We’re so quick to jump out to the shops or browse online when it comes to faulty or worn items, or issues, but there are things we can all do ourselves without having to break the bank. Try out these DIY quick home fixes to surprise yourself on what you can actually do!
Cracked or shabby vases
Forget throwing out a cracked or shabby vase, get creative instead! With natural ropes and a hot glue gun, you can update it in no time, concealing any stains or cracks. Just simply coil the rope around the vase, glueing it down with the hot glue gun, and you’ll have compliments over judgement. If you have a lamp shade looking a bit tired or if it’s been cut, you can do the same.
More storage
By using some leftover planks of wood and rope, you can create some hanging shelves for a rustic storage piece. Sand down your planks, making sure they are all equal in size. Drill holes about 3cm from the edges of the planks, and thread thick rope through the drilled holes, tying knots at the bottom of the bottom shelf. Place the next plank where you want it to sit, then open the rope under it, inserting a dowel or nail through it so that the shelf can rest on it. If the rope is a thin one, you can also rest the plank on a knot in the rope to keep it in place. Attach the hanging ropes to the ceiling using swing hangers. Then, place your items on your shelves for more space.
Securing a loose floorboard
Stepping on a loose floorboard is super annoying. Stop that annoyance with this simple, quick DIY fix. For loose nails, try driving them deeper in with a nail set. If the board is bowed, use stainless steel screws over nails, and cover the heads with wood filler. Before you do this, check for pipes or electric cables underneath! You do not want to hammer or drill into a pipe, especially one that could shoot hot water at you.
Creaky stairs
The next time you hear a creak up the stairs, try sprinkling some talcum powder into the joint of the creaking steps. If it keeps happening, you’ll need to strengthen the joints. You can fit glue blocks between the riser and the tread. Prise away the blocks, and inject wood glue into the joint before refitting the blocks.
DIY coasters
Running low on coasters? Use sisal rope and a hot glue gun to make your own. Simply start by coiling the rope and glueing it in place as you coil it. When you’ve reached the size you want, chop off the end and glue it in place. Just by using a bit of rope, you now have your dinner set complete with a nautical, rustic feel.
Drawer rope handles
Missing some drawer handles? Maybe they’ve fallen or broken off? Cotton rope can be a handy alternative that will last. Simply drill some holes where the handles were and thread thick rope through, tying a knot on the inside of the drawer to keep it in place. Make sure there’s enough length on the outside to grab and tie a knot at the end. Now you can grab and pull your drawers easily without worrying about any knobs coming loose.
Funky dresser with rope handles
Stuck sash windows
If you’re painting a sash window, keep moving the panels whilst the paint dries to prevent sticking. If a sash does get stuck, score the edges with a craft knife, then use a filling knife between the beads and sash – easing from both sides. Grasp the meeting rail, and shake the sash to break the paint seal. If you need to replace a sash window cord, look no further than here at Rope Source, we have all colours to suit.
Rehanging a coat rail
Look out for screws in your coat rails pulling away from the wall. Unscrew the rail to review the fixings, and consider adding another in the middle for more support. If the wall you’re attaching it to is made of bricks that have gone soft or crumbly – making screw holes worn and now too big – use a chisel to fashion a tapered peg from a piece of wood for the screw. Knock the wooden peg into the wall and saw the end off to create a flat surface.
Unless you plan to repaint, put a thin sheet of card underneath the blade and press the blade with your free hand for a straight cut. Mark the centre of the wooden peg, then drill the rail to fix it in place, but don’t fully tighten the screw. Hammer a peg to the other side, then use a spirit level on the top of the rail. When it’s straight, tap a nail into the other peg to hold it in position, then drill your hole and insert the screw. Tighten all the screws up.
Awkward keys
If you’re finding your key is becoming more awkward to work with, then there are easy things you can try. If the key is new, go back to the locksmith for them to take a look at, it may need some fine-tuning. You can also use lubricating spray to ease it in – avoid oils which can attract dirt and could clog up the mechanism. If all else fails, use a locksmith before you replace the key as it could be a simple fix.
Wobbly chairs
You don’t need to go out and buy a brand new chair, instead do a DIY home fix to save a wobbly chair. Instead of levelling chair legs by sawing them down, build up a shorter leg by putting the chair on a flat surface, and sliding an off-cut, flat piece of wood underneath until it is stable. Draw around the chair leg and saw off the circle with a fine-toothed saw. Glue and screw the chair leg to the wood to keep it firmly in place. You can also minimise movement by placing sticky-backed gliders on the bottom of the legs.
Before spending a lot more money, try out your skills for DIY home fixes first. You can train your domestic skills, as well as save some pennies. For any rope, cord, or twine materials, we’ve got you covered here at Rope Source. Contact us today for any length or spool requests.