Handyman iPhone App

DIY Handyman Toolbox is a new app that comes in either a Metric or Imperial versions.

DIY Handyman Toolbox - METRIC, is a handy, easy to use application to help you work out common handyman calculations like volume (cubic metres), area (square metres) and also to convert measurements from imperial to metric, or metric to imperial.


Also included is an optional area to include the unit price of the material and DIY Handyman Toolbox will calculate the overall cost for you as well as the required amount.


FEATURES:
• Volume - Cubic metres & Price Calculator
• Area - Square metres & Price Calculator
• Conversion - Convert measurements from imperial to metric or metric to imperial.
• Very easy to use.
• Clean, professional user interface design.
DIY Handyman Toolbox is useful to the Home Handyman as well as professional trades people, as a quick and simple way for working out material amounts and total prices.

HANDY FOR CALCULATING ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ORDERED IN SQUARE METRES OR CUBIC METRES.:
• Flooring - Timber & Carpet
• Walls - Paint, Wallpaper and Plasterboard (dry wall)
• Gardens - Mulch & Gravel
• Concrete

This application will save you a lot of time when working on your home improvements and renovations.

Click here for more info on the METRIC version.

Click here for more info on the IMPERIAL version.

iPhone Wood Types Reference Guide

I.D. Wood is a new iPhone application that literally becomes a pocket guide book to different types of wood from around the world.

The app' covers over 50 different types of wood and includes full screen previews, full descriptions and a large range of extra info, relating to each species and wood in general.

This app' is targeted to all woodworkers including, cabinet makers, designers, artists, architects, collectors, antique dealers, hobbyists, gunsmiths, musicians, homeowners, boat builders, carpenters and others.

Click here to find out more info.

Chainsaw Sharpening and Maintenance

My chainsaw started to do something strange the other day. It started to cut on an angle to the left in a curved crescent shape. I am by no means a chainsaw expert and had no idea what was going on.

After searching on the web I found this great document on the Stihl website. My chainsaw is a Husqvarna, but the fundamentals in this PDF are relevant to all chainsaws.

My problem was probably a number of things. I had hit some dirt cutting into an old tree stump and one side of my teeth were a bit blunter than the other side. I may have also been sharpening one side more than the other. Plus my chain bar was wearing unevenly.

So either way the problem does exist and it is easily fixed by having the chain professionally re-sharpened and the bar filed even.

The PDF can be downloaded here:
http://www.stihllibrary.com/pdf/SharpAdvice110606.pdf

PullzAll - Portable Lifting and Pulling Tool

I just heard about this new product from Ateco Eqipment. It is a portable, and lightweight Lifting and Pulling Device called the "PullzAll".

The PullzAll has the ability to lift or pull up to 450KG. It comes in 2 models. A cordless (rechargable) version and a plug-in version. It has a 4.5 metres of 5.5mm diameter wire rope and a variable speed trigger, and an integrated directional switch that enables you to instantly change direction giving you precise control you need to stop and hold a load exactly where and when you want it.

The RRP of the PullzAll is $520 for the 230v Corded version and $865 for the 24v Rechargable version. (Prices are AUD inc. GST)

This is from the PullzAll website:

When you're in the shop, working near a power source, just plug in PullzAll™ and let it help you tackle those labour-intensive chores. Move heavy machinery. Hoist an engine block. Lift a load precisely into place, then nail it, weld it, whatever it. You think up the task, and PullzAll™ flat out revolutionizes the amount of work one man can do.

When work takes you to more remote locations, bring the mechanical muscle of the portable, cordless PullzAll™ with you. From tough tasks like pulling pipe to stretching wire fence, you'll come to count on PullzAll™ to get the job done quickly and effortlessly.

A strong motor and variable speed control allow you to move heavy items into place smoothly and precisely. These features equate to saving both time and money.

The PullzAll™ is for the tradesperson, farmer/rancher, or anyone that needs to lift or pull up to 450kg. This makes PullzAll™ ideal for construction, pipe fitting, iron work, equipment and plant maintenance, farm and ranch use, auto shops, garages, machine shops, home improvement, hunting, camping, and more.

Click here to go to the site for more info.

DIY Concrete iPhone App - Imperial Version Now Available

The Imperial version of my handyman iPhone app' DIY Concrete is now available on the iTunes App Store.

This version has a redesigned user interface and handles all the calculations you need to work out and order concrete for your project in cubic yards or in 80LB pre-mixed bags.

Click here to go directly to the iTunes App Store.

Click here to go to the DIY Concrete website.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is a handy, easy to use application to help you work out the volume and cost of concrete (cement) required for your project, in cubic meters or 80LB pre-mixed Bags.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is useful to the DIY Home Handyman as well as professional trades people, as a quick and simple way for working out concrete volume and price requirements.

This application calculates the volume you require when ordering for a large amount that will be delivered by truck, as well as a 80LB Pre-mixed Bag calculator for the smaller DIY Handyman projects.

As well as calculating the volume, you can also add the cubic meter price or bag price to give you an overall cost of the concrete order.

All you need to do is enter the Length and Width in feet and the Depth in inches. The price component is optional. Then press the "Calculate" button.

Click "Reset" to start again with clean empty fields.

Also included are a couple of DIY Concrete Tips for on-site 90 degree set-out and the ratio for a standard concrete mix.

DIY Concrete - New Handyman iPhone App

Here is a new app that I have created for the DIY Handyman, and it is also handy for the professional trades person.


