Latest news with #DIY


CNET
12 hours ago
- CNET
I Include This Do-It-All Multitool in Every Emergency Bag in My House
I have always liked DIY-ing my way around things, but before I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, keeping an emergency go bag in the house wasn't something I ever worried about. But now I live less than a mile from the fault that earthquake experts say is the region's most dangerous. And among the most frequently asked questions in my house is, "Did you feel that?" However, natural disasters don't issue a prior warning, so my family and I have created an emergency plan for when the need arises: We keep our car fueled up, we have our portable chargers topped up and at the ready and we all know how to shut off our gas. But maybe the most important prep work we've done is to put together an emergency go bag, also known as a bug-out bag. One item I've included in my go bag is a multitool by Gerber that includes pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, wire cutters, as well as a knife. You can drop a lot of money on a multitool, and some of those more expensive models are worth it. But because I wanted to buy more than one of these -- since my kids could always use one too -- both price and weight were important to me, which is why I chose the Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini multitool. Usually priced at about $30, this multitool is always worth grabbing, whether it's on sale or not (right now you can get the red version for $26, a 10% discount). Below, I'll explain why I like this tool so much. For more mainstays of the go bag, here are our favorite power banks for iPhones and the best portable solar panels. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Where this multitool fits into my emergency preparedness plans In addition to having bug-out bags at the ready, we keep an extensive earthquake kit in a big toy chest. With this big kit -- called a stay box -- weight isn't really an issue, and we can store enough food, water and whatever else we need to make it through a few days or even weeks. But in a go bag, each item has to be portable and essential, because weight adds up quickly. (This is the mini lantern I went with.) The Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini weighs just a few ounces and fits into the palm of my hand when it's folded up. Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini multitool specs Material: Stainless steel Stainless steel Dimensions when open: 5.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches 5.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches Dimensions when closed: 5.5 x 2.75 x 0.6 inches 5.5 x 2.75 x 0.6 inches Weight: 2.2 ounces 2.2 ounces Included tools: Pliers, wire cutter, tweezers, small and medium-size flat-head screwdrivers, bottle opener, retail package opener, plain-edge blade, scissors, fine and coarse files, lanyard/key ring Why the Gerber Dime Mini makes a great gift This is also a great tool to have in your car or your desk drawer at work. Gerber Gifting this multitool may seem overly practical, but there will eventually be a time that it will come in handy for anyone. Plus, you really can't beat its price compared to some of the competition out there. This is perfect for your handy friends who could always use another gadget for fixing things or someone building out their emergency bags.


Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Daily Mail
TSA warns dads over '7-inch rule' which could see them held up at security
Travelers are being urged to double-check what is in their luggage after the TSA reminded fliers that tools longer than seven inches are strictly banned from carry-ons. The little-known rule is aimed at keeping passengers safe while on board. The security administration cheekily called out 'airport dads' who try to bring screwdrivers, wrenches and other DIY equipment through security. 'Your tool might be handy, but if it's over seven inches, it's too plane big to carry on. 'It's better off in checked bags,' the official TSA account on X (formerly Twitter) shared. However, it reiterated that you are still allowed to travel with tools - but only in checked bags. The TSA also revealed a helpline to advise on tool length before adding: 'Nobody likes a wrench in their plans.' The travel agency has also shared a list of other banned items in recent weeks. The security administration recently posted a stern note to Facebook after the team at Pensacola International Airport in Florida stopped a man from taking a camping stove - complete with a propane tank - onto the plane. 'Listen, friends, we love watching cooking shows as much as you do, but any top chef has to know that you cannot bring a stove with a propane tank attached through airport security in your carry-on bag,' the post began. 'This one was hard to miss, but great job by our team at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) for discovering this during standard checkpoint screening on Monday, and educating the passenger on the regulations we have around prohibited items. 'The passenger said he was unaware that stoves and propane tanks couldn't be carried on a plane, so let this be a learning moment for everyone… propane tanks cannot and do not belong in either your carry-on or checked bags. 'Camp stoves can be carried on, but *only* if they're empty of all fuel and fully cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remains.' The security administration also revealed all the rules about taking food and drinks on board. In another tweet, the TSA included a link to a list. Each item was listed alongside the corresponding guidelines, as well as whether they were allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. It addressed a whole host of items - from alcohol and pizza to breast milk and live lobster. Baby formula and breast milk, for example, are allowed in a checked bag, but there are a few extra steps to bring them directly on the plane. Bottled water is allowed in checked bags, but only 3.4 ounces or less is permitted in a carry-on.


