drainage +Retaining walls Garden Prevent your garden from becoming waterlogged Common causes of poor drainage

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1 The Home August 2013 Vol 20 No 8 R31.00 (incl VAT) Garden drainage MAKE A GARDEN HOSE HOLDER Prevent your garden from becoming waterlogged Common causes of poor drainage RSA R31.00 incl. VAT Other countries R27.19 excl. tax excl. postage & packaging WATERPROOF YOUR ROOF +Retaining walls plus Learn how to plan and construct retaining walls in your garden Lawn types and effective fixes for lawn diseases, pests and weeds

EDITOR S NOTE www.homehandyman.co.za The Home Handyman is published by Home Handyman Publishing cc ck2000/036356/23 PO Box 650484, Benmore 2010 10 Cypress Avenue, Bryanston Ext.

We dream of staying in homes with beautiful gardens, with nicely trimmed lawns and pathways winding towards large entrance doors.

We dream of all these things, but they often seem to be luxuries that are expensive and out of reach. However, this is not always the case. All these big dreams just need a starting point.

3 EDITOR S NOTE The Home Handyman is published by Home Handyman Publishing cc ck2000/036356/23 PO Box , Benmore Cypress Avenue, Bryanston Ext. 3, RSA editorial@homehandyman.co.za Tel: Fax: Publisher: Allan Swart Associate publisher: Michelle Funke It s the small things... When we dream, we dream big. We dream of staying in homes with beautiful gardens, with nicely trimmed lawns and pathways winding towards large entrance doors. We dream of beautiful floors, large windows with draped curtains, textured interiors with feature-painted walls in each room, built-in kitchen and bedroom cupboards and modern bathrooms. We dream of all these things, but they often seem to be luxuries that are expensive and out of reach. However, this is not always the case. All these big dreams just need a starting point. If there is one thing I have learnt in my professional career, it is that all big dreams start small. It is the unseen hinges that hold the door or window in place, the cornice that perfectly finishes the room or the mirror in the bathroom that makes the space seem bigger than it really is. These things add up. Having been editor of 47 issues of The Home Handyman, I have discovered that if you want the big things to happen, you need to focus on the small things, with the big dream in mind as the end result. Rome wasn t built in a day, but brick by brick until the Roman Empire became the mightiest empire in the world. In the August issue we get you ready for spring, which is just around the corner. Read all you need to know about garden drainage, how to waterproof your roof and transform your lawn into a thriving, green carpet. Enjoy this issue of your favourite read and happy DIY ing. Editor: Johann Stadler Assistant editor: Roelof Strydom Sub-editors: Lynne Yates, Loren Shirley-Carr Feature writers: André Gous, Lynne Yates, Loren Shirley-Carr Editorial consultants: Sharl Bennie, Denis Lock, Bruwer Leykauf Photography: Loren Shirley-Carr Layout & design: Rosemary Johnston-Fitch HOW TO CONTACT US: Editorial enquiries: Tel: / 5796 / 5924 Fax: editorial@homehandyman.co.za Advertising representatives: Shelagh Page Tel: / Cell: shelagh@homehandyman.co.za Debbie Heard Tel: / Cell: debbie@homehandyman.co.za HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: By sarah@homehandyman.co.za By hotline phone: By fax: Online: Subscriptions manager: Sarah Moodley Subscription enquiries: Tel: / 5796 / sarah@homehandyman.co.za Subscription rates: SA: R (incl VAT) for 12 issues Reproduction: AstraGraphics Printing: CTP Web, cnr Electron Avenue and Industry Road, Isando Distribution: Republican News Agency The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors. Every care has been taken to ensure that all the information and projects presented in this publication are accurate, reliable and safe. It should be noted, however, that the ideas for designs and product use are presented as suggestions only. The editor strongly advises that the reader check local by-laws and consult a qualified professional before undertaking any project and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from any information contained here. The Home Handyman, All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission from the publisher. Johann Stadler, Editor Roelof Strydom, Assistant Editor THE HOME HANDYMAN AUGUST

CONTENTS FEATURES 12 Drain it away Install a drainage system and avoid having a waterlogged garden 18 Against the wall Retaining walls

weeds and diseases 28 Waterproof your roof Waterproof your roof to prevent leaks causing damage to your home 42 38 34 Metalworking

