is best.

[@dixitapatel4283]

Hi I loved your DIY tips, however can you give me a tip or link how to put up a toilet holder on plasterboard. Every time we tried after couple of weeks it comes away loose.

[@rogerphelps9939]

I believe that the hook on the end of a tape measure is designed to give accurate measurements both when measuring from an external corner and an internal corner. It slides relative to the tape and this compensates for the thickness of the hook.

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Hi stewart,nice tips and tricks for all DI yers!!

[@mikeg8335]

Excellent video. Informative, no hype, no waffle. In my opinion you're the best DIY KZbinr.

[@PaulBakewell]

Wow 1/4M subs, well done Stuart!

[@Viken43]

Been a long time viewer and really enjoy your videos....Subscribed....

[@johnphelps9788]

When hanging pictures either level or at different height, I put a chalk mark on the wall at the top centre of the frame when held in the position you want to mount it. I then hook my measuring tape onto the centre of the wire/string on the back of the frame and pull it tight and measure the distance between the hooked end of the tape to the top of the frame. Just come down from the chalk mark that amount. If you dont have a spirit level and you want the pictures all at the same height, measure up from the floor to your first chalk mark and make that the same height for all pictures.

[@marianneporter489]

Very helpful as always. You give us hope for a good, clean job.

[@susanburns1442]

Great information. I loved it, but what were those fixings you used for the picture frames? You said something about claws. Have you got a link to them

[@ianpearse4480]

Nice, like the string thingy.

[@andrewashdown3541]

Have you got a way of linking copper pipes with a cheap plastic L-shaped connector (this is not for proper plumbing)?

[@johnmckay1423]

Push fit plumbing fittings are compatible with copper pipe as well as plastic

[@tamkin007]

I always put a sheet of plastic over an open paint pot before pushing the lid back on. The paint lasts for ages

[@rmw7536]

Use to tape and lock it when measuring between 2 blocks or windowsill. The tape has a set size to add to the tape measurement.

[@59CommandoLee]

As per usual, great videos, great fun, AND the last top tip on this video was new to me, so thanks as usual. Keep doing what you do!👍

[@deanoh6414]

Be lucky to get a straight line on those pictures with a Magnusson level. They completely effed up my kitchen install....the 1200mm one was off about 4mm over its length. FatMax is the one to fet.

[@ProperDIY]

I just check it before I use it - it takes 10 seconds

[@zed639]

Picture hanging shortcut. Use a long wooden (flat) paint stir stick. These are often "free" at hardware stores. Put a small nail on the end, 1/2 to 1 inch from the bottom edge. You can use this to mark and measure as you were doing on the wall. And for those home decorators, you can hold the stick against the wall, hang the picture on the nail, then move the stick u/d and l/r to where you want it to hang. While keeping the stick held firmly against the wall, remove the picture. Then give the nail a gentle tap. That should be where your hook gets mounted. With the only adjustments being with the style of mounting hardware you are using. I have used this technique with a 360° laser, to set up room decorations/pictures. This saves an abundance of time and removes a ton of sloppy guess work with a tape measure. The self leveling laser line becomes the fixed constant where all measurements are made from. The stick/nail allows most wall items moved into place and marked for an easy installation.