Any DIY Problems??? Can I be of Help???

[lemonade]

Hello Gemstone
For the first time on this thread I'm a bit lost for words. Do you really suffer such trauma opening a new bottle of ketchup?

As an idea it would obviously work, but now it's been publicly disclosed it would no longer be patentable under the rules set by The Patent Office.
There may also be other "technical" issues relating to Copyrights, etc.
However I think something like that would not be too practical as having to store the unit in a refrigerator with batteries, then back to room temparature can cause corrosion around battery terminals...Put that with a food product and you're asking for a lawsuit!
I reckon something like that has already been invented. You'd be very surprised of some very weird (but wonderful) inventions out there.
I remember some years ago, my friend had a battery operated drinking straw. There were several hygenic add-on mouthpieces. It measured about 6ft long but was wavy and curly. It worked at first. Cola was the best as it fizzed throughout the straw, but eventually the contraption leaked and so did the batteries...Yuk!

Back to your invention.
You wish to solve the problem of getting the ketchup out of a new bottle?
The best way is to Shake first. Turn the bottle upsidedown. Open the lid just half a thread. The vacuum within the bottle contains a small amount of air. As the air rushes in, the air will expand and rise upward. Because the bottle is inverted the air will be at the base of the bottle and the ketchup should flow much easier.

Enjoy your chips!

[GemStone]

HI LEMONADE.

ME AND MY BIG MOUTH I COULD HAVE BEEN THE NEXT MILLIONARE

YES I REALLY HATE OPENING A NEW BOTTLE OF KETCHUP BUT A GUESS YOU ARE CORRECT IN WHAT YOU HAVE SAID ABOUT IT NOT PATENTABLE OR COPYRIGHTABLE.

I MUST TRY YOUR SUGGESTION REGARDING OPENING THE BOTTLE UPSIDEDOWN. I WOULD NEVER OF THOUGHT OF THAT.

NO MORE SILLY INVENTIONS FROM ME. BACK TO MY DAY JOB

[JR]

Hello Gemstone
For the first time on this thread I'm a bit lost for words.

Lost for words

You go on to fill an A4

If you want to let ketchup flow freely don't put it in the fridge It has a large amount of vinegar so it will not go off.

And what does opening a bottle of ketchup have to do with D.I.Y

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey Gemstone,

When you pour your ketchup do you like to use the bottom half first or do you pour the top

[lemonade]

Hello JR
You sound a bit angry for some reason, or are you having a laugh. Please forgive me if I don't share your same humour.
Yes Ketchup doesn't have anything to do with DIY, but I don't mind chatting with Gemstone.
However Gemstone did mention he had an invention. This idea of his was to solve a technical problem. You may think it is rubbish, that's up to you. I personally think all ideas are potential winners....You only have to look at such inventions like Scoobie-doos, rubik's cubes, etc, etc. They may seem pointless to some, but the sales reflect a different story.
I could comment with negativity on some of your posts and replies to others! I keep such opinions to myself.

[lemonade]

Hello everyone,
There are so many dodgy contractors around who would think nothing of stitching unsuspecting people up for £1000's.
I have quite a broad knowledge in a good few areas....As I'm sure many of you do to.
My aim is to offer free advice for those who have any DIY problems.
I have good knowledge of electrical, telephone systems, some plumbing, flat-pack kitchen assembly, decorating, some building and ....well ask.
...If I don't know the answer and someone else does, please feel free to answer.
Go on give me a try!

[GemStone]

HI LEMONADE

SORRY TO ONLY CALL ON YOU WHEN I NEED YOUR HELP BUT I AM WONDERING IF YOU COULD OFFER ME SOME OF YOUR GOOD ADVICE.

I HAVE A GALVANISED BACK DOOR. IT IS SOLIDLY BUILT SO I DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE IT. IT WAS FITTED BEFORE I MOVED IN.

THE TROUBLE WITH IT IS THE PAINT KEEPS FLAKING. EACH YEAR IT GETS A FRESH COAT OF GLOSS BUT BY 3 TO 4 MONTHS LATER THE PAINT FLAKES OFF AGAIN. I HAVE TRIED VARIOUS PRIMERS BUT NONE SEEM TO STOP THE PAINT FROM FLAKING.

AS I SAID, I AM SORRY TO CALL ON YOU ONLY WHEN I NEED SOMETHING

AS ALWAYS I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU..

PS. THANKS FOR STICKING UP FOR ME WITH MY EARLIER POST.