.. 32 Cover Picture supplied by The Friendly Plant 42 Toolbox How to fix a security gate lock that utilises a pin to lock 44 Managing

4 CONTENTS FEATURES 12 Drain it away Install a drainage system and avoid having a waterlogged garden 18 Against the wall Retaining walls are the perfect solution for sloping areas in a garden Go for green All about lawn types and effective treatments for pests, weeds and diseases 28 Waterproof your roof Waterproof your roof to prevent leaks causing damage to your home Metalworking André Gous shows you how to make a garden hose holder 38 Flash in the pan Karin Wainwright turns an old toilet pan into a focal point for the garden 28 Competitions & giveaways WIN a Skil 5885 MA Circular Saw...7 WIN a Tork Craft Work Centre TCWS WIN a Makita UM4030 Trimmer Cover Picture supplied by The Friendly Plant 42 Toolbox How to fix a security gate lock that utilises a pin to lock 44 Managing renovations Things to consider when doing your own home renovations 48 Add some spin A beginner s guide to the age-old craft of woodturning 52 Woodworking Andries Eygelaar explains how wooden boards can be joined with biscuits 2 AUGUST 2013 THE HOME HANDYMAN

18 REGULARS 4 Off the shelf All the latest products for

opinion 8 DIY matters News, views and reviews from

answered by our panel of experts 34 12 32 Bright ideas

Woodworker s corner Your guide to the latest events in

subscribing to The Home Handyman and win great prizes

5 18 REGULARS 4 Off the shelf All the latest products for the DIY er 52 6 Voice your views Your chance to air an opinion 8 DIY matters News, views and reviews from around the globe 10 Ask our experts Your DIY queries answered by our panel of experts Bright ideas Readers share their DIY ideas and projects 56 Woodworker s corner Your guide to the latest events in the woodworking calendar 62 Subscriptions Save by subscribing to The Home Handyman and win great prizes 64 Tailpiece Reuben explains his Bruce Lee moment 22 THE HOME HANDYMAN AUGUST

OFF THE SHELF Your guide to the latest products in the world of do-it-yourself Paint it right Need to repaint your metal gates or window frames?

Due to its special 3-in-1 formula there is no need for a primer or undercoat and its active anti-rust inhibitors prevent rust formation.

It is available in 750ml cans with selected colours in 2.5 litres. A matt black heat resistant paint (up to 600 ) is also available, which is suitable for applications to braais, fireplaces, etc.

pratley.com Tel: 011-955-2190 or sales@pratley.co.za Last a little bit longer Raise your glass Pratley has developed a high-tech product for the DIY repair of glassware called UV Bond Crystal Clear Glass Adhesive.

6 OFF THE SHELF Your guide to the latest products in the world of do-it-yourself Paint it right Need to repaint your metal gates or window frames? Oxirite is a direct to rust metal paint that can be applied directly onto rusted surfaces. Due to its special 3-in-1 formula there is no need for a primer or undercoat and its active anti-rust inhibitors prevent rust formation. Oxirite protects the painted surface against weather conditions for up to five years. Various finishes are available, including Hammered, Satin, Smooth and Forged. It is available in 750ml cans with selected colours in 2.5 litres. A matt black heat resistant paint (up to 600 ) is also available, which is suitable for applications to braais, fireplaces, etc. There is also a solvent for cleaning brushes and equipment and removing dirt, grime and loose rust from surfaces in 375ml and 750ml. Visit: Tel: Visit: Tel: or sales@pratley.co.za Last a little bit longer Raise your glass Pratley has developed a high-tech product for the DIY repair of glassware called UV Bond Crystal Clear Glass Adhesive. Repair broken wine glass stems, cracked glass ornaments or trophies in seconds by placing the repaired item in direct sunlight and letting the sun do all the curing. The clear adhesive starts its curing process in five to 10 seconds and reaches its maximum strength in just five minutes. Insulate for good Pratliperl, when mixed with cement, produces an eco-friendly, thermally insulating and fireproof plaster. Just 20mm of Pratliperl plaster can achieve the same thermal insulation as a double clay brick wall. This energy saving green product offers exceptional thermal insulation, allowing you to achieve SANS 204 compliance. Pratliperl is ultralightweight and extremely durable and strong when compared to other lightweight concretes. Some examples of Pratliperl usage include: Thermally insulating and fireproofing wall plasters and screeds. Production of ultra-lightweight concrete, bricks and boards. Used for underfloor insulation and to insulate roof decks and pizza oven liners. Visit: Tel: sales@pratley.co.za Titanium bits are stronger and harder than HSS black bits. The thin titanium nitride coating keeps the bit sharper and harder, and the titanium bit life is approximately five times longer than HSS black bits. General tips: Use slow rotation speed to prevent overheating. In wood: To prevent choking caused by sawdust use a pumping action. Ideal for: Hard materials Mild steels Carbon steels Alloy steels Hardwood Composition board Visit: Tel: AUGUST 2013 THE HOME HANDYMAN