DIY Concrete is a handy calculator to help work out the volume and pricing of your concrete projects. The application will calculate cubic meters and price for the larger projects that require delivery by concrete truck, and it also calculates the qty of 20KG Pre-mixed bags required for the smaller projects.This version only calculates in metric, but the imperial section will be added soon, and will be available as a free download when available.

Here is a link to the DIY Concrete website for more info.

Also, click here to go directly to the iTunes store and download the app.

My First Approved iPhone Apps on the App Store

I have been spending some time learning the iPhone SDK recently, while planning to develop a DIY Handyman application, (that will include the Spirit level and calculators etc.)

However, as a start I have completed my first few apps that have been accepted into the iTunes App Store.

Being my first attempt I have kept to simple finance / productivity applications that calculate and reverse calculate sales tax, and you have a choice of 5 different versions.

Oz GST Mate - Australia, Goods and Service Tax (GST).
VAT Mate - United Kingdom, Value Added Tax (VAT).
NZ GST Mate - New Zealand, Goods and Services Tax (GST).
HST Mate - Canada, Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
GST Mate - Goods and Servics Tax (GST) for Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore.

Clicking on any of the links above will take you to their website that has all the info and a link to the iPhone App Store to download.

I am still planning the DIY Handyman Application, so if you have any suggestions on the features you would like to see implemented please let me know.

Handy Guide for DIY Floorboard Replacement

Here is a link to a post that has some simple instructions on how to replace a damaged floorboard.

All the instructions for this simple DIY repair job are on the Readers Digest site with step by sep instructions, including images.

GST Calculator for the iPhone

Here is a handy new application for business/trades people to help working with GST (goods and services tax).

gst-Mate helps with either adding or reverse calculating the GST amount from a total.



From the gst-mate website:

Use gst-Mate to add GST to an amount or reverse calculate the GST from a GST included amount.

Simply choose your country and GST rate.

gst-Mate has settings for Canada 5%, Singapore 7%, Australia 10% and New Zealand 12.5%.

Enter an amount into either the GST Excluded field or GST Included field, click the Calculate button and gst-Mate will do the rest. Click reset to start again with clean empty fields.

gst-Mate is handy for businesses, shoppers and travellers.

gst-Mate is available in the App Store.

DIY Window Frosting

A new Sydney business called Frost & Co has recently launched its exciting range of frosted vinyl film for use on any glass panels in and around the home.

The possible uses of Frost & Co in your home are endless – any windows, glass doors, sidelights, glass tables, glass cabinets and even outdoor glass panels can all be stylishly transformed - whether to create privacy, improve safety, provide practical solutions or express creativity. The choices are yours to enjoy!

Is the outside view through your window unpleasant? Or can neighbours and passer-bys see straight through your living room glass doors? There are many reasons that residents are now looking to transform some of their clear glass panels into “frosted” glass. For a fraction of the cost, you can now achieve a stylish effect with the products offered from Frost & Co.


Cathy Gill, owner of Frost & Co, was inspired to start the business when she was frustrated with seeing the ugly view of the neighbouring property through her kitchen window. “I did not want to hang curtains or blinds on my window, as they are expensive and fussy. So I investigated the market and discovered a range of frosted films from the UK that is of highest commercial quality, extremely durable, creates privacy and yet allows 90% of natural sunlight to filter through. It is very affordable and easy to DIY install, and can be removed later if necessary without causing any damage to the glass. Once installed, just clean your glass panels the same way as regular glass!”


Check out Frost & Co on their website at www.frostandco.com.au where you can view and select designs, input your glass measurements, obtain an instant price, place an order online, and receive delivery of your product along with easy to follow installation instructions within 14 days anywhere in Australia. Or phone 0404 568 290 for more details.


Obviously this is just one solution to window improvement. Another way that adds style and value to your home is to replace the windows themselves. Not only will your windows look better, any problems your old windows were having will also be fixed. Have a look at Replacement Windows for a longer term solution.

Business Card Design only $1

This post is a bit off topic but hopefully interesting to some.


I have designed a business card, and have uploaded the original artwork for sale on the Graphic River site. The artwork is only $1 and you receive all the original, layered Photoshop .psd files.

Click here to go to the site, and you can also check out all the other designs while you are there.

How to choose the right nail for the job

Choosing the right nail for your job isn't always as simple as it may seem. And going to the local hardware store sometimes makes the job even more difficult with the large choice of nails available.

I found this simple guide for choosing the best nail for the job at the Readers Digest site.

Hopefully this makes it a little bit easier for you.

iPhone Handyman Application

Sticking with the iPhone application theme from the last post, here is another useful application for the DIY handyman.

"Handyman Sidekick" is basically 4 project calculators, Painting, Wallpapering, Flooring and Gardening. This application can be set for either metric of imperial units of measure. Personally I like the paint calculator which makes working out the total amount of paint needed very easy.

Here is a list of features from their website:

# Home screen that lets you choose between Metric or Imperial Units of measure. Choose one and all calculators are now in the proper Unit of measure.

# Automatically Saves your Unit of Measure as you preferred default (no need to set it every time you enter the application).

# Paint Calculator (Use this to know how much paint to buy for a given room. Sophisticated down to the level of entering details such as number of windows and doors in the room.

# Flooring Calculator (Use this for any type of flooring; find out how much carpeting, hardwood, laminate you will need).

# Wallpaper Calculator (Use this to know how many rolls of wallpaper you will need; before you even leave your house for the store!!!).

# Garden Calculator (Use this to know how much mulch you should buy for your gardening projects)..

Click here to go to the Handyman Sidekick website for more info: