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A publicAtion

Lithium Power from Black & Decker

18v Lithium Whipper Snipper with E Drive E-Drive Technology. High torque gear system gets the job done faster through improved rate of cut Lightweight cordless Whipper Snipper for improved maneuverability and control Two tools in one; easily converts from trimming to edging Efcient cutting system powered by Lithium cuts 1200 meters in 1 charge Cord free, hassle free no danger of cutting the cord and no harmful emissions Long lasting lithium battery technology, no self discharge always ready to use 18V Lithium Ion Drill Driver 24 Position clutch Variable speed Spring loaded slide pack battery system Anti-slip soft grip

34

Volume 7, Issue 1 Mitre 10 Projects How To magazine is published 11 times a year by MMS Publishing Ltd. www.nzprojects.co.nz info@nzprojects.co.nz
Managing Editor:

Scott Wilson Phone 021-725 061 Email: scott.wilson@nzprojects.co.nz

Editor:

Shaun Evans Mobile 021-1529136 Email: shaun.evans@nzprojects.co.nz

Sales Manager:

Chris Yates Phone: 027 573 2005 Email chris.yates@nzprojects.co.nz

Contributors:

Shaun Evans, Scott Wilson, Chris Yates, Je taime Hayr, Sandy Johnson
Marketing:

GLC1825L-XE

EPL18K-XE

contents
4 FOR A RAINY DAY
Self-sufficient water harvesting starts here.

60

54

Juliette Bavister Muse Marketing juliette@musemarketing.co.nz

Design and Layout:

Bernadette Tipene, Twist Design Phone 021 323 904

Printer:

Nicholson Print Solutions

Enquiries:

12 TIMED WATERING
Keep you garden fresh while youre away this summer.

18v Lithium Hedge Trimmer This Lithium Ion hedge trimmer cuts up to 200m of hedge per charge 50cm blade length, 16mm blade gap Cord free hassle free: no danger of cutting the cord, no harmful emissions. Diamond ground dual action blades for cleaner cuts and reduced vibration The lightest Cordless Hedge Trimmer ever made by Black & Decker Front switch and integral guard for added safety

18 THE GLUE FOR YOU

We get stuck into the right adhesive for you.

MMS Publishing Ltd P O Box 14069 Five Cross Roads Hamilton 3252. 0800 NZPROJECTS (0800 697 765)
Join us on Facebook (NZHowTo) and Twitter (NZHowTo)

24 LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN, LOOK OUT

Our friends at Vector help us with a timely safety briefing.

New Zealand Subscriptions:

26 FANTASTIC FIXING
Screws and nails to help you keep it together.

34 CAVE PAINTING
Summer job number one is to paint your house.

www.emags.co.nz/projects 0800 624 700 1 year (11 issues) - $49.00 (save 24% off the cover price)
NZ Projects magazine is a monthly publication, produced 11 times a year ISSN 2230-4770 (Print) ISSN 2230-4789 (Online). MMS Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of NZ Projects How To magazine may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. All rights rved. All letters to the magazine will be considered for publication unless clearly marked to the contrary. NZ Projects How To magazine accepts no responsibility for the return or condition of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography material. Limitation of liability: NZ Projects How To magazine has been produced to provide the basic and general information required when undertaking home improvement projects around your home. It is not designed to replace the advice you may require in certain applications around your home. The contents of any article may need to be modified for a particular site and circumstances pertaining to some projects. Local bylaws pertaining to certain construction or home improvements should always be adhered to and we advise contacting a suitably qualified tradesperson when you require expert services or advice.

40 HARD YAKKA
Tough clothing for DIY projects has arrived get into it!

46 NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK

Staining the deck and your patio furniture the How To way.

GTC650L-XE

54 STAY WARM OUTDOORS

When the sun goes down, keep your guests toasty and warm.

58 SIX WAYS
Take look at How To keep moisture in the garden.

Freecall 0800 339 258

www.blackanddecker.co.nz o.nz

60 STITCH IN TIME
Yates take us for a walk in their summer garden.

62 CHECKLIST
Make some time to keep your summer garden in great shape.

64 GARDEN COMBAT
Theyre working even when youre not; keep pests and disease at bay.

Organic weedfree rapid

For quick and effective control of a range of weeds including broadleaf weeds and moss. Fast acting results within 3 hours. All natural combination of pine oil and fatty acids. Inactive in soil so wont harm neighbouring plants. BioGro Certified Organic for use in organic gardening.

Gasmate Barb-i-cad
Perfect for the backyard BBQ or picnic. This solid plastic carry kit conveniently stores paper towels, utensils and condiments. It even includes a hanger for tongs and spatula.

Bin Fresh outdoors

Freshens and protects your outside bins from flies, wasps and bad smells. Controls flies and wasps in outdoor bins. Great fresh fragrance. 2 easy to use pads and each lasts up to 2 weeks. Still works if wet. For more information visit our new website kiwicare.co.nz

Atlas home pruning wand

For all your high/ hard to reach pruning jobs, Atlas Home has introduced their new pruning wand. The Aluminium tube provides a lightweight, yet strong body which means less fatigue when using the wand above head height and at arms length. The cutting blade can be operated from 2 locations providing versatility and ease of use in any position with non-slip foam grip that provides comfort and safety. This pruner also has a smaller head gear than a traditional pole pruner making it easier to access tighter areas.

Gasmate ceramic flare

Effective outdoor lighting whilst helping keep the mosquitoes away! This attractive black ceramic flare is ideal for gardens, terraces and patios. It has an adjustable flame for intimate or more illuminating lighting. Use with a standard or citronella Gasmate disposable butane canister.

Charmate charcoal BBQ & cooler bag

This reusable charcoal BBQ is Ideal for camping or just a day out. It comes with a handy cooler bag, perfect for storing the BBQ, food and drinks altogether. Handy detachable shoulder strap also included.

How To

Rain Harvest

Rain or shine
by Je taime Hayr
Our tropical climate means months of heavy rainfall followed by barren land and the odd water crisis which begs the question, why waste the free rain resource when it can be collected to use around the home or garden all year round?
Water is pricy and at times scarce. If scientists are correct about climate change and increased temperatures, rainwater harvesting could become an essential part of our future. Harvesting also limits the amount of rainwater runoff into storm drain systems and streams, which further lessens your environmental impact. China, Brazil, India, Bermuda and Australia are just a few of the countries around the world that readily embrace rainwater harvesting to replenish ground water levels. Most people will agree rainwater harvesting is an easy and low cost setup, with the ability to utilise existing resources and save money in the long term. Although water might not cost a lot, it all adds up. In perspective, even our most simple daily behaviours guzzle water from the reservoirs. Local councils currently charge between $1.475 and $1.95 per 1000 litres of mains water. Regular toilets use 16-23 litres of water with every flush, a typical shower uses 160 litres and garden sprinklers can use up to 1300 litres per hour. Of course installing a low-flow toilet and water conserving showerheads help conserve water, but it still makes good sense to utilise the free water that pours from the sky as rainwater can supply up to 65% of your households water. Watering the garden, lawn and washing vehicles uses up to 20% of total household water consumption, while supplying the laundry and toilet and topping up spas/pools uses more than 45%.

How To

Buy 10 litres of Forestwood and be in to

$2,000
and a Sony Digital Camera
How to choose a rainwater harvesting system
Entry-level rainwater harvesting starts with a 200 litre, food grade rainwater barrel or tank attached to a downpipe, which is easily installed and doesnt require building consents or professional plumbing. Choosing the right rain harvesting system is about deciding what youd like to use the water for and calculating how much water is needed. There are three types of rainwater harvesting systems: rain barrels for garden irrigation, non-potable indoor (laundry or toilet) and potable indoor (filtered for drinking). A wide range of tank sizes and shapes are available in NZ from 60035,000 litres. Round slim-line (600-6300 litre capacity) tanks are ideal for those with little space and can be installed (with two or more if you want to collect more water) against the wall of your home. Tanks can be made from a number of different materials: polyethylene, corrugated iron, concrete, timber or fibreglass and purchased from Rx Plastics.

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If the water is going to be used for drinking, check your roofing materials dont contain asbestos or tar, which can contaminate the supply. Other nasties to watch for are bird droppings, insects, rotting debris and airborne dust. The Marley Rain Harvesting System includes a number of components that work with the Marley PVC spouting and downpipes range to make tank water as clean as possible. Before drinking tank water its best to have it analysed to check potability.

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Do I need a building consent?