Durable caulking gun Need to do lots of sealing and caulking work?

The barrel also has a swivel action which allows for quick nozzle positioning. This caulking gun is durable as it won t rust and it is made from recycled plastic.

for easy storage Barrel rotates 360 allowing for easy application control Visit: www.alcolin.

The green pad is used for cleaning and scouring metal surfaces, such as pots and pans.

7 Durable caulking gun Need to do lots of sealing and caulking work? The new Alcolin plastic caulking gun is ultra-lightweight and has a comfortable grip so that hands won t become fatigued, thereby allowing for longer ease of use. The barrel also has a swivel action which allows for quick nozzle positioning. This caulking gun is durable as it won t rust and it is made from recycled plastic. Ultra-lightweight (40% lighter) Comfortable grip Non-corrosive Recycled plastic Built-in spout cutter Finger guard on trigger Non-slip ratchet Spring release plunger Handy spout cleaner Ladder hook for easy storage Barrel rotates 360 allowing for easy application control Visit: Tel: Clean it up Norton recently launched the Beartex 2-pack in South Africa a shrink-wrapped pack of two Beartex hand-sized abrasive pads. The green pad is used for cleaning and scouring metal surfaces, such as pots and pans. The maroon pad can be used for removing old polish and cleaning metals, as well as for removing old paint flaking off metal or wood surfaces and cleaning surface rust from metal surfaces. Both the pads are washable and reusable. Visit: Tel: An innovative solution The Tork Craft 2-in-1 workstation changes from a workbench to a standing platform within seconds. It is easy to use, portable, collapsible and storable. Workbench mode: With a 100cm x 47cm work surface, versatile utility tray, V-groove for cutting pipes, spare frame for easy clamping, drill through clearance and a protractor and ruler for layout. Platform mode: Has high impact plastic decking, non-skid feet, carry handle, welded steel frame for added stability and telescopic aluminium legs. Ideal for installing, painting and assembly work. Visit: Tel: Form a tight bond Den Braven s new Mirrorfix-MS is a high quality, one component, solvent free adhesive with very high grip based on MS polymer. It is ideal for bonding mirrors as well as acoustic and decorative tiles. It can also be used on surfaces such as wood, stone, concrete, plaster, gypsum, gypsum board, tiling, steel, aluminium and good paintwork. Mirrorfix-MS is odourless, neutral and free of silicone and isocyanides, and cures in contact with humidity, forming a durable, moisture resistant, flexible bond. It is an environmentally friendly product and also conforms to SA Green Council Building Standards for architectural sealants. Visit: Tel: THE HOME HANDYMAN AUGUST

VOICE YOUR VIEWS Do you have any thoughts or comments on issues of DIY? The plug debate I d like to add something to Arie Wessels letter regarding electrical plugs in South Africa.

When I buy a new tool, I immediately change the plug provided to one of the substandard ones discussed by Arie, and hence lose the warranty as I have tampered with the tool.

Mike Broster, via email Keep up the good work I was paging through the June issue of The Home Handyman magazine and was pleasantly surprised and just had to take it home with me.

The photos The Home MAKE A METAL BED STEP-BY-STEP PROJECT LATEST WAYS TO HEAT THE WATER IN YOUR HOME accompanying the thoughtprovoking articles are truly outstanding.

