Drilling Holes in a Glass Block

When drilling a hole in different kinds of materials, the diamond blade is your tool. This holds true in glass, too. When drilling holes in a glass block, what you need is the right core bit for the job because like diamond blades, there is a wide variety of diamond core bits for different applications. For this you will need the help of the store personnel in your local store.

There are harder materials that the conventional bits cannot cut. Diamond core bits come to the rescue as it can cut much harder materials, the diamond being the hardest substance on the planet. The thing with glass blocks when drilling a hole is you have to make a good cut without damaging other parts of the glass, or worse, shattering it to pieces. If you have chosen the right diamond core bit, then you are now ready for the job. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drill holes in a glass block:

1.    Place the glass block on the operating surface of the drill press. With the power still off, lower the press. Make sure it is matched with the right spot on the block. This way you will have a solid grip to avoid spinning as you go on operating.

2.     Before you actually start your drilling techniques, first make a guide hole. This will ensure an accurate, cleaner hole. When you have made a guide hole, you are ready to drill.

3.    Time to turn the drill press on. Lower the core bit pointing to the glass block and make a small hole. Pull back the press and see if you are on the right track. Allow the core bit as well as the glass surface to cool down with some running water. This will also help eradicate harmful dust.

4.    Drill deeper to complete the hole. Do this by carefully lowering the press and steadily moving it through the glass block. Remove the press and turn off the drill when you are done. Repeat the process if you have to drill more holes. As with any project, remember to wear the necessary safety gears.

Always remember that measurements matter so make sure you have them dialed before you actually started drilling. You may have made perfect holes. But imperfect spaces will probably mean a waste of time. Remember this every time you are doing kind of project, or any project that involves measurements.

Must-have Tools for Home Repairs (part 2)

Image Credit: www.bobvila.com

In the first part of this article, I enlisted tools that every household should own. The tools I included on that list are the following: hammer, screwdriver, stripper/wire cutter, vise grip, and handsaw. I also mentioned tools that are so useful they don’t even need to be part of the list, and they are the diamond blade and diamond core bit.

As promised, here are a few more all-important tools you should have in your collection:

Utility knife – As a boy scouts need it, so should every home owner. They are used in a variety of applications, from simple ones to more elaborate tasks. It can also serve as a substitute for other tools that you may not have in possession. There are now utility knives that have replaceable blades and most people I know have them. Surely, it is wise and practical to have this in your collection, too.

Tape measure – As a DIYer or even an ordinary homeowner that doesn’t have much knowledge about home repairs, you will find yourself dealing with measurements. With a tape measure, life would be easier. It helps you get precise measurements, and essentially make for a better project. A good tape measure is one that is easy-locking.

Chisel – While not as often-used as the previous tools, a chisel should serve you just right. The fact that it has many uses and can substitute to some tools for a certain use make a chisel part of this list. A little trivia: it is one of the oldest tools known to man and has served its purpose well since when it was invented. It can be used in woodworking, metalworking, etc.

Safety glasses – Why safety glasses? Well, as with any home repair task, you need to be safe, and a pair of safety glasses is your fundamental shield from injury. Without wearing safety glasses you are most definitely at risk. When doing any home repair job, safety should be of utmost concern. Safety first, so to speak. Invest in a good pair of safety glasses. After all, you can use it for almost any home project.

It is very important to have the tools available in your home. There are many other tools must-haves that aren’t part of this list. Be sure you have them, along with the knowledge of how to properly use them. Until next time, please keep it here.

Must-have Tools for Home Repairs - Part 1

Image Credit: www.bobvila.com

As a homeowner, you want to have tools readily available for any repair project. There are tools that are so useful they don’t even need to be on the list, like the diamond blade and diamond core bit.

The following tools should be a great investment:

Hammer – Really, I don’t know of any home that don’t possess a hammer. It is, after all, one of the most used tools in the box. Many projects involve the use of a hammer so it is definitely on top of the list. From simply woodworking that can be done by a single person for bigger projects like the renovation of your patio, a hammer should always come in handy.

Screwdriver – This is another tool that every household I know has in their collection. A screwdriver is either a flat head or a Phillips head driver, and they equally useful. They come in handy for any electrical work that involves nuts and bolts. Usually they are available in the set so you need not buy them separately. Also, electric screwdrivers are already available in the market today, so you may want to look at them.

Stripper/wire cutter – Another tool normally used for electrical purposes. You can actually strip wires using diagonal pliers, but there is actually a tool used for this very purpose. Using a stripper or a wire cutter is simply the way to go as they make the job much easier and faster.

Vise grip – Anything that needs stabilizing, the vise grip is the tool for the job. What it does is it acts as a clamp in that tightens the jaws of the tool against whatever it is you are working on so it doesn’t slip while you’re working on it. Vise grips make your work easier by holding things in place so you can focus on the task.

Handsaw – Another very common tool. It is also heavily used in woodworking. In fact, most woodworking projects cannot be done without a handsaw. Surely, there are electric saws available. But for home use, a handsaw should be more than good enough.

See, there are tools that you should have at home, it is a mortal sin to not have one. Be sure you have these readily available for your repair needs. In one of my future blog posts, I will show you more tool must-haves. All of these are a great investment, so if you have the money to spare, you might as well get the better-performing, although more expensive ones.

Alternatives to Buying a Place in the UK

Having your own place is certainly a reason for joy anywhere in the world. Many view it as a true determinant of success especially for young people. But many – especially after that big financial crisis – have looked into some alternatives of buying a place, and I have them listed down for you:

Flat-sharing

This is practiced in many parts of the UK, especially by the younger professionals. By sharing a flat, they are able to save up on expenses as they are distributed among the co-inhabitants. If you choose to live in a rather expensive place, then sharing would be a very good idea.

It would be good to share a flat with people you know and trust. Otherwise you may not feel secured. With people you know, it will be easier to talk about expenses. I know a friend who shares a flat with other friends and he says he contributes food and a small portion of the bills since he is the lowest earner among his flatmates, something they understand because they are friends. Being the one with some knowledge about home repair, he’s the one who buys the diamond core bit and do the job all the others may have passed over. Really, it all depends on your setup.

Become a property guardian

Because the task is to look after a property, in this case a house, you will be asked to live in that house. Many property owners view it as a cheaper alternative to security guards.

The owners could be out of the country, or simply has another property where they lay to rest at night. The other property then would need an inhabitant so people, especially bad elements, won’t think they are abandoned. The owners will then look for property guardians to help keep the property secure. Naturally, more guardians are needed for mansions and other big properties. Not only are they entitled to live in the place for the time being, they are also being paid, and that’s apart from their real jobs.

Or just live with your parents

Yes, you read that right: How about moving back home? Nothing wrong living with your parents or other family members as long as you are helping them with the finances.

It may not sound good to many, or perhaps could even be a subject of ridicule. But really, moving back to your home could help you a lot in fixing your finances. It help you save, something those who live outside of the house don’t have the luxury of. If your work is just near the house, how about staying there and not care about what people will say?