Whether or not you need a building consent depends on the size of the tank, its position and what the water will be used for. If the water is for garden irrigation a building consent is generally not required. If you intend on connecting the tank to your household plumbing, a building consent will be required. Building consent is required for any buried water tank.
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How To

Rain Harvest

How the system works

Rainwater harvesting is a fairly simple system. Water collected from the roof is directed into a storage tank or cistern via a conveyance system of slightly modified gutters and downspouts. The tanks should also have an overflow system near the top, to direct excess water away from the house via a hose or pipe. For simple irrigation, a hose or faucet can be attached to the collection tank. More complex setups direct water into a pump, through filters and a sterilisation system, which can then be plumbed back into the house for potable or non potable use.

Roofs:
The roof is where you collect the rainwater, so ensure it is painted with lead-free paint and that there is no lead used as roof flashing or gutter solder. The slight acidic quality of rain can dissolve lead and contaminate your water supply. Iron roofing, clay tiles and slates are fine to collect water on.

Gutters and downpipes:

These disperse water into the rain harvesting system for storage. Aluminium, galvanised steel or PVC gutters and downpipes are all suitable, however they must be sized, sloped and installed correctly in order to maximise the amount of rainwater collected.

You dont need a building consent for installing water storage tanks: If the tank is less than 35,000 litres and is supported directly by the ground. If the tank is less than 2,000 litres and is supported less than two metres above the supporting ground. If the tank is less than 500 litres and is supported less than four metres above the supporting ground.

1) Rainwater Filtration & Diversion Basic Kit which includes an Outlet Strainer and Debris Diverter (one per downpipe is recommended). 2) Tank Improvement Products Intermediate Kit includes components of Kit 1 plus: Kit Vent Cowl, Overflow Tank Gauge, First Flush Diverter (kit requires additional pipe for chambers), Floating Outtake Kit, Tank Vacuum Kit. 3) Advanced Kit Includes components of Kit 1 and 2 plus: Calmed Inlet, Vent Cowl Overflow, Tank Gauge, Flanged Tank Overflow Outlet.

Use the following formUla to calcUlate tank size:

roof area X annual rainfall = maximum available for capture then determine: most Days without rain X average Daily water Use = storage Volume required on Day one of a Dry spell as an example, if the most days without rain was 40 days, and the average daily usage was 400 litres, the volume on hand on day one of 40 days would be 16,000 litres.

Rainwater harvesting kits

Once youve figured out what you want to use the rainwater for, you can consider some of the kit options appropriate to your needs. Marley New Zealand offers three types of rainwater harvesting kits that easily connect with their PVC spouting and downpipe products. These are cost effective and extremely easy to install its possible to fit one in just a couple of hours.

Calculate tank size

To determine the water needed for a potable system, factor in your roof size, rainfall and water needs. 1) Assume you will need 150 Litres of water per person, per day. 2) 2) Calculate the square area of the roof.

How To Leaf guards:

Leaf guards stop roof debris from going into the water supply and work by diverting the debris away, and allowing the water to flow through the screen. There are several types of leaf guards to consider:

Rain Harvest First flush diverters:

These are essential for a potable rainwater harvesting system and can be fitted directly to the downpipe dropper on your guttering system. They work by directing the first runoff into a separate small chamber after a downpour, picking up most of the dirt, debris and other contaminants that can affect your water. Once the chamber has filled, the rest of the water flows to the downpipe connected to the rainwater tank. A small tube in the base of chamber allows it to be emptied before the next rain, ready to collect the next first runoff. use. Fine filters and microbiological disinfection will be necessary if your water will be used for drinking.

Pump:
A pump will push water through for irrigation or can be plumbed into a household toilet or laundry system, reducing the amount of water youll need to use from the mains system.

Leaf Slide:
Super easy to install, the filter box has anchor tabs provided for screwing or nailing it to the wall. The Leaf Slide has a standard 90mm storm water outlet, which is easily adapted to fit a Marley downpipe. A 65mm diameter downpipe above the filter screen will give the best performance.

Tank vacuum kit:

This is an essential tool for potable water. Fine sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank and can contain harmful bacteria and heavy metals. These toxins can pass through the outtake pipe and into the home, but can be removed by using a tank vacuum kit. The kit is positioned directly over the outtake with the vacuum pipe cut so the serrated pick up rests on the bottom of the tank. The tank vacuum becomes charged with water and a suction action starts as the excess water exits the tank. This exiting water sucks the sediment/waste from the bottom of the tank up the siphon pipe and out the tank.

Storage tanks/barrels:
The water storage tank should be in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, to help prevent algae growth. Ideally, it should be high enough for gravity to convey the water if this is not possible, fit a pump. Direct the overflow outlet away from the house and leave access for cleaning. A tight-fitting top cover will keep out animals, insects and mosquitoes looking to breed in the tank.

Leaf Eater:
Ideal for use in heavy rainfall areas, the Leaf Eater features a primary screen with 6mm aperture and an insect-proof secondary stainless steel screen (0.995mm).

Leaf Beater:
A high performance rain head suitable for low rain areas, with a 4mm aperture adjustable elliptical primary screen. Sheds leaves from the gutter onto the ground.

Water treatment:
Additives for settling sediment or buffering pH and simple filters are optional for non-potable rainwater

Leaf Catcher:
A budget leaf and debris catcher perfect for low rainfall and low leaf areas. It has two horizontal internal screens that can be mounted to the gutter or the wall. Screen one: 6mm aperture screen. Screen two: 0.955mm stainless steel insect proof screen. Fit both 90 and 100mm PVC pipe.

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How To

by Shaun Evans

Ready, steady, water

Summer is a time when you and your family are likely to be taking time out to enjoy the holidays and disrupting your usual routine. The hot, dry conditions of summer are a threat to your garden. As the soil dries and bakes in the heat of the day, moisture is hard to come by and your plants can begin to suffer the consequences. Just like us, plants can survive without food for some time but struggle and wither quickly with a lack of water.

lack of moisture and dry, hot conditions put plants under stress and reduces their performance.

www.gardena.com/nz
12

How To

Water Timers
Your watering days can be freely selected and the water computer can be used to control a water distributor for fully automatic control of up to six watering channels. Some models will offer a card reader function, this means the timer is simply programmed by card, allowing for up to three watering cycles per day and watering times from one minute to three hours. Adding to their simplicity, the operation of card reader models means they rely on gravity as opposed to water pressure. Look for timers that have a built-in moisture sensor. These can also be connected to your timer. They measure how much moisture is in the soil and will regulate the watering accordingly. The required soil moisture level can be set with a control. These sensors are very reliable and employ an electrothermal measuring principle.

avoid watering your garden in the middle of the day, as the water will evaporate before it penetrates the soil effectively.

Home Irrigation Systems From the tap to your garden

Consistent watering will help your plants thrive. Using a convenient and efficient automatic timer system to regulate the flow of water to your well thought-out irrigation system is the perfect solution. From the classic two-hour timer to the modern water computer with a calendar function, there is a model to help water your garden efficiently when you cant be there to do it yourself. Timers allow you to set the flow of water through your irrigation system to feed your garden for the ultimate in consistency. Regulating the amount of water and time when watering occurs is an important factor in conservation and efficiency.

Timers start from the very simple mechanical type, which work like an egg timer and allow a maximum watering time of 60 minutes, to the very sophisticated system with your choice of day, time and length of watering. They should be set to run at night or early in the morning, rather than during the heat of the day. Both Gardena and Neta brands offer luxury model timers with electronic data display and programming tailored to your gardens individual requirements. You can trust these to water your garden up to six times a day, allowing for a variable watering time from one hour to nine hours.
Neta Pop-Up Sprinklers Neta Solar Electronic Tap Timer

Neta Home Irrigation:

Neta can supply a full package for any size or style of home irrigation system. Neta provides design and planning tools to assist the home gardener with the right selection of irrigation products for their garden. For more information or to download fact sheets and free Neta home irrigation design software simply go to

www.ppi.co.nz and www.homeirrigation.co.nz

14

How To

Kitchen

Tricks of the trade

All timers require the use of a battery as stated in the instructions; cheaper generic batteries can lose power mid-cycle, leaving your plants to dry out. Before working with plastic pipe, lay it out in the sun. This will warm the plastic and make it more malleable, allowing you to work out the kinks from being rolled up. Make it easier to attach a hose fitting by inserting the end of the pipe into hot water for a few seconds to soften. Always run water through the pipe before connecting any fittings to clean out any debris. Use an in-line filter to prevent the pipe from blocking. The filter can be removed, cleaned and flushed out regularly. If your pipe is not lying as flat as you want, use metal weedmat pins to hold in position. The Gardena and Neta range of timers are well engineered and well built, which allows them to withstand the rigours of outdoor life. The key to these control systems is in the innovation that makes them the perfect fit for any garden. Come into your local Mitre 10 and the knowledgeable garden staff will be happy to show you through the ranges.