BEST REGARDS

GEMSTONE

[lemonade]

Hello Gemstone
Firstly please don't feel bad about asking me about your DIY issues, as this is exactly what this thread is for.
Galvanised steel which is to be painted requires a product known as Mordent Solution. This is sometimes also known as T-Wash. It is an acid based solution which can be applied by brush or (better still) with a clean pre-soaked rag. After cleaning and de-greasing the surface area to be painted, the Mordent Solution is applied. The treated area becomes black in colour....This is normal. The Mordent Solution dries fully in about an hour and is then ready for painting.
You can normally purchase it from any good builder's merchant. It costs around £5.00 per litre, but goes a long way.
Use a good quality gloss paint, one which is for metalwork and suitable for exterior use and preferably with an undercoat. The paintwork should last for years and won't flake, chip or peel.
Have sent you a PM telling you a website where you can obtain further product information.
Please feel free to let me know how you get on. And don't think twice about asking further advice.

Lemonade

[pea souper]

Hello. I have a splendid old victorian roll top bath, but sadly it looks rather shabby at present. It has lots of heavy limescale marks and some of the enamel appears to have worn away in the base. Any thoughts on how to restore it (in situ) or at least improve its appearance?

look forward to any bright ideas.

[DaveT]

I have a similar problem - steel bath with 1 or 2 minor chips in the enamel, is it easy to repair them? Suggestions on how to do it?

[ it's a plain white bath, so I would hope that colour matching shouldn't be an issue ]

cheers!

[lemonade]

Hello Dave
So sorry I really can't help with that one.
I don't know what to suggest.
Perhaps someone else reading this will know and will be able to advise you.
All the best
Lemonade

[lemonade]

Hello again Dave
Further to my previous reply, I've sent you a PM regarding this.
Hope it is helpful to you.
Lemonade

[lemonade]

Hi Pea Souper

I've sent you a PM on the subject, though I must admit I have very little knowledge in Bath Restoration as this is a very specialist area.

Good luck

lemonade

[oin]

For small bath repairs you can get a little bottle of restorer in DIY stores. It's rather like a bottle of Tippex (it may even be the same stuff). It's not going to be the same as reenamelling your bath but it's quite good for hiding and protecting a little chip or two.

[Illuminance]

Coca cola makes a great de-limer

Pour that half bottle with no fizz left that sits in your fridge down the toilet or fill balloons, attach over taps and leave overnight.

Gleaming surfaces in the morning

Apparently - some US police forces keep a crate of it in their cars to clean up the road after nasty accidents.

Makes you wonder what it does to your insides doesn't it?

[Bullseye]

Hello
I'd like to get my back door replaced by someone reputable and reasonably priced.
I'd be greatful for any reccommendations.
Many thanks

[stuart]

I'd like to get my back door replaced by someone reputable and reasonably priced.
I'd be greatful for any recommendations.

We got our back door from the shop opposite Penge Police Station. Strange place! But the lady arranged for the guy to come and fix it. Although I'm a keen DIYer - hanging doors well is non-trivial - especially in mature houses which are no longer quite true. He did an excellent job very reasonably.

Stuart

[c]

I'd like to get my back door replaced by someone reputable and reasonably priced.
I'd be greatful for any recommendations.

We got our back door from the shop opposite Penge Police Station. Strange place! But the lady arranged for the guy to come and fix it. Although I'm a keen DIYer - hanging doors well is non-trivial - especially in mature houses which are no longer quite true. He did an excellent job very reasonably.

Stuart

Hi Stuart,

Do you know if they do custom made period style front doors & door frames? I've had two quotes so far, both quite pricey , one from a very reliable & reputable co, but I keep thinking of what else I could do with that much money!

Cheers

[SamC]

hi lemonade. are you still about.? i have not seen you about in a long time. can you please explain what 3p electrical means.? i saw a electric sewing machine on ebay which is quite cheap. i have asked the seller the same question but i have not had a reply. the item has been relisted for 6 days from today. so i would aprecate a reply from you hun.
Samantha x

[DaveT]

Hiya.. no sign of lemonade? perhaps an office based STF user - or maybe enjoying the sunny weather this morning.. <perhaps I should be doing the same>

3p - usually means "three phase" - the electric supply in homes is 1 phase (or single phase). 3 phase is used by industry/etc. 3 live wires for each neutral, rather than 1.

So, it is pretty likely that the sewing machine you are looking at will not work at home. Also, worth noting, if something is 3 phase, then it is usually industrial - and possibly quite big!

hope this helps

[Annie]

Hiya any one got any suggestions on how to get an old burgundy coloured plastic bath back to looking new?
i know i should just get rid of it but thats not possible at this time.