While studying the Comfort zone article, I realised that insulating your home does not necessarily imply that you have to break the bank just to keep warm during the cold winter.

00 (incl VAT) Insulate for comfort Practical insulation tips and ideas Floors, doors, windows, walls and ceilings Installing reflective foil insulation + Fighting fire plus Discover ways to protect

8 VOICE YOUR VIEWS Do you have any thoughts or comments on issues of DIY? The plug debate I d like to add something to Arie Wessels letter regarding electrical plugs in South Africa. Most electrical hand tools come with two-pin plugs that don t properly fit the socket. I always battle to get them into the socket and for some reason they fall out without any effort. When I buy a new tool, I immediately change the plug provided to one of the substandard ones discussed by Arie, and hence lose the warranty as I have tampered with the tool. Surely tool manufacturers could supply better plugs on their tools? Mike Broster, via Keep up the good work I was paging through the June issue of The Home Handyman magazine and was pleasantly surprised and just had to take it home with me. The articles and pictures simply struck the right chord. The photos The Home MAKE A METAL BED STEP-BY-STEP PROJECT LATEST WAYS TO HEAT THE WATER IN YOUR HOME accompanying the thoughtprovoking articles are truly outstanding. Most striking was The line of fire article which provided information everyone should have about fire hazards in the home. While studying the Comfort zone article, I realised that insulating your home does not necessarily imply that you have to break the bank just to keep warm during the cold winter. Thanks for the great information. I am a new fan. Marie, Bloemfontein RSA R31.00 incl. VAT Other countries R27.19 excl. tax excl. postage & packaging June 2013 Vol 20 No 6 R31.00 (incl VAT) Insulate for comfort Practical insulation tips and ideas Floors, doors, windows, walls and ceilings Installing reflective foil insulation + Fighting fire plus Discover ways to protect your home and family against fire Toolbox: We show various sealant applicators and how to choose one Winning letter This month s winning query comes from Deon Morkel who wins a PSR 18Li2 Toolbox Comment from Stihl In last month s issue we published a letter entitled Under pressure along with a photograph of a Stihl RE 118 pressure washer. Chris von Maltzahn, marketing consultant at Stihl South Africa, would like to make the following clear: Stihl wants to emphasise that safety and professional advice is of great importance to us. For this reason we only distribute our products through a qualified and experienced dealer network, who not only make sure that the customer has the machine that best suits their need, but also explains all safety and operational requirements with regard to the use of the machines when the machine is purchased. In addition to the above, our operations manual, which is included with every machine sold, also discusses safety issues and specifically mentions that shoes, goggles and protective clothing should be worn to reduce risks of injury due to accidental exposure to the high pressure. Children should never be allowed to use high pressure cleaners. As can be seen from the above, customer safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to Stihl. 6 AUGUST 2013 THE HOME HANDYMAN

Helping out in the community I buy The Home Handyman magazine from time to time and because we stay a bit of a distance from the big cities, we do not always know what the latest tools on the market

Here is a list of the items we construct: A frame to transport sheep for most light delivery vehicles such as Hilux, Mazda, Nissan and so on.

This disc is made with vanes which makes it virtually impossible to get stuck in mud, even if it s a two-wheel drive vehicle.