Use this helpful How To garden checklist before you leave for your holidays:
Remove potted plants from direct sunlight. Clear away weeds. Prune any plants that will need it while you are away. Feed your citrus trees before you leave. Feed you vegetable garden. Ensure bird nets are in place. Make sure mulch is fresh and in place. Program water computer (or arrange alternate watering systems). Activate robotic mower if you have one. Ask the neighbours for help. Relax!

16

17

How To

Adhesives
Using the wrong glue on the wrong surface has the potential to cause damage to whatever you are working on, causing a simple problem to become far worse. There are a huge range of glues and adhesives on the market. By knowing the basics of what you need for each job, or knowing how adhesive groups perform, you can make a far more informed decision about which glue or adhesive you need for the job.

Sticking

to it
by Scott Wilson

Woodworking glue
One of the most common types of glue is white glue, commonly referred to as PVA. This is used in basic woodworking projects. For inside fixes, choose from products such as Selleys Aquadhere Interior; pick water-resistant types like Selleys Aquadhere Exterior for external applications. These are not quick-setting glues, but they are really versatile and can be used in most common woodworking applications. They are nontoxic and can be easily cleaned up with a damp rag, while still wet; any residue left after drying can be sanded back. If you are using stains or putting a clear finish onto the timber after its been glued, ensure the adhesive is sanded back. This will prevent the stains from penetrating the timber and will show up as a white blemish on the surface.

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SUITABLE FOR metal, wood, ceramics, glass, rubber, masonry, china, fibreglass, vinyl, leather, fabric, cardboard and most plastics.

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18

19

How To

Adhesives

Polyurethane glue
As polyurethane glue cures, it expands, making it useful to fill the cracks and gaps in joints that dont quite fit as well as they should. However, this can also come with a downside if too much glue is used, in which case it will need to be removed or sanded back after its fully cured. Polyurethane glue such as Sikas Nailbond PREMIUM or Selleys Aquadhere Durabond is also waterproof and will bond a wide range of materials, offering high durability and a high strength while being able to be sanded and painted. Like water-based white glue, it needs time to cure and pieces may need to be clamped together until it sets.

Construction adhesive
Used in more heavy-duty applications, construction adhesives are common in residential and commercial construction, but they are just as versatile when it comes to using them around the home. Available in either water-based or solvent-based formulas, they are ideal for attaching panel products such as plywood or MDF in position and fixing skirting or other finishing timber in place. Companies such as Winstone Wallboards have developed their own construction adhesives for use in conjunction with their GIB products, designed for optimum performance. Selleys has a range of construction adhesives both water and solvent-based. The companys Liquid Nails range is very well known. Liquid Nails High Strength, Clear and Press & Go are all solvent-based adhesives, while Liquid Nails Fast is water-based. Sika also produces a range of adhesives, including Nailbond FAST, a water-based adhesive with the benefits of a solvent-based product, but without the nasty fumes. Alternatively, there is Nailbond PB and Nailbond SB, both of which are solvent-based construction adhesives.

Most construction adhesives can bond a remarkable number of different products together everything from timber through to concrete, metal, plastic and even glass, but make sure you check if its suitable for the job youre doing before buying it. Construction adhesives are applied with a caulking gun, which dispenses the glue in a thick bead. This makes it much easier to get the glue exactly where you want it without any messy over-run. Once the tip of the nozzle has been snipped open, its really easy for the glue to dry out, so find something to plug the hole a nail or screw will work for short periods. Over time, it can be difficult to keep a tube of construction adhesive workable if its been opened.

surfaces are pressed together. A roller or press is needed to apply some pressure to ensure an even bond. One of the most well-known contact cements is Ados F2, which is available in a tube, tin or spray can.

Instant glue
If youve ever dropped one of your family heirlooms or stepped on a childs favourite toy, you know the value of instant glue. This is one of those products to have around the home for emergencies. It sets almost instantly, provides an amost invisible bond on a wide range of products and can quickly repair a multitude of potential household disasters. However, be warned that it can also quickly stick fingers together if youre not careful! Acetone-based solvent (such as nail polish remover) can solve this issue, but the best idea is to try and keep fingers away from the glue. Instant glue doesnt have a huge shelf life, especially after its been opened, so keep it tightly capped to prolong its life.

Contact cement
Use these for bonding laminates and veneers to a substrate. As its name implies, contact cement bonds immediately on contact and the pieces cant be repositioned once they have come together, so you only get one chance to get it right. The adhesive is applied in a thin layer to both surfaces, allowed to cure for a set amount of time before the two

storing the bottle upside down helps keep the glue from solidifying.

CHARCOAL COOKING
Charmate has made charcoal cooking easy with a range of products designed for beginners, right through to serious charcoal chefs. With Charmate you will find cooking on charcoal safe, easy and fun. Charcoal grilling adds a rich and unique flavour to food, making cooking outdoors irresistible. To make things easier, we also supply Heat Beads fire starters and charcoal fuels for Charmate barbecues. View our entire range on our new-look website: www.charmate.co.nz.

3285-09/11

20

How To
Spraying the adhesive on and waiting until its tacky will make it simple to fix either paper or fabric into place. If you want a bond that provides a stronger fix, spray a layer of adhesive on the paper or fabric as well. There is also a range of household glue, designed for a range of generalpurpose roles (such as Selleys All Fix) and a large number of specialist adhesives designed for a range of specialist tasks (tiling, vinyl, shoe repair, glass, metal, etc). If you are in doubt and need some guidance, dont hesitate to ask one of the Mitre 10 staff, as they will be able to give you the right advice and steer you in the right direction.

Adhesives

GLUE SAFETY
hile some glues are non-toxic, W others can contain potentially dangerous chemicals, so it pays to treat them all with care. ollow instructions carefully and avoid F contact with skin or eyes. se in a well-ventilated area to avoid U breathing in the fumes. o ensure child safety, store adhesives T out of reach, or in a locked cabinet. Adult supervision is recommended.

Epoxy glue
If youre serious about sticking two different pieces together, epoxy glue is one of the best products to use. It comes in two parts a resin and a catalyst, or hardener and, due to the chemical reactions between these two components, its extremely strong, waterproof and durable. Once cured, epoxy glue can be sanded, machined or painted as though its actully part of the project material. Epoxy glue can either be obtained as a dual-cartridge product, which dispenses the correct amount of each component by depressing a plunger, or as separate tubes or pots, which require measuring to ensure the mix ratio is correct.

Hot glue
This is ideal for craftwork, instant repairs or temporary fixes. Hot glue is clean and really simple to use. The glue itself is a thermoplastic adhesive that comes in solid cylindrical sticks. These are inserted into an electric glue gun that then heats them until they become a thick liquid able to be dispensed out the nozzle as the trigger is pressed. The glue hardens into a solid mass again fairly quickly, so you cant hang about while working on your project.

Spray adhesive
While it seems simple, gluing paper or fabric to a flat surface can be difficult. It can be awkward getting a thin, smooth layer of adhesve laid down first. Spray adhesives in cans are perfect for providing a thin layer of adhesive and the glue wont soak through porous materials, which means it wont show up when the project is complete.

zero solvent construction adhesive?

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How To
According to ACC figures, more than 11,000 people were seriously injured last year around the home. Nearly 9,800 people were seriously hurt from falls during the last Christmas holiday period and more than 4,000 fell from ladders. Thats just too many accidents. Pay attention when you are carrying out your DIY projects and remember this simple message:

Safety

Look down
Underground electricity cables and gas pipes are everywhere. They could be under your lawn or driveway and you may not even know. Call 0508 B4U WORK (248 967)* to establish the location of electricity cables or gas pipes under your property. If you have cables or pipes below, make sure you avoid digging in that location. If you are breaking concrete and need equipment such as a rock breaker or excavator to dig but have established there are cables or pipes nearby get a professional contractor to carry out initial digging work.

Look up, look down, look out

Look up
Look up to avoid touching overhead lines when carrying ladders and other tall objects. Assume all overhead lines are live electricity lines. When trimming trees, check if power lines run through the branches or near the tree. If the tree is within four metres of a power line, call Treescape in Auckland on 0800 1 TREES (187 337). Outside of Auckland call your local arborist. If you are putting up an antenna or other high structure like a flagpole, make sure you check for clearance from lines first. If a power line is within four metres of where you want to work, make sure you phone 0508 VECTOR (932 867) to temporarily disconnect your power supply.

