The Home Improvement Thread

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Can you get a long stick and bash it a bit from the ground? Or throw stuff at it? Might kinda shake things loose and get it working again until spring.

I could be wrong, but I believe being bashed to #### was the issue that requires that thing to be repaired in the first place...

But throwing things at it... lol. I immediately had the image of the janitor on the roof throwing down all the balls and the kids excitedly gathering them up and then eventually getting them stuck back on the roof.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Every time I need screws / bolts I dutifully go to Home Depot and buy those outragously priced packs - pretty sure the margins on that fund that entire store.

Is there a bulk barn type of place for screws / bolts in town where you can buy small lots? Calgary Fasteners?

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Every time I need screws / bolts I dutifully go to Home Depot and buy those outragously priced packs - pretty sure the margins on that fund that entire store.

Is there a bulk barn type of place for screws / bolts in town where you can buy small lots? Calgary Fasteners?

Bolt Supply House. They have at least a couple locations.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Every time I need screws / bolts I dutifully go to Home Depot and buy those outragously priced packs - pretty sure the margins on that fund that entire store.

Is there a bulk barn type of place for screws / bolts in town where you can buy small lots? Calgary Fasteners?

I'm sure hardware stores have bulk as well, but I agree. They're like $0.40-0.80 each and buy the time you consider what you need for 4-6 sets, screw it, buy a package for a few bucks more but 4-6x more extras for next time.

Almost makes me wonder if there's like a Facebook market place or Kijiji or other website for people looking to swap the extras of those packages they have for the ones they need.

Originally Posted by Sliver

Bolt Supply House. They have at least a couple locations.

What's the price like for their stuff? There's one down the street from where I work (I think) and I've never gone. I always assume I'll find what I need, I just don't know if it's worth it vs paying a premium or acquiring too many at a hardware store.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

I'm sure hardware stores have bulk as well, but I agree. They're like $0.40-0.80 each and buy the time you consider what you need for 4-6 sets, screw it, buy a package for a few bucks more but 4-6x more extras for next time.

Almost makes me wonder if there's like a Facebook market place or Kijiji or other website for people looking to swap the extras of those packages they have for the ones they need.



What's the price like for their stuff? There's one down the street from where I work (I think) and I've never gone. I always assume I'll find what I need, I just don't know if it's worth it vs paying a premium or acquiring too many at a hardware store.

Could probably start up a nice little business acquiring spare #8 wood screws and selling little packs for a healthy profit. Like a used book store but for fasteners.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Could probably start up a nice little business acquiring spare #8 wood screws and selling little packs for a healthy profit. Like a used book store but for fasteners.

A cafe with #### coffee and books like the electrical code, examples of DIY projects, permit examples and spare hardware/fastener trades (mainly a giant tub that's like, "Take a thingie, leave a thingie" that people could just dig into like the spare part wall at IKEA... I could see it being somewhat popular.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Can you get a long stick and bash it a bit from the ground? Or throw stuff at it? Might kinda shake things loose and get it working again until spring.

I figure a pic might clarify things. I think throwing stuff will only serve to chip the stucco get crud into the hood fan.

Would sure make me feel like Luke bulls-eyeing some womprats though.

[DoubleK]

Looks like scaffolding is the right tool for the job.

A ladder on a grade like that is asking for trouble.

[calf]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Almost makes me wonder if there's like a Facebook market place or Kijiji or other website for people looking to s

I treat random screws and nails the same way as old cables and cords.

You keep them in a drawer somewhere, and never get rid of them under any circumstances

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

What's the price like for their stuff? There's one down the street from where I work (I think) and I've never gone. I always assume I'll find what I need, I just don't know if it's worth it vs paying a premium or acquiring too many at a hardware store.

Prices are better than Home Depot, that's for sure. You can also buy onesie/twosie, so it's great from that perspective. Plus if you have something you're trying to find a mate to, everything is in bulk so you can twist and turn stuff to get the correct threads or whatever.