The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
People say council houses can't look nice but my hallway proves them wrong – EVERYTHING is from B&Q & it ‘gives luxury'
A SAVVY mum who lives in a council house has shared how she gave her plain hallway a stunning glow up whilst on a budget. So if you're desperate to add style to your home but don't know where to start, you've come to the right place and won't want to miss this. 5 5 5 Crystal Jewell, a 32-year-old mum-of-two from the UK, was eager to prove that ' council houses can be nice too,' and on her mission to do so, was able to transform her hallway and turn it from drab to fab in barely any time at all. The savvy DIY enthusiast nabbed cheap buys from B&Q for the makeover and took to social media to give her followers a before, during and after look at the overhaul, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside a short clip shared online, the brunette beauty beamed: 'Panel my hallway with me!' Crystal then said: 'Who said council houses can't be nice too? Let's panel my hallway.' Showing off her home prior to the transformation, she added: 'So this was what it was looking like when I first moved in - not the worst, but not the best. 'I really wanted my entrance way to be warm, cosy and homely. 'I got everything I needed for this project from B&Q - I'm pretty sure they get sick of the sight of me in that store.' To stick the panels to the wall, Crystal used a grab adhesive which cost her just £2.50. She then used a few nails to keep it secure while the glue was drying. Prior to painting, Crystal shared: 'I'm in love already.' And despite "absolutely hating painting,' the DIY fan got stuck in and used the 'cheapest tub of white paint from the Good Home range,' which cost her just £19. Moments later, Crystal, who previously shared how she made her dream dressing table for just £21, showed off the finished hallway, as she beamed: 'I am absolutely in love. Rules on transforming your council house According to Gov, the kind of improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have. Introductory tenants are usually limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside. If you're a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property. These include: installing a new bathroom or kitchen building an extension putting up a garden shed or greenhouse installing a new gas fire or fireplace cavity wall insulation redecorating the outside of a house fitting an aerial or satellite dish You might need your council's written permission for work you do. Contact your council if you're not sure. 'Now if this isn't giving you cosy, warm, homely vibes, then I don't know what is.' To finish off the hallway, Crystal used wallpaper samples which she framed, to further add glamour to the space without spending any extra cash. She also accessorised the hallway with a vase and foliage from B&M and a storage box from Amazon. DIY enthusiasts gush We think Crystal's DIY panelling is gorgeous and it's clear that many others do too, as the TikTok clip which was posted under the username @ has quickly racked up 55,700 views in less than 24 hours. It's also amassed 2,333 likes and 106 comments, as many eagerly praised the 'fabulous' DIY project. One person said: 'You've done an amazing job. Doesn't matter if it's a council house, it's YOUR home & your castle.' Another added: "It's giving luxury. It looks amazing.' A third commented: 'You've done an absolutely fantastic job, well done you. I love it!' Meanwhile, someone else gushed: 'Looks fabulous.' Not only this, but another user begged: 'Come do mine.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 5
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Man's tropical steampunk shed up for national award
A man who built his own "steampunk shed" is hoping his labour of love will win him a national award. Ash Robertson from Ipswich was in need of somewhere to work from home when he and his wife welcomed their second child. He decided to build his own shed, made of almost entirely of second hand items from Facebook Marketplace. His cabin meets tiki beach bar with steampunk vibe, blending Victorian and modern elments - has been nominated as a finalist in the Shed of the Year awards. Inspiration for the shed's exterior came when Mr Robertson found a wooden window for sale on social media. This dictated the rest of the build and Mr Robertson made use of cheap cuts of logs from a sawmill. The shed's wooden door originally had a square top, but when Mr Robertson opened the door it would hit the ceiling because he had not accounted for the thickness of the plasterboard. He explained: "I thought what am I going to do? "I went inside... [and thought] let's have a beer and watch some tele and The Hobbit was on. "I thought that's it, I'll cut the top into a curved shape like a hobbit house, so that just happened as a result of watching the film." Inside Mr Robertson has tiki elements including multi-coloured lamps, fish nets across the roof and more, mixed with Victorian styles of furniture and items. He said he was most proud of the immersive interior which he described as "tropical steampunk". "People can walk through the threshold and I say, first of all do you still feel like you're in Ipswich? "Do you feel like it's 2025? No I feel like it's 1880, something like that. Where in the world do you think you are? What's happening? Who are you? "It triggers this creative part of the mind that we all have... that perhaps some of us, certainly adults, as we get older you don't write stories like you do when you were a kid. It's such a shame." The shed has been named Redondo Trading, inspired by Redondo Beach in California in the United States where Mr Robertson and his wife went on their honeymoon and where the tiki style bar originated from. The shed is a finalist in the cabin/summerhouse category of the Shed of the Year awards and people can vote online for their favourite. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Junk addict wins Shed of the Year with scrap design South East sheds vie to become UK Shed of the Year Shed of the Year was 'brought back from the dead' Redondo Trading Shed of the Year


BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ipswich man's tropical steampunk cabin up for Shed of the Year
A man who built his own "steampunk shed" is hoping his labour of love will win him a national Robertson from Ipswich was in need of somewhere to work from home when he and his wife welcomed their second decided to build his own shed, made of almost entirely of second hand items from Facebook Marketplace. His cabin meets tiki beach bar with steampunk vibe, blending Victorian and modern elments - has been nominated as a finalist in the Shed of the Year awards. Inspiration for the shed's exterior came when Mr Robertson found a wooden window for sale on social dictated the rest of the build and Mr Robertson made use of cheap cuts of logs from a shed's wooden door originally had a square top, but when Mr Robertson opened the door it would hit the ceiling because he had not accounted for the thickness of the plasterboard. He explained: "I thought what am I going to do?"I went inside... [and thought] let's have a beer and watch some tele and The Hobbit was on."I thought that's it, I'll cut the top into a curved shape like a hobbit house, so that just happened as a result of watching the film." 'Who are you?' Inside Mr Robertson has tiki elements including multi-coloured lamps, fish nets across the roof and more, mixed with Victorian styles of furniture and items. He said he was most proud of the immersive interior which he described as "tropical steampunk"."People can walk through the threshold and I say, first of all do you still feel like you're in Ipswich?"Do you feel like it's 2025? No I feel like it's 1880, something like that. Where in the world do you think you are? What's happening? Who are you?"It triggers this creative part of the mind that we all have... that perhaps some of us, certainly adults, as we get older you don't write stories like you do when you were a kid. It's such a shame." The shed has been named Redondo Trading, inspired by Redondo Beach in California in the United States where Mr Robertson and his wife went on their honeymoon and where the tiki style bar originated shed is a finalist in the cabin/summerhouse category of the Shed of the Year awards and people can vote online for their favourite. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.