Look out
When painting, water blasting or even just using a hose near power outlets, make sure you switch the power off at the mains first or use a residual current device (RCD). If you dont have access to an RCD and need power, use a portable generator or arrange with a use their power supply safely. Be sure to use waterproof exterior power plugs. If youre putting up decorative fairy lights, make sure they are low voltage and safe for outdoor use. Again, use an RCD so the power is automatically disconnected in the event of a fault. For more information on these important tips or to find out about services in your area, check out www.vector. co.nz/summersafety or speak to the highly experienced staff at your local Mitre 10 Mega. Vector is a multi infrastructure company and the electricity lines company for the Auckland region. neighbour to

Look up, look down

If you need to move a particularly tall object, contact 0508 VECTOR to request a high load permit and ensure the power supply can be managed to ensure
4-0 26361 Know How third page Horiz ad copy.pdf

and look out

How To really want you to take care when youre working hard, so we teamed up with our friends at Vector to bring you a timely reminder of How To stay safe and sound this summer.

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14/12/11

3:37 PM

Doing home maintenance this summer?

Look up to avoid touching overhead powerlines when carrying ladders or other tall objects. Electricity finds the quickest route to the ground make sure its not through you.

LOOK DOWN

Planning to waterblast or use water near power lines or outlets? Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) or switch off power at the mains first. If you need power, use a portable generator or ask your neighbour to plug in there. Electricity flows through water, dont lead it to you.

Look up, look down, look out

Doing a bit of gardening this summer? Before you dig that hole, make sure you know where underground cables and gas pipes are located. Just call 0508 B4U WORK (248 967)* to get your cable or pipe map and avoid digging a hole for yourself. *Auckland only

24

www.vector.co.nz/summersafety

How To

Fixings

Getting a

fix on it
by Scott Wilson

Screws are used in a wide range of applications and vary greatly in size, purpose and appearance. In most cases, the way it looks isnt going to make a difference but, if you are working on something where the screws will be seen, this may need to be a consideration.

For general woodworking, there are several screw styles. Traditional wood screws have a tapered shank and countersunk head, which is designed so it sits flush with the timber surface. Most woodworking screws were made from steel, but zinc (silver) and zinc chromate (yellow) are also common. Zinc is primarily for indoor use, while zinc chromate screws are more durable. You will also find stainless steel, brass and a range of screws with protective coatings, making them ideal for outdoor use. The choice of thread for your screw is important, so youll need to be aware of the different types. Traditional wood screws have a single fine thread finishing part way up the shank. The bare shank at the top allows the bottom section of the screw to pull the material together. The tapered thread can cause splitting, so drill a pilot hole first, especially with hardwood.

26

27

How To
The Atlas range of Twinfast wood screws have parallel twin threads, perfect for fixing particleboard or softwoods. The twin threads allow for quick installation, making them ideal for use with battery drivers, while also providing greater holding power. The non-tapered shank also helps to reduce the likelihood of splitting the timber. Atlas also manufactures Surefix screws, which are self-drilling and self-countersinking, so no pilot hole is required and they are suitable for installation with a battery driver. The coarse thread provides fast installation, while ribs on the underside of the head give them the ability to self-countersink when they reach the surface of the timber. The Buildex range of Made for Trade screws are also

EziFind
Steel & Tubes EziFind range has been developed to provide an extensive, but simple solution to these selection challenges. EziFind is a range of quality, ready to go packs to make selecting the right fastener much easier. How the EziFind selection system works: Colour coded packaging helps you to determine the correct fastener for the material that you are xing into eg. yellow for timber, purple for metal etc. Various pack sizes for small to large projects. Bolts come complete with nuts and washers, so you have everything you need to complete the job. EziFind is exible enough to provide ranges suitable to the automotive, engineering, plumbing and electrical usage in this handy ready to go form.

Choosing the right fasteners, made easy!

Pilot holes and clearance holes. Drill a pilot hole into your timber using a drill bit that is slightly narrower than the threaded portion of the screw, as this will prevent splitting. make sure the length of the bit does not exceed the screw length. to reduce friction, enlarge the top of the hole with a bit that matches the shank diameter. if you want to sink the screw head below the surface, use a countersink bit to make a tapered recess for the screw head. if you are using a cordless drill/driver to install your screws, set the drills clutch so it engages once the screw is seated properly, avoiding over-driving the screw and damaging the surface of the timber. steel screws are stronger than brass, so to make life easier, drive in a steel screw of the same size first then back it out and replace it with the brass screw. You may need to adjust the clutch setting on your driver, or use a standard screwdriver.

available in handy clam-shell format for the serious DIYer with a wide range of the very latest in technology for all applications around the home. If you are looking for screws to install hinges or other fittings, make sure you choose ones with a smooth underside to the head; this will allow them to sit flush with the fitting you are installing. Ensure you check that the screw head will actually fit into the recess on the fitting first, as screw heads that are too big may affect the performance of the hinge as well as looking ungainly. When securing sheet material to a surface, youll need to use round-head screws. They have a flat underside, which allows it to firmly secure the sheet material without damage. In some cases, you may need to use a washer under the head. The third common type of screw available is the domehead screw, which has a countersunk underside and a raised, or domed, head. These are used when there is a need for the head of the screw to be exposed. Screws for use on metal are similar in design to those used in woodworking, but have finer threads. They will be clearly marked on the packs as being designed for use on metal. In almost all cases, it will be necessary to drill a pilot hole first before using them.

In the past selecting fasteners for DIY or trade projects has been a daunting exercise, with huge ranges of products available to cover multiple applications, youd often hear customers say, What fastener can I use for this job?.

Masonry Metal Fixings

Timber Fixings

Wallboard Fixings Metal Fixings Stainless Metal Fixings

Three of the most common types of screw heads countersunk, dome head and roundhead.

Call into the fastenings section of your local Mitre 10 store.

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How To
Robertson heads are becoming increasingly common and have a tapered square hole machined into the head. They offer increased resistance to camming out, which is when the driver head slips and damages the head of the screw.

Fixings
For ease of calculation, the table below should provide some assistance in gauge sizes, as well as the pilot and clearance holes that are required for each:

Sizing
The specified length of a screw corresponds to the part of it that enters the wood. A countersunk screw for example, is measured from end to end where a roundedhead screw is measured from its tip to the underside of the head. Select a screw that is about three times as long as the thickness of the smallest piece of timber it is going to secure. Also, bear in mind that even if a woodscrew is not long enough to burst through the back of a workpiece, the deformed timber fibres may create a noticeable bulge in the wood unless you make sure the tip stops an adequate distance from the rear surface. The screw gauge refers to the thickness of the shank the larger the number, the thicker the screw.

gauge 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14

metric (mm) 2.74 3.10 3.45 3.81 4.17 4.52 4.88 5.59 6.30

Pilot hole (mm) 1.5 1.5 2 2 2.5 3 3.5 3.5 3.5

clearance hole (mm) 2.5 2.5 3.5 4 4.5 5 5 6 6

Phillips

robertson

Gauge Length
The gauge of a screw refers to the thickness, while the length refers to the part of the screw that enters the timber. This countersunk woodscrew is measured from end to end, while a roundhead screw would be measured to the underside of the head.

Pozidrive

slotted

When driving screws in, you will need to find a driver that fits one of these common heads slotted, Phillips, Pozidrive or Robertson (square). There are others, such as star or hex heads, but youre unlikely to find too many of them.

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The heads of the screws also have slots in them, allowing them to be driven into place by a matching screwdriver or driver bit. There are four major common types available slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv and Robertson (square) head. Slotted screw heads have just that a single slot cut across the top of the head. When selecting a driver to install them, use one that fits snugly into the slot and doesnt have excess movement when turned. Pozidrive and Phillips patterns look similar, but Pozidriv heads have extra shallow grooves between the slots. It may be tempting to use a Phillips screwdriver or bit on a Pozidrive head screw, or vice versa, but you should avoid doing this as it will either damage the screw or the driver bit.