9 Helping out in the community I buy The Home Handyman magazine from time to time and because we stay a bit of a distance from the big cities, we do not always know what the latest tools on the market are. We stay in an area that has some of the highest unemployment figures in the country. So, to do our bit for the community, we construct items and are then able to employ quite a few staff members. Here is a list of the items we construct: A frame to transport sheep for most light delivery vehicles such as Hilux, Mazda, Nissan and so on. This frame is not like the other frames that are around; it has its own ramp which makes loading and offloading very simple. A steel disc that bolts onto Hilux, Mazdas and Nissans. This disc is made with vanes which makes it virtually impossible to get stuck in mud, even if it s a two-wheel drive vehicle. An item called a Bead breaker is meant for farmers and people on safari, off the beaten track. This tool helps you press a tyre from the rim. It is oneman operated and only needs a 24mm ring spanner. It strips down to seven parts, and is 50mm high x 300mm x 300mm. It is not heavy as it weighs 7kg. It can be supplied in a carry bag made of rip-stop material. A heavy-duty steel rake which enables the owner to replace the teeth easily after a few years, should they be worn. All that is necessary to change the teeth are two 13mm spanners. Gabions that are used to prevent further erosion. Farmers, engineers or even people living in estates place the gabions in the affected areas, pack them full of rocks and they will stop any future erosion. Insulators for security and game fences, which keep the live wire at a safe distance, 250mm, away from all the normal wires and the steel upright poles. A braai that can easily be moved around should rain be a problem. It has a lid and can be closed in windy conditions. Our security gates, which are 1.8m high x 3m wide, can be made to be sidehung or can be fitted with wheels in order to make them a sliding gate. A small spike roller to aerate the lawn, which is perfect for household use. It is 300mm x 500mm wide and is built with the female gardener in mind. It can either be pushed or pulled and the spikes penetrate deep enough to give the lawn enough air before the rainy season. We also make 25-litre sheep and 110-litre cattle water troughs as well as the same sized feeders. Anyone interested in any of these products can contact Deon Morkel on or WINNING LETTER WIN! A Skil Saw 5885 MA Share your opinion Send us your views, ideas and opinions addressed to The Home Handyman: editorial@homehandyman.co.za Fax: By mail: PO Box , Benmore 2010 Letters may be edited for length and clarity THE HOME HANDYMAN AUGUST

DIY MATTERS News, views and reviews from around the globe Do you have any DIY industry news or views to share? Email: editorial@homehandyman.co.

Callisto bath/shower mixers and the Huron sink mixer with retractable hand spray.

These are complemented by chrome shower arms, square shower roses, waterfall wall-type bath spouts and Tapno bath/basin spouts, as well as a selection of chrome bathroom accessories such as toilet

10 DIY MATTERS News, views and reviews from around the globe Do you have any DIY industry news or views to share? Cobra shines in Big Brother Africa houses This year s two Big Brother Africa houses are sporting taps and mixers, sanitaryware and a range of the latest bathroom accessories supplied by African plumbware icon, Cobra Watertech. The Big Brother Africa Ruby and Diamond Houses accommodate 14 contestants each and feature five different Cobra mixers including the futuristic Tapno basin and bath/ shower mixers, the minimalist Callisto bath/shower mixers and the Huron sink mixer with retractable hand spray. The bathrooms feature Cobra s Verona toilets and countertop basins as well as the Lorraine rectangular drop-in baths all in white. These are complemented by chrome shower arms, square shower roses, waterfall wall-type bath spouts and Tapno bath/basin spouts, as well as a selection of chrome bathroom accessories such as toilet roll holders, robe hooks and towel racks. DStv channels 197 and 198 will be the home of the reality show for 91 days and will see 28 contestants from 14 countries compete for $ For the latest news visit Advanced concrete technology course The Concrete Institute will exclusively offer the internationally-respected Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT/ SCT50) diploma course from September this year. Bryan Perrie, managing director of The Concrete Institute, says the Institute s School of Concrete Technology (SCT) in Midrand has been presenting the course every two years under the auspices of the Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT) in the UK. News that the course will again be presented this year by the SCT has been widely welcomed. Training at this level is vitally needed as one of the biggest threats to the future economic growth of South Africa is the shortage of technical skills in engineering and technology, Bryan stated. The ACT course will expose students to a wide range of concrete disciplines and insights that could provide a competitive advantage to both the delegates themselves and their companies. Students for ACT courses are drawn from qualified civil engineers, cement chemists, concrete technologists and technicians involved in the building, construction, precast concrete, mining and also the cement, aggregate, admixture, and ready-mixed concrete industries. Applications to enrol for the two-year course close on 31 July For further information, phone John Roxburgh or Gary Theodosiou on or visit the website 8 AUGUST 2013 THE HOME HANDYMAN

7de Laan s Francois Lensley shares his DIY photo album. Step-by-step: Waterproof your roof Make a clock Prune trees. R34.70 (Excl.

T incl) RSA: R39.90 (VA Other Countries: R34.70 (Excl. tax) Step-by-step: Waterproof your roof Make a clock Prune trees 7de Laan s Francois Lensley shares his DIY photo album Driving through the river