The Home Improvements/DIY Thread

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to this stuff, despite having a decent background in the field as a youngster.

I was wondering if someone could help me out...

I have a book shelf that looks something like the picture below. When standing upright it is a little shaky from side to side.

I had an idea to install some L shaped brackets in the four inner corners to try and give it some added support. I guess my question is, would I need a power drill to do this (for pre drilling holes for the screws) or should I just go ahead and buy the brackets (pictured below) and screw them in using a screwdriver?

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I would definitely pre-drill, especially if it's MDF or particle board. If it is particle board or MDF, use the appropriate screws, they make them a more aggressive thread pattern for that app. I would suggest painting the L brackets the same colour as the shelf also..

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I would definitely pre-drill, especially if it's MDF or particle board. If it is particle board or MDF, use the appropriate screws, they make them a more aggressive thread pattern for that app. I would suggest painting the L brackets the same colour as the shelf also..

Thanks for the advice, that's what I thought.

I plan on painting them too, thanks.

 

[Bullfrog]

Is the shelving unit going to be placed against a wall? If so, adding a backing to the unit would be a better and stronger solution.

For the bracket idea, using a cordless drill on a fairly low torque is the best solution. When attached something steel to wood, it's easy to over-tighten the screws which weakens the joint.

 

[mc]

I have tons of books. I bought the same shelves from Ikea. Mine didn't go side to side and I don't have them anchored on a wall. BUT, I have tons of book and each 'box' in the shelve is filled with two rows of books. That is one reason I don't like the shelve. Each box is too deep for one row of books. Unless you plan on putting two rows of books one behind the other, it is basically useless for books because you waste so much space. 

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Thanks Bullfrog and mc for your input, I really appreciate it.

 

[WalterSobchak]

Looking for help/advice please..

Going to be re-grouting the shower in my condo.

I have looked at various YouTube videos to show how it's done, but there's one question I can't seem to find answered, and that's, between the tiles you have a certain thickness, and I want to know how far to cut my de-grouter tool into that old grout, so the new grout will have something to adhere to..An inch, half an inch?

Or do I completely take the old grouting out..?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hockeyfan1]

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[TheMightyOdin]

Vino, anyone?  Take a look at these modern design wine cellars...

http://www.decoist.com/2013-04-19/intoxicating-design-29-wine-cellar-and-storage-ideas-for-the-contemporary-home/

There are some awesome ones in there but now I feel very poor.