Removing woodscrews Using a snug-fitting screwdriver with a large, comfortable handgrip, it should be possible to remove most woodscrews without too much trouble. for stubborn screws, clean out the head as much as possible, then try tapping the butt end of the screwdriver with a wooden mallet as the jolt sometimes frees the screw. alternatively, heat the head of the screw with a soldering iron and then attempt to remove the screw once the metal has cooled.
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How To

Material
Counterboring a screw if you need to drive a screw below the surface of a workpiece so its hidden, you will need to counterbore it by drilling a hole the same diameter as the screw head before drilling the pilot and clearance holes. once the screw is in place, this hole can then be filled with a timber plug, sanded back and then stained or finished.
For most applications, you will have the choice of either bright steel or galvanised nails and its essential you know which ones you need especially if you are working on an exterior project. Bright steel nails are manufactured without any form of protection and are cheaper than galvanised nails, but will quickly start to rust in an exterior environment. So they are perfect for interior jobs like wall and floor framing right through to smaller jobs such as shelves. An exception to this rule of thumb might be in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. In these cases, electro-galvanised or hot-dipped galvanised should be considered. Failure to use protected nails in

in most framing jobs, a mix of 75mm and 100mm nails can be used.

Head
The two most common head types used are jolt head and flat head, but there are a couple of other types available as well. Flat head nails are great for general-purpose tasks. However, because of the head, they are really only suitable for jobs where the nail will be seen afterwards or where it will be covered with other material. Jolt head nails have a head that is only slightly larger than the shank of the nail, itself, allowing it to be punched below the surface of the timber where it can be covered with filler. There are also clouts, which are shorter nails with a larger flat head and are usually used for fixing panel products to walls and ceilings. In many cases, manufacturers will make clouts to suit their own products, but there are clouts available in the Paslode range from 19mm to 40mm long.

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Nails
There is a huge range of Paslode nails available at Mitre 10; different sizes, manufactured from different materials, with a range of heads and shanks each designed for a different task. However, theres no need to be intimidated by the variety, all it takes is a little understanding.

wet areas may result in unsightly timber staining. Galvanised nails are coated with zinc, which protects the nail from corrosion, making them the perfect choice for outdoor work. For exterior applications you should be looking for a nail with at least 50 microns of protective zinc coating. Stainless steel and silicon bronze nails are highly corrosion resistant and can be used in almost any situation. These are often used when working near the coast, where salt can rust even the strongest protection.

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Shank
While it may seem obvious, the shank is the part between the point and the head of the nail and this is the section that provides the holding power due to the friction of the shank on the material its fixed into. A basic rule of thumb says that the larger the nail, the thicker the shank, making for more hold strength, but there is also more chance of splitting timber when using larger nails, so keep this in mind when planning your project. Very dry or hard native timbers may exhibit a greater tendency to split therefore a finer diameter mail maybe needed for these conditions. In some cases it may even be prudent to drill a pilot hole in the upper piece of the timber to prevent splitting, or the top the nail bending when its being hammered. In addition to the more familiar smooth-shanked nails, there is also a range of available from Paslode specifically designed for decks, fences and floors. These are called annular grooved nails and have rings machined into the shank, providing far greater holding power. There is also a range of hardened nails suitable for use in masonry and concrete applications. In these instances, careful selection of nail lengths is important because driving depth is limited to between 15mm and 20mm so when selecting a nail, measure the thickness of the top board and add 15-25mm. This is the optimum length of nail.

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Size
Nails can range in size from 150mm long to less than 20mm, depending on what you require them for. Panel pins are used for smaller jobs such as cabinet making or fixing thin sheets of material in place and can range in size from 19mm to 50mm long. Standard nails are available in lengths of 60mm, 75mm, 90mm and 100mm and should be selected based on the thickness of the material you are working with. In larger framing jobs, 90mm nails will be the first choice, as they are the number one sized framing nail used in New Zealand. Galvanised nails are also available as 125mm and 150mm spikes, mainly due to the larger sections of timber that are often used in landscaping and outdoor work. To determine the correct length nail shank you should select, remember this simple rule of thumb 1/3 of the nail length will pass through the material you are nailing and 2/3 of the nail will be embedded in the timber you are nailing to. To calculate this, measure the top
A bright steel nail with a jolt head (left) and a galvanised flathead nail (right)

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Storage
Finally, when it comes to storing nails, screws and other items, keep them in plastic bottles, jars or labelled plastic boxes. This way they are always easy to find on your shelf. Its too easy to throw everything in a large container and sift through it when you are looking for the appropriate fixings, which can become an incredibly frustrating process!

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timber thickness and simply multiply by three to get the appropriate nail length for the application.

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How To

After

All you need to Deck-orate

Before

Add life and colour to exterior timber decks and furniture while still allowing the beauty of the natural grain to show through with the Resene Woodcare range. Choose from Resene Woodsman Decking Stain, Resene Woodsman, Resene Furniture and Decking Oil, Resene Kwila Timber Stain or Resene Lumbersider and oil, stain or colour your deck ready for summer. Get deck-orating today!

New year, new look

34

Its perfect time of year to tackle the big project of painting the exterior of your home; just combine clear weather, motivation and a desire to improve the look of your family home. Weatherboard homes have a unique set of rules, as do masonry homes.

for your home

www.resene.co.nz

How To

Preparation
Lets look at the two surfaces concrete and weatherboard separately as they require different approaches. Whether you are working with a new or old concrete surface will make a big difference in your starting point. Taking time to prepare will always pay off in the quality of the finish. Have drop sheets, masking tape for the windows and methylated spirits ready for the clean-up. Ensure you clean the surface you are working with thoroughly; we recommend a Browns brush on an extendable pole. This will allow you to reach even the most difficult areas and the superior clean will remove the dirt and grime that can hinder a professional finish.

Applying an appropriate primer/sealer to the surface will prevent any further lime leaching.

Primers
Using a primer that seals for your old concrete wall will not only bind the surface together, it will reduce the number of coats of paint required from three to two. As concrete gets older, the surface becomes more porous and salt deposits build up that can be difficult to remove; this is where a sealer is the perfect primer. A similar situation may arise if the surface you are working with has recently been plastered. Stopping lime from leaching through waterborne paint surfaces requires a specific primer coating. Loose debris on weatherboards will undermine your efforts to create a smooth finish, so it cannot be stressed enough to make sure your preparation is thorough. Once this process is complete, try to prime on the same day in order to avoid dew forming overnight and lifting the edges. Look for depressions or holes in the wood and fill, then sand back with 220 grit and re-prime. This will provide you with a smooth finish ready to accept the all-important top coats.

Preparing old concrete

First, water blast the surface to remove any loose paint, mould or dirt. A reputable paint prep or house wash solution will help with this process and most contain antifungal agents. A primer is required for old concrete surfaces. All concrete is porous and lime can still leach out. Primer also helps bind old, powdery concrete together, which will reduce the number of top coats needed to finish the job. Ensure all gaps and holes are filled and then sand the surface smooth. Finally remove dust from the surface.

Preparing new concrete

Allow new concrete to cure for at least 28 days before attempting to paint. As it dries, it will push salt and lime to the surface. This is a natural process, which can be helped by wiping away the build-up. Once the concrete has cured, use a wire brush to clean the surface and then rub down to remove any loose sand or debris. Fill any cracks or holes with an exterior filler, sand to a smooth finish and dust off.

Preparing weatherboards
Ensure all weatherboards are cleaned and cleared of mould and moss by using a product like Resene Mould and Moss Killer or a 30-second product. Applying with a garden sprayer to get even distribution and take care to avoid plants. If the weatherboards are new, moss and mould will not be a problem, however it is still a good idea to use a house-washing product to get the best starting surface possible. Before you begin priming, take to your old weatherboards with 80-150 grit sand paper and a 35-50mm flat blade scraper to remove flaking or unstable paint.

Painting
The basics are often overlooked when painting your home. Stirring the paint in the can is the first step, no matter what surface you are painting. Use a flat paddle stick and stir the paint from the bottom of the can up. Keep going until you are sure all the lumps have dissolved. Always start painting under the eaves, gutters and fascias first. Next, paint the window frames, window sills and finally the down pipes. Any paint dripped onto the wall from these first steps will be covered later. For weatherboards, use high-quality brushes matched in size to the profile of the weatherboard. Make sure the brush is comfortable for you to use. Use separate brushes for primer and topcoat to avoid mixing water-based paints with solvent-based primers.

Preparation is the key to producing a great finish. a good wash will provide a surface primer will adhere to.

36

How To

House Painting
Always plan your approach when painting weatherboards. Load your brush with paint and tap the excess off, then wipe one side of the brush on its edge to make cutting in easier. For concrete surfaces, use a roller on the flat wall. After coating about 1m2, lightly roll across the area with an almost dry roller to maintain a wet edge and avoid marks where the paint overlaps. For rough surfaces use a PAL No. 4 or No. 3 roller sleeve. This will help fill any naturally occurring holes in the block work for a smooth finish. Combine this with low-level gloss paint and you can achieve a smooth-looking finish on a previously rough surface. For all other paint finishes and smoother surfaces, use a PAL No. 2 or No. 1 roller sleeve. Second coats of paint will be easier to apply given the great job you have made of the preparation and first coat, but care is always needed to keep the flow of paint in the same direction. Time between coats will depend on the paint you choose and the weather conditions, but three-four hours is usually about right.

