You Must Use The Right Tool For The Job..or You're Screwed

May 11 2008 Donny Sheridan

Q I am using crosshead Phillips screws in a timber partition but the heads keep getting chewed up, damaging the screw bit, and the screws can't be removed. Help.

A You could be using Pozidriv screws with a Phillips screwdriver or vice versa. Many people are unaware of the difference as they look similar. Phillips screws have the simple "plus sign" cross.

Pozidriv screws have a second diagonal cross and a square centrehole.

Q I've put down hardcore for a new drive but it's level with the vents at the bottom of the wall. Once I lay the monoblock, half the vent will be covered. I this OK or will it cause problems under my house?

A You can't cover these vents as they allow air to pass over the floor joists preventing dry or wet rot. You may have to scrape back the hardcore and excavate the sub-soil before re-laying it at the correct level.

Q Any tips for drilling through porcelain wall tiles? My drill doesn't make any impression on them no matter how hard I press.

A Porcelain tiles are fully vitrified which basically means that they are very nearly bomb-proof. You need to use a diamond drill bit and my top tip is to wet the drill hole while drilling by holding a wet sponge above it which prevents the drill bit wearing out quickly.

Q I need to replace lead flashing on my roof to keep it watertight. Is there a cheaper option?

A You could try flash-band but it has to be well fitted with no gaps. It will keep water out but it does not look as good as lead and will not last as long.

Q I'm having great difficulty finding roof tiles for our new extension as the tiles used on the main roof have been discontinued. How do I ensure a good match?

A Most builders' merchants will stock or order reproduction tiles so your extension need not look out of place.

Call Wienerberger Ltd. Koramic Roof Tiles on 0845 600 0051 or click on www.wienerberger.co.uk and they will send out samples.