Minimum charge is $5, so if you only are spending a couple bucks, I guess grab a new bit or something to make it worth your while.

I do have a business account there, so I don't know if a random walk-in customer pays more. Probably since prices aren't listed on anything...they tell you what you're paying when you get to the register.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Wormius

I figure a pic might clarify things. I think throwing stuff will only serve to chip the stucco get crud into the hood fan.

Would sure make me feel like Luke bulls-eyeing some womprats though.

Sweet pad. I feel like if we were best friends we'd sit up on that alcove above the fireplace outlet and have a beer and talk about our hopes and dreams.

[Geraldsh]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Sweet pad. I feel like if we were best friends we'd sit up on that alcove above the fireplace outlet and have a beer and talk about our hopes and dreams.

That alcove looks about 8’ up, bring your own ladder.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Geraldsh

That alcove looks about 8’ up, bring your own ladder.

Best friends don't need ladders. Best friends give each other boosts.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Wormius

I figure a pic might clarify things. I think throwing stuff will only serve to chip the stucco get crud into the hood fan.

Would sure make me feel like Luke bulls-eyeing some womprats though.

Oh, I didn't realize it was like a vent on the side of the house. I'd personally be digging a hole to level and secure the ladder AND perhaps get a spotter to hold the ladder when you go up. You definitely don't want to fall sideways on that type of job. It seems easy enough to DIY, but you never know with DIY.

Also, pay the extra and replace plastic with metal or I wonder if you're allowed to install something that also has a kind of curved shield on it. In theory you never have to go back up again.

That's what is on my house for the dryer vent. A tin shield than angles the air downwards at an angle that prevents the elements from getting inside and somehow (not sure if up to code) the previous owner left a metal grate inside there to block birds and whatever in lieu of vent slats.

EDIT: Looked like this, but far less fancy looking and a lot smaller. A portion of it (the screen) definitely looks like he made it himself vs it coming with the product.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/bro...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Originally Posted by calf

I treat random screws and nails the same way as old cables and cords.

You keep them in a drawer somewhere, and never get rid of them under any circumstances

I can never remember which drawer or bag that was....

Or "Hell yes! I know I have something left over that will work/fit!" and then it doesn't.

Dammit! Tapered vs straight threads issue again!

[Canadianman]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Looks like scaffolding is the right tool for the job.

A ladder on a grade like that is asking for trouble.

I'd just dig a 2-3" hole on the high side to level it out? seems like a super easy solution.

[kevman]

Yeah scaffolding is way overkill for that. Dig a hole or shim the other side and have someone brace/spot the ladder. Worst case you could probably run a 2x4 as a brace off the fence and then you know the ladder isn't going to go anywhere.

[Wormius]

Okay. I don’t think I am going go dig up my yard or jury rig some kind of elaborate support structure to my fence to keep a ladder upright. I think I am at peace passing this on to somebody who already owns the right equipment and can swap it out quickly.

I will happily sit with Sliver and drink hot buttered rums on the little alcove, though we’ll probably be packed pretty tight. It’s not as girthy as he thinks.

[timun]

Originally Posted by Wormius

It’s not as girthy as he thinks.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

A cafe with #### coffee and books like the electrical code, examples of DIY projects, permit examples and spare hardware/fastener trades (mainly a giant tub that's like, "Take a thingie, leave a thingie" that people could just dig into like the spare part wall at IKEA... I could see it being somewhat popular.

And a dingy self serve popcorn machine.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Okay. I don’t think I am going go dig up my yard or jury rig some kind of elaborate support structure to my fence to keep a ladder upright. I think I am at peace passing this on to somebody who already owns the right equipment and can swap it out quickly.

I will happily sit with Sliver and drink hot buttered rums on the little alcove, though we’ll probably be packed pretty tight. It’s not as girthy as he thinks.

Please share with us pictures of the Kjiji contractor digging up the yard or building a platform, I'm interested to know which option they choose, and how janky it is!