Paint sprayers the alternative

the wagner 115 sprayer is great for practical painting, featuring a hopper to pour paint into. Protect areas not to be painted with cardboard, newspaper and masking tape. make sure it is not windy to reduce the amount of overspray. start in difficult areas, such as corners, edges or smaller sections. this will help you find your rhythm before moving onto larger sections. spray in smooth back and forth motions, 300mm away from the surface to help achieve a goldilocks coverage not too thick and not too thin. the wagner airless 115 has great manoeuvrability and a 9.5-litre capacity to help power through your project.

Painting your house this summer can really add value to your property and provide a lift for the whole family. Be sure to ask for advice at your local mitre 10 before starting your project; the staff are well trained and there to help you through the process. safety is always key when reaching the higher parts of your home and a good ladder, combined with the right extension pole, can reduce the risk of falls.

For a harder wearing finish

How To

DIY Clothing
How many pairs of shorts or jeans have been ruined by your DIY projects? How many holes have appeared in your t-shirts? How many paint stains grace your once glorious board shorts? There are too many sad tales of good clothes being ruined in a failed attempt to do a bit of DIY carefully, thinking shell be right.
DIY work deserves the right tools and clothing to get the job done. The team at Hard Yakka has a range of clothing specifically designed for the DIYer and the level of construction in these garments mean your everyday clothes can breathe a sigh of relief. Established in the 1930s, the company Hard Yakka derived its name from the aboriginal word for work. With a company name like that, its possible to imagine this crowd have not stopped since they opened their doors. The range of clothing and safety clothing extends to work boots and hi-vis garments as well as overalls, shorts, pants and shirts. Nothings tougher, nothings more comfortable and nothing comes close to Hard Yakkas reputation for quality and service. Its the countrys undisputed workwear market leader, designed for hard-working Kiwi DIYers in New Zealand conditions.

DIY clothing

made easy

40

41

How To
Every item bearing the Hard Yakka name is backed by a guarantee of quality. As well as a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Auckland, goods are sourced from quality-focused, dependable suppliers in Australia and further afield. Some of the most popular items sold at Mitre 10 Mega are from the Hard Yakka Legends range. These shorts, shirts and trousers are a testament to how seriously these guys take their products and even have a used look straight out of the packaging, so theres no need to take any jibes from your mates!

DIY Clothing
Legends have a silicone-washed 100% cotton duck weave for extra comfort, breathability and durability. The material is so tough that it can withstand twice as many abrasions as regular workwear fabric. The Cordura trim and felled seams feature multiple stitching for increased strength. Not to mention 13 pockets on the trouser including: knee, cargo, ruler, mobile phone and small tool. For the best bang for buck, Hard Yakka has selected 100% cotton drill material and limited the amount of pockets to present the Gen Y range.

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How To

DIY Clothing
They are also compliant with the recently upgraded New Zealand Safety Standards regarding chainsaw protection. Talk about clothes maketh the man! Hard Yakka chainsaw chaps actually hold the man together! The Hard Yakka point of sale stand features an accurate sizing and fitting chart with a tape measure to help you get the right fit, every time. Look out for the King Gee brand while you are there, its a long-standing Aussie workwear brand that is just starting to come on to the market here in New Zealand. Your local Mitre 10 Mega has an aisle completely dedicated to safety gear and DIY clothing. Head to the Hard Yakka/King Gee stand to grab top of the line safety clothing in a style you will want to wear on the job or even to the pub.

Contemporary designs mean its possible to wear Gen Y trousers, jumpers, vests and long and short-sleeved shirts for the DIY project at home and to the pub after youve finished. Its worth noting that the Hard Yakka range has a real focus on safety. Nowhere is it more evident than the pants and chaps specifically designed to protect from chainsaws. Using eleven layers of scrim under the canvas outer, these chaps will take a direct hit from a chainsaw exposing the scrim to block the chainsaws operation and prevent you from experiencing a nasty accident.

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How To After

Stain Project

Wat tyl Dec k & Ti mber P Wat tyl For rep estwoo d Stain Gar den sp rayer Stiff broom Pain t tray Pain t Brush

The guests arent far away, the foods under way and the drinks are chilled for your super Saturday barbeque with friends and family. Theres only one problem the deck and wooden furniture look ravaged by time and the elements. What do you do?

and renew
by Chris Yates 46

Revive, revitalise
Before 47

How To
Race down to your Mitre 10 and grab the essentials from Wattyl and follow these easy How To steps to bring your deck back to life.

Revive your deck

The first step and the most important step is preparation. Wattyl Deck & Timber Prep is specifically formulated to prepare your outdoor timber for oiling or staining. It features a non-bleaching formula that will remove dirt and grease while fighting mould and mildew. Wattyl Deck & Timber Prep is easy to use, simply prepare by mixing one part of the concentrate to 10 parts clean water. Use a garden sprayer or a watering can to spray a small area of your deck at a time and then lightly scrub with a stiff broom to lift dirt and mould from the wood. Rinse or hose off with fresh water then repeat this process until the whole area is completed. Ideally do this during cool or overcast weather. In higher temperatures, work in smaller sections at so it is possible to clean and rinse the deck before the cleaner dries. Once the deck is clean and dry, you can move on to staining.

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48
YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST FLAKING, PEELING OR BLISTERING.

How To

Stain Project

Staining
There are two main types of stains: oil or water based. In this project we opted for the Forestwood water-based decking stain tinted to match the Kwila deck. The main advantages of using a water-based stain are easy application and the ability to wash brushes with water.

Before pouring the stain into your paint tray, give it a good stir to ensure any stain settled to the bottom is evenly mixed this provides colour consistency. The coverage of Wattyl Forestwood is between six and twelve square metres per litre and, if your deck is like ours and has not been stained for some time, you will definitely need two coats. Apply the stain sparingly to ensure you get even coverage.

The beautiful thing about Wattyl Forestwood Stain is the wood should be touch dry in 15-30 minutes, meaning its possible to apply subsequent coats quickly (wet on wet) or alternatively after a minimum of two hours. Ideally the deck should have at least 16 hours to dry properly before subjecting it to light foot traffic. Once cured, you will have a fresh-looking surface for up to three years.

Check to make sure you have all the right tools to do the

Take your time and try not to do it in one coat this will make all the difference. Usually the first coat of stain appears to be soaked up by the wood, this is normal and you will find the second coat will use much less stain than the first. A stain penetrates the wood rather than paint which covers it.

Dont squeeze the sponge when applying the stain, as this will cause it to run.

job efficiently: 1. An old paint tray to pour the Wattyl Forestwood stains in to. 2. A specifically designed stain applicator brush. 3. A fine bristle broom.

Revitalise your outdoor furniture

After a number of years, wooden outdoor furniture can turn grey and weathered its easy to follow these How To steps to bring them back to looking as good as the day you bought it.

50

51

How To

Again, mix up a portion of Wattyl Deck & Timber Prep and spray it onto your garden furniture, then give them a thorough scrubbing and finish by rinsing off the residues with clean water. We recommend you use the oil-based Forestwood range for furniture. Stir it thoroughly before applying so the distribution of the stain colour is even. A small sponge is one of the easiest tools to apply the stain. Partly dip the sponge into your paint tray and apply it gently to the surface of the table, chair or bench. Repeat this process until the coat is complete and allow it to dry properly before starting the second. Dont forget to give your tin of Wattyl Forest Wood a good stir before each use. After two coats of Forest Wood, your furniture should look almost new. To maintain the fresh, clean look, repeat this process every 18 months or so.

52

How To

Patio Heating

Patio heaters
A simple way to heat outdoor areas is with a patio heater, as often seen in bars and restaurants. These portable heaters are powered by LPG gas, which is hidden in the base of the structure. It works by providing heat from overhead and can be positioned beside an outdoor dining table, lounge seats or simply close by. This type of heater will provide strong heat even on the coldest nights. Some popular models are the Meteor and Rinnai patio heaters. These use a unique ceramic tile radiant burner system. The most durable patio heaters are made from stainless steel and aluminium, with simple electronic ignitions.

Elegant entertaining
54

Gasmate area heaters are innovative gas-powered outdoor heaters that are designed to provide head to toe warmth. Because these are shorter, they are an excellent alternative in areas with smaller ceiling

New Zealand summer can deliver some cool evenings, especially if your barbeques stretch into the wee small hours. To complete the outdoor festivities, how about a tour of the best outdoor heating options?

clearance.

outdoors

Wall mounted heaters

Wall-mounted heaters can be placed beneath a covered area and positioned to face the designated outdoor living space. While they are not moveable, they are sleek and discreet. The Rinnai Outdoor Super Ray is an excellent example of a highly-efficient gas-powered model.

55

How To

Patio Heating
environment. When building a new home or taking on serious renovations, it is important to plan for outdoor heating. Future-proof thinking can save money and time especially if you pipe gas directly to your barbeque and outdoor heater, eliminating gas bottles. The Gasmate LPG brazier looks like a traditional brazier and is fitted with a variable heat output and a simpleto-use ignition system making lighting a breeze. It is supplied with an extra long gas hose so you can hide the 9kg cylinder out of sight. This heater radiates up to 3.5m of omnidirectional warmth. The Rinnai Impression outdoor fire features new gas technology and suits many modern outdoor living areas. Its up to the homeowner to establish the look they want to achieve and this can mean building a stone or plastered wall or surround for the fire. Rinnai Impression is available in single or double-sided style. Most homeowners incorporate the fire so its visible as an external feature, while also facing the patio for maximum practical enjoyment.

Wood burners
While patio heaters are the most affordable and portable outdoor heating option, there is nothing quite like an outdoor fire. Facing a patio or outdoors living space, the flames of a fire create an ambience like no other and are a strong source of heat. If you live in a rural environment, a real fire might be a possibility for you although there are local body restrictions in most city areas. Wood-burning outdoor fires can be simply constructed and make a huge statement. They are built from materials such as natural stone or brick, with a grate inserted for the wood to burn on. It is important to ensure the embers cannot set fire to nearby trees so check any trees or shrubs around the chimney are trimmed back or cut down. In some residential areas or lifestyle blocks, wood-fired pizza ovens can be a way of avoiding local restrictions. While they cannot be classified as a fire, you can use them as a cooking facility and they also throw out a great amount of heat.

Charmate solid fuel braziers are a portable and convenient form of outdoor fire, which provides warmth and ambience. Simply place logs or charcoal in the base and ignite. A stabilising base plate protects decks from harm and collects ash or debris. Some models can be used as a barbeque with the supplied chrome cooking rack. Chapala Chimeneas are pottery outdoor fires handmade in Mexico from local volcanic clay and finished by traditional craftsman. Their casual style is an ideal way to add some ambience into any outdoor area. Volcanic clay construction provides radiant warmth. These portable products can add fire to your entertaining area without the high cost of a fixed outdoor fireplace.

TRUSTED KIWI BRAND

Gasmate products have been popular with New Zealanders for over 13 years. We know how important it is for people to enjoy outdoor living, using trusted products that offer excellent value for money. Our range of innovative outdoor heaters are designed to provide head-to-toe warmth, extending the time you can spend entertaining outside on cooler evenings. We make it easy to enjoy outdoor living. View the entire range on our new-look website: www.gasmate.co.nz

Gas fires
The most common outdoor fires are gas-powered and there are a huge range of models and styles available. Gas fires create a similar ambience to a real wood fire without the hassle of needing to organise wood or impact on the
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How To

Wipe out
by Sandy Johnson
Water-saving techniques can have a big effect in the garden over the drier months. Often it is just about planning and making better use of the equipment you already have.

water waste
4. Use Saturaid
Saturaid is a mixture of natural non-toxic minerals and acts like blotting paper, channelling the water to the plants roots and ensuring even distribution. It can be used throughout the garden, cutting your watering frequency almost in half. It will last six months before it needs to be reapplied perfect for getting through the dry months.

WIN:
publicAtion

YEARS OF HASSLE-FREE, CLEAN SPOUTING

3 prizEs To bE won!
browns brushware, new zealands oldest manufacturing brush maker, is giving projects readers three chances to win a house lot of Gutter whiskers

1. Take your time

If you are watering by hand, take your time. Plants need to have a good soak, so water one plant at a time. Before you finish, check the soil by digging to see how deep the water has reached.

5. Mulching
Simply use natural materials to cover the soil in and around your plants. Mulch has the added benefit of suppressing weeds and adding vital nutrients to the soil as it breaks down; it can be dug back into the soil when preparing for the following seasons planting. The materials used for mulching are varied but compost and pea-straw are readily available for the home gardener.

2. Sprinkler choice
A more efficient use of water can be achieved by using the correct sprinkler. Consider what you are going to use it for. An oscillating sprinkler is best for lawns. A gentle action is best for the vegetable garden, so choose a tall or tripod sprinkler with a butterfly head to simulate natural rainfall.

Gutter Whiskers are a specially developed brush filter for keeping spouting free from leaves and debris, making the tedious and dangerous job of cleaning gutters both simpler and safer. Leaves and pine needles that can easily matt and create problems in gutters are trapped and suspended in the Gutter Whiskers brush filter preventing them from bedding in the gutter and blocking downpipes. They also deter birds from bathing or spreading debris over paths and sidings as they forage amongst the leaf mould. Installing Gutter Whiskers can save a lot of effort and exposure to risk by keeping the gutters clear for years at a stretch. Made in New Zealand to withstand our harsh climatic conditions, Gutter Whiskers are easy to install, and easy to clean, requiring no more than a ladder for installation and a hose for cleaning.

399
For more information about Gutter whiskers visit wwwbrownbrush.co.nz or freephone 0800 27 87 49

worth

we have three 23.2 meter packs of Gutter whiskers to be won, worth $399 each.

6. Group your pots

Group all of your potted plants together, as this will protect the sides from the sun and reduce evaporation. The application of some mulch will help here, too.

3. Matching
Match your plant choices to your garden soil type. This is especially important if you have sandy soils. Look around the neighbourhood and see what is growing successfully with minimal water these are the plants to use.

How To EnTEr THE draw Go online to www.nzprojects.co.nz and click on Competions to submit your entry or send your name, physical address, daytime phone number and email address on the back of an envelope to: Projects Gutter Whiskers Competition, 15 Berne Place, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, before 28 February 2012. You must include the missing words in this phrase: Years of hassle free and _ _ _ _ _ spouting

CondiTions oF EnTrY: You may enter only once. There are 3 prizes as outlined, each consisting of a 23.2 metre pack of Gutter Whiskers worth RRP$399. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash. The winners will be notified by phone or email by 31 March 2012. Employees of MMS Publishing, Browns Brushes and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. All entrants with a valid email address will become members of www.nzprojects.co.nz and receive their enewsletters. This is a subscribed database and you can unsubscribe from it at anytime. Prices quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at time of publication. Projects HOW TO and Browns Brushware accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.

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How To
Thrive Granular Rose Food and Natures Way Bio-Gold Pellets for a healthy, balanced diet. Feed citrus and other autumn/winter fruiting plants, such as feijoas and tamarillos, with Thrive Granular Citrus Food to aid developing fruit. Subtropicals continue growing right through autumn in warmer areas and will benefit from a feed of Nutricote Subtropical Fern and Palm Food. Give heavy cropping veggies, including tomatoes, capsicums, aubergine and cucumbers, a side dressing of Gro-Plus Tomato Food. Yates Dynamic Lifter PLUS is a great option on poor soils. Liquid feed the entire garden with Yates Nitrosol at least fortnightly and reinvigorate ailing plants with Natures Way Seaweed Booster. SPRAY as soon as you see an infestation of insect pests or outbreak of disease. Deal to caterpillars with Yates Success Naturalyte. Treat outbreaks of aphids, whitefly, passionvine hoppers and green veggie bug with Yates Target or the organic option, Natures Way Insect and

A stitch in time

Mite Killer. Hit hard to kill citrus scale and mealy bug with Yates Confidor. Watch for blight on tomatoes, powdery mildew on curcubits (pumpkins etc) and rust and black spot on roses. Spray with Yates Greenguard or Liquid Copper. SOW a second crop of beans, cucumber and zucchini in warmer regions. Start sowing winter veggie crops like cabbages, Asian greens, cauli, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, endive, kohl rabi, leeks, parsnips and swedes in cooler areas. Direct sow easy-to-grow flowers, including alyssum, ageratum, marigolds, snapdragons and lobelia, to fill any gaps in garden beds. Sow pansies, violas, poppies, polyanthus and primulas to mass plant in autumn for late winter and spring displays. Gardening is all about thinking ahead to the next season! HARVEST fruit and veggies regularly. Leave tomatoes on the vine to sun-ripen for the best taste but dont put them in the fridge! This reduces the sugar levels of the fruit and consequently the flavour. Harvest peppers anytime from the green to red stage. Chillies increase in hotness as they mature to red. The time to harvest apples and pears is when they start to drop from the

with Yates
Summer has only one problem pesky insects and diseases thrive at the time of year we love the most. It pays to employ a few tactics to keep your garden happy and healthy.
WATER established ornamental garden areas thoroughly every week. A deep weekly soaking will encourage roots to grow deeper, making plants stronger and more able to cope with stress. Young or shallow rooting plants, like veggies and flowers, require more frequent watering perhaps every 2-3 days depending on weather conditions. Containers also require more frequent watering. Hanging baskets, small pots and root-bound plants dry out very quickly and require watering twice daily on hot, windy days.

The new range of Yates Dynamic Lifter PLUS organic based plant foods are uniquely formulated from a chicken manure base, PLUS some additional fertilisers for specific plant types. Ideal for pots and garden beds, it is compacted into an easy-to-use pellet, which rejuvenates the soil and slowly releases its nutrients to feed your plants.

Yates, bringing gardens to life since 1883.

Repeat flowering roses are a good example of plants that use an enormous amount of energy and respond well to being fed little and often. Give them a monthly feed up until the end of February, alternating between

such as Marguerite daisies and perennial petunias, an overall light trim if theyre looking a bit scruffy. Water and feed them theyll be blooming again in no time at all.

For more information, please visit www.yates.co.nz

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FEED the garden to maintain health and vigour. A oncea-year spring application of controlled release fertiliser is perfect for temperate climate trees and shrubs, such as flowering cherries and rhododendrons. A mid-summer feed is vital to maintain energy levels in plants that flower repeatedly, crop heavily, grow actively through summer or fruit later in autumn.

tree but dont let them get any further! PRUNE back the rampant summer growth of climbers and other plants that have outgrown their allocated space or are crowding out other desirable plants. Trim flowering shrubs lightly, as soon as they finish flowering and continue to deadhead roses and perennials to promote further blooming. Give small flowering plants,

How To

Home grown
Avoid light, infrequent watering and focus on watering your garden longer and deeper but less often. If you need to, scratch the soil away at the surface after watering and check that the subsoil is wet to at least 5cm deep, this is where it will do the most good. Here are some more tasks to get on with: Place mulch around plants, as this will help to conserve moisture in the soil. Plant out your autumn supply of cabbages, cauliflower, silverbeet, spinach and broccoli. Look out for white butterfly and combat them by spraying Organic Caterpillar from Kiwicare (certified organic and safe to use around your food crops). Passion fruit and tamarillos require plenty of water; too little water can cause the fruit to drop off before maturing properly. Citrus trees need plenty of water to form juicy fruit; apply mulch to retain the moisture, keeping it away from the trunk. Put fallen fruit in the compost bin; this will help break the breeding cycle of the Codlin moth.
C

Checklist
by Sandy Johnson
Welcome to a new year in your garden. With the warm weather beating down on the garden and your crops closer to being harvested, its all about ensuring your hard work is rewarded. It is essential to make sure the garden is well watered and that your plants and crops are free from stress; stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests and disease.

New Year

Flower garden
Remove spent heads from your flowers to encourage growth. Mulch your flowerbeds to conserve water. Apply Saturaid to your pots and containers to help stop them drying in the summer sun.

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CMY

Spring bulbs
It seems a long way away, but now is the time to choose your spring bulbs and get them in the ground. Before buying, check the weight and texture of the bulbs. If theyve been out of the ground too long, they will feel light and dry; bulbs that havent been stored properly will feel spongy and soft. Dig plenty of compost through the soil add a small handful of blood and bone or bulb food to the top layer before you plant. The instructions for planting depth will be on the back of the packet but, as a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted at a depth three times its greatest diameter. Bulbs are usually planted top pointing up; however, it can be hard to tell top from bottom. If you ever get stuck, you can always plant them on their sides and let nature sort it out. If you are planting a lot of bulbs and want a natural look, roll a handful gently from your hand and plant them where they stop. Water your bulbs thoroughly once planted and feed with blood and bone when green growth appears.

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How To

Garden Pests

The war of the roses and

other plants
by Sandy Johnson

During the warm summer months as crops start to mature, your garden can come under increasing threat from infestations of many different types of pests. Stick with How To and well show you good garden practices to reduce the risk of pests and associated diseases in your garden.

There are two basic needs for plants: water and food. Take care of these and plants will grow strongly, produce and remain healthy. A healthy plant, well fed and watered, will be better able to fight off pest and diseases. Plants that are weak and stressed in the dry summer conditions will become easy targets.

Prevention is better than cure.

Atlas add2.pdf 1 27/06/11 4:41 PM

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How To

Garden Pests
Practice crop rotation in your vegetable garden as this can help to break a disease cycle. Plant herbs amongst your vegetables as pest deterrents, i.e. basil next to tomatoes. Garden insects can roughly be divided into two groups: The first group of insects chew your leafy material, tearing away pieces of the plants tissue. Insects like caterpillars, beetles and moths are in this group. The second group of insects use a sucking or rasping technique to feed. They will wear away the surface of the plants tissue to get at the sap just below the surface. Pests in this group include thrips, mites, aphids and scale.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

lways follow the manufacturers A instructions when mixing and applying chemicals. exceeding the recommended dose will damage plant foliage. withholding period will be stated on A the container, referring to the time that you need to leave between spraying and harvesting. nsure spray is applied to the E undersides of the leaves, as this is where pests sometimes hide. praying in direct sunlight can S cause burning, so aim to spray late afternoon or on a cloudy day. f you are concerned about pesticides I on your fruit and vegetables, try this mixture to help remove residue: spray 2 tbsp vinegar to 1 litre of water onto plants, allow to soak for five minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Firstly, here are some basic pointers that will help maintain your garden and prevent conditions developing that invite pests and diseases in. It is as simple as creating a positive growing environment. Keep the garden weed free. This stops the weeds from taking up valuable nutrients, water and removes places for pests to hide. Prune away all infected or diseased wood and remove it from the garden. This material is perfect for pests to take up residence. Remove weak or sickly plants that have failed to thrive, if they are not already infected by disease or by pests then they soon will be. Check your garden regularly as you may come across some pests that can be removed by hand before they get a foothold in the garden.

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How To

PEST

CROP

CONTROL Apply Derris dust in the morning when the dew is still on the plants. Use Kiwicare No Caterpillars or Natures Way Pyrethrum.

NOTES The butterfly does no real damage but its eggs produce caterpillars that wreck havoc. The caterpillar is a dull deep green colour. Young caterpillars will burrow into the leaf, causing blisters and continue to feed on the leaf.

Of course you can make it

because GoldenEdge makes it easy with Easi-Planks, Easi-Panels and Primed HMR Mouldings

White butterfly

Brassica family (cabbage cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli).

Diamondback moth

Brassica family (cabbage cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli).

Use Kiwicare No Caterpillars or Yates Success Naturalyte.

Easi-Planks
Made from 18mm GoldenEdge MDF in a range of convenient lengths and widths to suit the DIYer. Can be painted or stained. Sizes (mm)

Easi-Panels
These come in a range of thicknesses from 4.75 to 18mm, ideal for all sorts of projects. Sizes
4.75 and 6mm 1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200 9, 12 and 18mm 1200x600, 1200x900

Primed HMR Mouldings

This range of mouldings are machine coated with a premium acrylic undercoat. In 5.4m lengths.

Green Looper caterpillar

Tomatoes, beans and potatoes.

Use Kiwicare Organic No Caterpillar or Yates Success Naturalyte.

These pests are bright green in colour and feed on the undersides of the leaves.

1800x300, 1800x400, 1800x600 2400x300, 2400x400, 2400x600

Bevelled Architrave

Bullnose Architrave

Splayed Architrave

Aphids

Beans, tomatoes, brassica family, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes.

Colonial Architrave

Use Yates Success Naturalyte or Natures Way Pyrethrum

Aphids are first on the scene in the summer and like fresh young foliage.

Square Dressed

Bevelled Cornice

Tomato caterpillar

Tomatoes, corn, peas, pumpkin.

Use Kiwicare Organic No Caterpillar or Yates Success Naturalyte.

Can have a range of colours from pale pink, green and black, depending on the foliage they are feeding on.

GoldenEdge Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is the ideal material for a wide range of interior projects. Whether you are making kitchen joinery, bookcases, storage cabinets, furniture or toys, youll make it easier with GoldenEdge MDF.

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